2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Johannesburg — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices. Recommended month to visit.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Johannesburg. Warm weather with highs of 25°C—great for outdoor activities. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7.2
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

25°C

Avg Low

14°C

Rainy days

19days

Daylight

13.8h

Rainfall

142mm

Sunshine

10.4h/day

Humidity

71%

Humid
Sun Strength

9.4

Very High
Wind

18 km/h (gusts 38)

Is December a good time to visit Johannesburg?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:11

Sunset

18:57

13.8h daylight

Visiting Johannesburg in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎊
Day of Reconciliation
December 16 Holiday

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Johannesburg Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 25°C 15°C 16d (150mm) 10.9h
72% Humid
9.4 Very High
Wet
Feb 25°C 15°C 15d (153mm) 10.1h
73% Humid
8.6 Very High
Wet
Mar 24°C 13°C 12d (75mm) 10.2h
71% Humid
7.9 Very High
Good
Apr 21°C 10°C 9d (95mm) 9.2h
69% Humid
6.7 High
Excellent
May 20°C 6°C 3d (25mm) 9.7h
60% Moderate
6.4 High
Excellent
Jun 17°C 3°C 2d (8mm) 9.5h
55% Moderate
5.7 High
Excellent
Jul 18°C 2°C 1d (2mm) 9.6h
48% Comfortable
6.1 High
Excellent
Aug 21°C 5°C 1d (4mm) 10.1h
43% Comfortable
7.4 Very High
Excellent
Sep 24°C 9°C 4d (16mm) 10.6h
43% Comfortable
8.7 Very High
Excellent
Oct 25°C 12°C 9d (68mm) 10.7h
53% Moderate
9.5 Very High
Excellent
Nov 24°C 13°C 15d (104mm) 10.3h
65% Humid
9.2 Very High
Wet
Dec Current 25°C 14°C 19d (142mm) 10.4h
71% Humid
9.4 Very High
Wet

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4.3

Where to Stay

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Johannesburg

South Africa's economic hub with Apartheid Museum, Soweto township tours, Kruger safari gateway, and vibrant urban culture.

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What to Pack for December

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Johannesburg?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Johannesburg?
December is typically wet for visiting Johannesburg, with average highs of 25°C and around 19 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Johannesburg in December?
Evenings in Johannesburg during December are mild at 14°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Johannesburg in December?
With highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C in December, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes, Lightweight breathable clothes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Johannesburg in December?
Johannesburg typically sees around 19 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Johannesburg in December?
In December, Johannesburg gets approximately 13.8 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Johannesburg?
Yes, December is peak season in Johannesburg. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Johannesburg)

Last Updated: February 2026

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