Johannesburg in December
In December, Johannesburg averages 25°C (78°F) during the day and 15°C (58°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (127 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Johannesburg, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Johannesburg
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Johannesburg (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (23°C). December runs roughly the same as November (26°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Johannesburg
Times shown for Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Johannesburg's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Johannesburg 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 (High season) and Johannesburg's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Johannesburg
This is a busy month in Johannesburg — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Johannesburg
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.
Johannesburg in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 78°F | 15°C / 58°F | 120 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 58°F | 107 mm | 21 | — |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 76 mm | 19 | — |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 10°C / 50°F | 50 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 20°C / 67°F | 7°C / 45°F | 16 mm | 5 | — |
| June | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 40°F | 6 mm | 3 | — |
| July | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 38°F | 4 mm | 3 | — |
| August | 21°C / 69°F | 7°C / 44°F | 5 mm | 4 | — |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 10°C / 50°F | 12 mm | 6 | — |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 53°F | 47 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 26°C / 78°F | 13°C / 56°F | 81 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 25°C / 78°F | 15°C / 58°F | 127 mm | 21 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Johannesburg in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Johannesburg in December?
In December, Johannesburg averages a high of 25°C (78°F) and a low of 15°C (58°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Johannesburg in December?
December is quite rainy in Johannesburg, with about 21 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Johannesburg?
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 Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.