Swakopmund in December

In December, Swakopmund averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 15°C (58°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

December is a great month to visit Swakopmund: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

22°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
0
Rain days
2 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Swakopmund

8th
warmest month of the 12
12th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 31 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Swakopmund (8th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (23°C). December runs roughly the same as November (22°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (24°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Swakopmund

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:11 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:42 PM
Day length
13 h 31 min

Times shown for Swakopmund 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 Swakopmund — December

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:11 AM – 5:51 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:51 AM – 6:51 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:02 PM – 8:02 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:02 PM – 8:42 PM

📅 When to book — Swakopmund 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 (Peak season) and Swakopmund's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ 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 Swakopmund

Peak season

Swakopmund is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Swakopmund

☀️ 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
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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.

Swakopmund in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 24°C / 74°F 17°C / 62°F 7 mm 2
February 24°C / 75°F 17°C / 62°F 5 mm 1
March 24°C / 75°F 16°C / 60°F 3 mm 1
April 25°C / 76°F 15°C / 60°F 3 mm 1
May 25°C / 76°F 14°C / 57°F 1 mm 0
June 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
July 24°C / 75°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
August 21°C / 70°F 10°C / 50°F 0 mm 0
September 20°C / 68°F 10°C / 51°F 0 mm 0
October 21°C / 69°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
November 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 56°F 1 mm 0
December 22°C / 72°F 15°C / 58°F 2 mm 0

Other cities with similar December weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Swakopmund in December?

In December, Swakopmund averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 15°C (58°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Swakopmund in December?

December is generally dry in Swakopmund, with about 0 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Swakopmund?

December is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Swakopmund in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Swakopmund for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Swakopmund on the interactive map

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