Cape Town Weather in December
South Africa · Mediterranean climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
December in Cape Town sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 16.0°C (60.8°F) to a high of 23.6°C (74.5°F), with a mean of 19.4°C (66.9°F). Compared to the annual average of 16.8°C (62.2°F), this month is 2.6°C warmer than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 31.4mm, making it approximately 28.0mm drier than the monthly average of 60.0mm. The city receives an average of 13.0 hours of sunshine per day during December, with relative humidity averaging 71.7%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 24.5 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Cape Town, with drier-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Cape Town's climate data reveals a fascinating pattern: it's one of the few Southern Hemisphere cities with a true Mediterranean climate. I was there in January (their summer) expecting tropical heat — instead got dry, windy, 26°C days perfect for wine country visits. The data shows December-February as ideal, but watch for the 'Cape Doctor' — a strong southeast wind that can disrupt plans. Winter (June-August) is wet and cool, but the whale watching peaks in July.
December vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 18.1°C (64.6°F) | 19.4°C (66.9°F) | 21.0°C (69.8°F) |
| Rainfall | 26.7mm | 31.4mm | 16.0mm |
| Sunshine | 12.4 hrs | 13.0 hrs | 13.1 hrs |
| Humidity | 71.4% | 71.7% | 71.8% |
| Wind | 23.9 km/h | 24.5 km/h | 26.2 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 10.2 | 10.8 | 7.4 |
Seasonal Context
December falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Cape Town in December, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Cape Town in December?
The average temperature in Cape Town during December ranges from 16.0°C (60.8°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F), with a mean of 19.4°C (66.9°F).
How much does it rain in Cape Town in December?
Cape Town receives an average of 31.4mm of precipitation in December, spread across approximately 10.8 rainy days.
What should I pack for Cape Town in December?
Based on December weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is December a good time to visit Cape Town?
December is a good time to visit Cape Town, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Cape Town
Cities with Similar December Climate (Mediterranean)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: -33.92°, 18.42°. Timezone: Africa/Johannesburg. Last updated: 2026-07-30.