Durban in December
In December, Durban averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (98 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Durban, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Durban
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Durban (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (25°C). December runs 2°C warmer than November (25°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (28°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Durban
Times shown for Durban local time (Africa/Johannesburg), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Durban — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Durban's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Durban in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Durban's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Durban
Durban is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Durban
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Durban — December
Across the year Durban's sea swings from 20.8°C (September) to 25.5°C (February) — December sits at 24°C.
Durban in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 86 mm | 19 | — |
| February | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 100 mm | 18 | — |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 69°F | 86 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 97 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 60°F | 70 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 56°F | 18 mm | 8 | — |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 35 mm | 9 | — |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 34 mm | 12 | — |
| September | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 60°F | 60 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 24°C / 74°F | 17°C / 62°F | 101 mm | 18 | — |
| November | 25°C / 76°F | 18°C / 65°F | 79 mm | 20 | — |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F | 98 mm | 19 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Durban in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Durban in December?
In December, Durban averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Durban in December?
December is quite rainy in Durban, with about 19 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Durban?
December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Durban in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Durban for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.