Sossusvlei in December
In December, Sossusvlei averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 15°C (60°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
December in Sossusvlei is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Sossusvlei
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Sossusvlei (7th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (30°C). December runs roughly the same as November (31°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Sossusvlei
Times shown for Sossusvlei local time (Africa/Windhoek), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Sossusvlei — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Sossusvlei's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sossusvlei 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 Sossusvlei's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Sossusvlei
This is a busy month in Sossusvlei — 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 Sossusvlei
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.
Sossusvlei in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 17°C / 62°F | 4 mm | 1 | — |
| February | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 62°F | 3 mm | 1 | — |
| March | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 63°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| April | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 63°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 15°C / 59°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 53°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 11°C / 52°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| August | 26°C / 80°F | 10°C / 51°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 12°C / 54°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 14°C / 58°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| November | 31°C / 89°F | 15°C / 59°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 15°C / 60°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sossusvlei in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sossusvlei in December?
In December, Sossusvlei averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 15°C (60°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Sossusvlei in December?
December is generally dry in Sossusvlei, with about 0 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Sossusvlei?
December is hot and mostly dry. 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 Sossusvlei in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Sossusvlei for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.