Northern Cape Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Northern Cape, South Africa in December.

Planning a trip to Northern Cape, South Africa this December? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Northern Cape in December

Northern Cape, South Africa is a region in South Africa. December in Northern Cape generally has temperatures that range from warm to very hot, with precipitation levels ranging from almost none to moderate. December falls during the summer season.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from warm in Sutherland at 28°C (82°F) to very hot in Keimoes at 36°C (97°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 20°C (68°F) in Keimoes and 13°C (55°F) in Sutherland. The temperatures mentioned for daytime and nighttime are general averages. However there can be days that surpass these temperatures. So equip yourself with clothing that can handle the potential heat.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Northern Cape, South Africa, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From almost no rainfall in Kotzeshoop with an average of 3.3 mm (0.1 in) to moderate rainfall in Kimberley with 64 mm (2.5 in).

Average sunshine

Many locations offer abundant sunshine during this month. For instance, Upington enjoys approximately 368 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Northern Cape by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Northern Cape — and find the best time to visit. (based on Upington)

Best Places to Visit in Northern Cape in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Northern Cape.

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 Northern Cape

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Northern Cape, South Africa?

Temperature range in Northern Cape (December)

Precipitation variation in Northern Cape (December)

Upington

In December Upington generally has extremely high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 36°C (97°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
34°C (93°F)
36°C (97°F)
36°C (97°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
22°C (72°F)
Monthly sun hours
345 hours
368 hours
351 hours
Monthly rainfall
14 mm (0.6 in)
28 mm (1.1 in)
37 mm (1.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
3 days
4 days
Weather conditions

Kathu

In December Kathu generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
33°C (91°F)
33°C (91°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
292 hours
310 hours
290 hours
Monthly rainfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
78 mm (3.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Kotzeshoop

In December Kotzeshoop generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 17°C (63°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
33°C (91°F)
35°C (95°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
17°C (63°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly rainfall
3.3 mm (0.1 in)
3.3 mm (0.1 in)
6.8 mm (0.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
a single day
a single day
a single day
Weather conditions

Hanover Road

In December Hanover Road generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
Min temperature
13°C (55°F)
15°C (59°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly rainfall
37 mm (1.5 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
62 mm (2.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Kimberley

In December Kimberley generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 34°C (93°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
34°C (93°F)
34°C (93°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly sun hours
312 hours
329 hours
309 hours
Monthly rainfall
57 mm (2.2 in)
64 mm (2.5 in)
82 mm (3.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
8 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Northern Cape, 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 Northern Cape in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Upington 36°C (97°F) 20°C (68°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Kathu 33°C (91°F) 18°C (64°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Kotzeshoop 33°C (91°F) 17°C (63°F) 3.3 mm (0.1 in)
Hanover Road 31°C (88°F) 15°C (59°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Kimberley 34°C (93°F) 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
De Aar 32°C (90°F) 17°C (63°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)

Northern Cape weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Northern Cape, South Africa in December?

Expect poor weather across Northern Cape, South Africa in December. The popular destination of Upington averages 36°C (97°F) by day and 20°C (68°F) at night during this summer month.

What is the average temperature in Northern Cape, South Africa in December?

Upington averages a daytime maximum of 36°C (97°F) in December, with overnight lows close to 20°C (68°F).

Does Northern Cape, South Africa get a lot of rain in December?

Not particularly. Upington averages just 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain in December, making it a mostly dry month for Northern Cape, South Africa.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Northern Cape, South Africa?

Given the typically unpleasant weather conditions in Upington, December may not be the ideal time to visit Northern Cape, South Africa.

On average, the best time to visit Northern Cape, South Africa is in April, May, June, July, August and September with generally perfect weather in Upington. The weather in January, February, March, November and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Northern Cape.

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.