Pretoria in December
In December, Pretoria averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 16°C (62°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (115 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Pretoria, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Pretoria
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Pretoria (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (25°C). December runs roughly the same as November (28°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Pretoria
Times shown for Pretoria 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 Pretoria — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Pretoria's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Pretoria 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 Pretoria's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Pretoria
Pretoria 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 Pretoria
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.
Pretoria in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 62°F | 96 mm | 20 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 62°F | 105 mm | 20 | — |
| March | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 85 mm | 17 | — |
| April | 24°C / 74°F | 12°C / 54°F | 41 mm | 12 | — |
| May | 22°C / 71°F | 9°C / 49°F | 16 mm | 6 | — |
| June | 19°C / 67°F | 6°C / 43°F | 3 mm | 2 | — |
| July | 19°C / 67°F | 6°C / 42°F | 5 mm | 2 | — |
| August | 23°C / 73°F | 8°C / 47°F | 3 mm | 3 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 12°C / 53°F | 13 mm | 5 | — |
| October | 28°C / 83°F | 14°C / 57°F | 41 mm | 11 | — |
| November | 28°C / 82°F | 15°C / 59°F | 77 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 62°F | 115 mm | 20 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Pretoria in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Pretoria in December?
In December, Pretoria averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 16°C (62°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Pretoria in December?
December is quite rainy in Pretoria, with about 20 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Pretoria?
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 Pretoria in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Pretoria for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.