Durban

KwaZulu-Natal Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in December.

🔎
Durban Newcastle Ladysmith Van Reenen

Planning a journey to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa this December and curious over the weather conditions to await? Your essential details are found on this page, answering your query:

What to Expect in KwaZulu-Natal in December

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is a region in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In December, one might encounter temperatures that range from pleasant to very warm, and precipitation levels ranging from moderate to heavy.

Temperatures

The average highest temperatures fluctuate between pleasant in Drakensberg Garden at 22°C (72°F) to very warm in Jozini at 31°C (88°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 21°C (70°F) in Jozini and 10°C (50°F) in Drakensberg Garden.

For specific regional insights in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Mkuze with an average of 89 mm (3.5 in) to heavy rainfall in Bonjaneni with 344 mm (14 in).

Average sunshine

Most destinations offer generous amounts of sunshine this December. For example, Durban gets approximately 190 hours of sunlight, perfect for anyone wanting bright, sunny days.

Explore KwaZulu-Natal by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in KwaZulu-Natal — and find the best time to visit. (based on Durban)

January28°C (82°F) February28°C (82°F) March28°C (82°F) April26°C (79°F) May25°C (77°F) June24°C (75°F) This monthJuly23°C (73°F) August24°C (75°F) September24°C (75°F) October24°C (75°F) November25°C (77°F) December27°C (81°F)
Best Time to Visit KwaZulu-Natal →

Best Places to Visit in KwaZulu-Natal in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across KwaZulu-Natal.

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in KwaZulu-Natal

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa?

Temperature range in KwaZulu-Natal (December)

Precipitation variation in KwaZulu-Natal (December)

Durban

In December Durban generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« November
December
January »
November
December
January
Max temperature
25°C (77°F)
27°C (81°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
19°C (66°F)
21°C (70°F)
22°C (72°F)
Monthly sun hours
168 hours
190 hours
183 hours
Monthly rainfall
102 mm (4 in)
98 mm (3.9 in)
95 mm (3.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
15 days
14 days
Weather conditions
pleasant
perfect
perfect
Climate in Durban →

Newcastle

In December Newcastle generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

« November
December
January »
November
December
January
Max temperature
27°C (81°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly sun hours
271 hours
299 hours
288 hours
Monthly rainfall
129 mm (5.1 in)
167 mm (6.6 in)
152 mm (6 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
13 days
14 days
Weather conditions
pleasant
pleasant
pleasant
Climate in Newcastle →

Ladysmith

In December Ladysmith generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

« November
December
January »
November
December
January
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly rainfall
130 mm (5.1 in)
169 mm (6.7 in)
162 mm (6.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
14 days
14 days
Weather conditions
pleasant
pleasant
tolerable
Climate in Ladysmith →

Van Reenen

In December Van Reenen generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

« November
December
January »
November
December
January
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
13°C (55°F)
15°C (59°F)
15°C (59°F)
Monthly rainfall
139 mm (5.5 in)
191 mm (7.5 in)
190 mm (7.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
15 days
15 days
Weather conditions
pleasant
tolerable
tolerable
Climate in Van Reenen →

Vryheid

In December Vryheid generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

« November
December
January »
November
December
January
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly rainfall
141 mm (5.6 in)
160 mm (6.3 in)
143 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
13 days
14 days
Weather conditions
pleasant
pleasant
pleasant
Climate in Vryheid →

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa.

In our records: South Africa December extremes

Notable December records observed across cities in South Africa in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the warmest December day in South Africa reached 44°C (111°F) in Kruger National Park on December 13, 2024.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in KwaZulu-Natal in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Durban 27°C (81°F) 21°C (70°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Newcastle 28°C (82°F) 16°C (61°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Ladysmith 29°C (84°F) 16°C (61°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Van Reenen 27°C (81°F) 15°C (59°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Vryheid 27°C (81°F) 15°C (59°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Dundee 28°C (82°F) 16°C (61°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)

KwaZulu-Natal weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in December?

In December, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa generally has perfect weather conditions. Durban sees daytime temperatures near 27°C (81°F), with nights cooling to roughly 21°C (70°F).

What is the average temperature in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in December?

Average temperatures in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa during December range from a nighttime low near 21°C (70°F) to a daytime high around 27°C (81°F) in Durban.

Does KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa get a lot of rain in December?

December is on the drier side in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Durban averages only about 98 mm (3.9 in), with most days staying dry.

Is December a Good Time to Visit KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa?

We consider December to be one of the best times to travel to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Typically, the climate in Durban is perfect. However, the weather conditions may vary depending on your destination.

Generally speaking, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and December provide perfect weather in Durban.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in KwaZulu-Natal.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to South Africa? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in South Africa.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.

Kwazulu Natal

Countless beautiful landscapes, a colorful collection of cultures, wildlife parks, busy and deserted beaches, lively cities, small villages and a subtropical climate.
One of South Africa's most spectacular private game reserves

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of South Africa's most spectacular private game reserves. The chance that you see the entire Big Five is high in winter (June - August).
Stay in the world's largest open-air gallery

Vast mountains, beautiful nature, tranquility and the possibility of hiking and seeing fascinating rock paintings. This can all be experienced at the Cederberg Mountains.
Kwazulu Natal

Countless beautiful landscapes, a colorful collection of cultures, wildlife parks, busy and deserted beaches, lively cities, small villages and a subtropical climate.
Must visit in South Africa →