Cape Town weather in December
“The kind of pleasant weather you build a trip around.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, Cape Town settles into its kind, mild rhythm. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 24°C (75°F), cooling to 16°C after sunset. Rain is rare enough that you can plan without a contingency. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Cape Town in December
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •Reef-safe sunscreen and polarised sunglasses
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Cape Town in December
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Cape Town
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Cape Town. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Cape Town
December is one of the best months to visit Cape Town — alongside January, February, November. Ten-year climate data confirms it: comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Cape TownOther places with a similar climate right now
Cape Town in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Cape Town?
Is December a good time to visit Cape Town?
Yes — this is one of the best months of the year to visit. In December, Cape Town averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F), with 26mm of rainfall across roughly 5 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Cape Town in December?
What is the average temperature in Cape Town in December?
The average high temperature in Cape Town during December is 24°C (75°F), with an average low of 16°C (61°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Cape Town have in December?
How many rainy days does Cape Town have in December?
Cape Town averages approximately 5 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 26mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Cape Town in December?
What should I pack for Cape Town in December?
For Cape Town in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Cape Town in December?
How crowded is Cape Town in December?
Tourist crowds in Cape Town during December are typically moderate — winter is high season for tropical destinations. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.