Cape Town in December

Climate

Cape Town experiences its hottest weather in December, with daytime temperatures often rising into the mid 30°C/86°F. Expect hot and cloudless days, long daytime hours, warm nights, and little to no rain. December sees the occasional very windy day.

Best Regions

• The warm weather makes Cape Town’s beaches the most popular summertime destination. Outdoor activities on Table Mountain and visits to Cape Point are equally great this month.
• On New Year’s Eve, Cape Town is abuzz with celebration, and you’ll find events on the beaches, restaurants, dance clubs, and rooftop bars in the city. The biggest all-day event occurs in theV&A Waterfront, which builds up to a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens hosts a series of open-air music shows called the Summer Sunset Concerts, featuring top local musos and a handful of international artists.
• Various venues across Cape Town, including the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch, and the Cape Winelands, play host to a summer-long series of popup movie screenings called the Galileo Open Air Cinema.

Pros and Cons

Cape Town is alive with events, festivals, concerts, and loads of outdoor activities. Unfortunately, the holiday season also draws thousands of visitors to the city and surrounding areas. Restaurants are packed, accommodation is harder to find and more expensive, as are flights.