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The best time for an African safari depends on what you want your safari to include. If you want to combine lush wilderness landscapes with a Cape Town beach holiday, December is a great month.
South Africa in December is in the grip of the holiday season. Festivities coincide with school holidays, meaning tourism hotspots can get crowded. Summer’s wet conditions continue to permeate across Kruger and surrounds, welcoming migratory bird species to national parks and game reserves – this is the best time to visit South Africa for birding safaris. Evenings are warm, creating stunning environments for outdoor dinners and nighttime game drives.
The best time to visit Cape Town, South Africa, is December. Restaurants and wine farms are buzzing with activity – the sun is out, temperatures are warm, and there’s little to no rain, making al fresco wine tastings and dining must-dos. It’s an excellent time for going to the beach, participating in water sports, and taking on the hiking trails around the region.
Weather in December
An African safari in December is often characterised by wet conditions. The summer rains increase in Kruger and surrounds, along with the temperatures and humidity. Top safari destinations in South Africa can reach a high of 32 °C/90 °F and a low of 19 °C/66 °F – conditions can still be slightly cold in the early mornings and evenings.
This is one of the wettest times of the year with torrential downpours in the afternoon. A South Africa safari in December can still be rewarding, though, with more newborn animals present and beautiful lush conditions.
Cape Town’s temperatures can reach a high of 25 °C/77 °F and a low of 15 °C/59 °F, with an average rainfall of 0.7 in.
Kruger and Surrounds
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 19℃ | 66℉ | 3.3 inches |
| Max | 32℃ | 90℉ | 4.6 inches |
Cape Town
| Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 15℃ | 59℉ | 0.5 inches |
| Max | 25℃ | 77℉ | 1.6 inches |
Destinations to Visit in South Africa in December
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Thanks to the Great Fish River that flows through the game reserve, Kwandwe is able to support an abundance of wildlife, including over 300 bird species. Birdwatchers can also enjoy a more secluded safari experience here thanks to the low guest-to-land ratio. In the wet summer months, migratory bird species from northern Africa and Europe arrive, creating an even more exciting birding environment.
The name “Kwandwe” is an isiXhosa word that means “place of the blue crane”- this is the national bird of South Africa, and the reserve is home to an impressive population of this vulnerable species.
Garden Route
If lying on the beach and participating in watersports is what you’re looking forward to the most on your South African holiday, December is a fantastic choice. Summer is in full swing along the Garden Route. Make sure to stop at Plettenberg Bay’s Robberg, Central, and Lookout beaches, which are known for their perfect white sand.
Go on boat tours to spot pods of dolphins and whales in the waves. Plett is also South Africa’s smallest wine-growing region – tour the wine farms here to taste unique vintages and bubbly.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
November to March is also an incredible time of the year to visit this KwaZulu-Natal park, as this is when you can see sea turtles nesting along the beach. For birders, there are over 500 species of birds around the park, with many waterbirds at Lake St. Lucia.
One of the top 10 diving destinations in the world, Sodwana Bay in the park is a must-visit for travellers who want to scuba dive and snorkel. The expansive coral reef systems here contain over 1,200 species of fish, including scorpionfish, sharks, rays, slingers, and octopuses, to name a few.
Activities to Do in December in South Africa
- Beach days in Cape Town and along the Garden Route
- Game drives in national parks and game reserves
- Photographic safaris
- Birdwatching safaris
Enquire now to start planning your South Africa safari.
