Cape Town Weather in December

Thinking of visiting Cape Town in December? Expect high temperatures reaching 24°C (75°F) during the day, dropping to 16°C (61°F) at night, with some rainfall likely.

Rainfall in Cape Town in December

Records from the past 30 years suggest around 6 days of rain, with 22 mm (0.9 in) average for the month. The occasional light shower is possible, but rain is rarely an issue this month.

Temperature in Cape Town in December

December is one of the better months to visit Cape Town. Expect 24°C (75°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night. This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. With lows of 16°C (61°F), nights are cool. If you're out after dark, an extra layer will keep you comfortable. The cooler air at night is also great for getting a good rest.

Sunshine in Cape Town in December

There are approximately 334 hours of sunshine this month, resulting in mostly clear days.

Wind Speed in Cape Town in December

Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during December. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.

Average water temperature in December

The water temperature is 18°C (64°F). It's not warm, but most people find it perfectly fine for a swim once they're in.

So this is a great month to visit if you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
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• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Cape Town's climate page.

Cape Town Temperature in December

Min Temperature 16°C (61°F)  

Max Temperature 24°C (75°F)  

Water Temperature 18°C (64°F)  

Chance of Rain 19%  

Precipitation 22 mm (0.9 in)  

Rainy days 6 days  

Humidity 71%  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots)  

Sunshine 334 hours  

Percentage Sunshine  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cape Town typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 24°C (75°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 16°C (61°F).

Average temperatures in December

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Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather for Cape Town in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Cape Town spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

‹ 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 ›

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Cape Town historical weather extremes in December

Based on weather observations in Cape Town between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during December.

• Cape Town recorded its highest December temperature of 35°C (95°F) on December 6, 2002.
• The coldest December day was on December 2, 1993, with a maximum of 14°C (57°F).
• The coldest night in December in Cape Town was on December 7, 1982, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F).

What to Wear in Cape Town in December

For Cape Town in December, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Some rain is possible, so pack something to handle light showers. With water temperatures around 18°C (64°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.

What To Do in Cape Town in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

10/10

Cycling

10/10

Walking

10/10

Barbeque

9/10

Camping

10/10

Outdoor sports

10/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Cape Town's climate page.

More climate data for Cape Town

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Cape Town climate overview or explore weather in South Africa.