Gaborone in December

In December, Gaborone averages 32°C (89°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (78 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Gaborone. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

32°C
Avg high
20°C
Avg low
15
Rain days
78 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Gaborone

3rd
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
21%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 39 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the warmest months in Gaborone (3rd of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (28°C). December runs roughly the same as November (32°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Gaborone

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:21 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:00 PM
Day length
13 h 39 min

Times shown for Gaborone local time (Africa/Gaborone), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Gaborone — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Gaborone's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:21 AM – 5:01 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:01 AM – 6:01 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:20 PM – 7:20 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:20 PM – 8:00 PM

📅 When to book — Gaborone 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 Gaborone's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Gaborone

Shoulder

Gaborone 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 Gaborone

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

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.

Gaborone in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 89°F 20°C / 69°F 76 mm 17
February 30°C / 87°F 20°C / 68°F 68 mm 16
March 29°C / 85°F 18°C / 64°F 37 mm 12
April 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 58°F 27 mm 9
May 24°C / 76°F 10°C / 51°F 7 mm 4
June 22°C / 71°F 7°C / 45°F 2 mm 2
July 22°C / 71°F 7°C / 44°F 2 mm 2
August 26°C / 79°F 10°C / 50°F 1 mm 1
September 30°C / 86°F 14°C / 57°F 4 mm 2
October 32°C / 90°F 17°C / 63°F 22 mm 6
November 32°C / 90°F 19°C / 65°F 50 mm 10
December 32°C / 89°F 20°C / 68°F 78 mm 15

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Gaborone in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Gaborone in December?

In December, Gaborone averages a high of 32°C (89°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Gaborone in December?

December is quite rainy in Gaborone, with about 15 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Gaborone?

December is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Gaborone in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Gaborone for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Gaborone on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.