Weather in Cape Town in December

How December compares

December is the 4th warmest month of the year in Cape Town and ranks 42nd of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Cape Town is 16.4°C warmer by day and 13.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Cape Town peaks at 24.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.7°C or more. Roughly 1 in 3 days top 25°C and 1 in 19 pass 30°C. Nights average 16.3°C; one night in ten drops to 14.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 35.9°C (2017-12-07) and the coldest night 10.2°C (2003-12-26).

Rain in December

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 3 days with 1 mm or more, 15 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2018 with 47 mm, the driest 2005 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 16.5°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.3°C to 18.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (18.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 9.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:30 and sets about 19:53 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 30%.

Is December a good time to visit Cape Town?

Yes - it is one of the better months: warm days, manageable rain and long sunny days. The best months for Cape Town on our scoring are February, January, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb.

Warm days, with a layer for evenings

December generally suits travellers who like warmth without needing very hot weather every day. Highs reach 25°C on 35% of days, while 30°C is reached on just 5%, so persistent strong heat is not the usual pattern. Even so, the warmer days can make a shaded midday break appealing. Pack light clothes for daytime, plus a jumper or light jacket for evenings rather than assuming the warmth lasts after sunset. The colder nights drop to 14.4°C or below, which makes that extra layer useful if you plan to stay outside. This is warm-weather travel, but not reliably hot weather from morning to night.

Plenty of daylight, with limited rain

With about 9.9 hours of sunshine within 14.2 hours of daylight, December gives you plenty of time outdoors without having to pack everything into the middle of the day. You can leave room for a slower lunch or a break from the sun and still have daylight afterwards. Rain is a smaller concern than in a wetter holiday climate: about 3 days receive measurable rain during the month. That supports outdoor plans, but it does not guarantee a completely dry stay. Bring a light waterproof and keep some flexibility rather than building your packing or itinerary around frequent wet weather.

The sea is the main compromise

The air can feel comfortably warm while the water remains cold. December sea temperatures average 16.5°C, with a year-to-year range of 15°C to 18°C, so do not mistake summer weather for comfortable swimming conditions. If you feel the cold easily, a brief dip may be more appealing than a long swim; consider a wetsuit if water time is important to your holiday. The month makes more sense for travellers who are happy spending time beside the sea without needing to stay in it. If warm-water swimming is central to your decision, Cape Town in December is a poor match despite the sunshine.