What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

South Africa in December

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

The holiday season has a grip on the whole of South Africa in December. Festivities coincide with school holidays, meaning tourism hotspots can get crowded. Summer’s wet conditions continue to permeate across Kruger and surrounds, welcoming migratory bird species to national parks and game reserves – this is the best time of the year for birding safaris. Evenings are warm, creating stunning environments for outdoor dinners and nighttime game drives.

Cape Town is at its peak in December. Restaurants and wine farms are buzzing with activity – the sun is out, temperatures are warm, and there’s little to no rain, making al fresco wine tastings and dining must-dos. It’s an excellent time for going to the beach, participating in water sports, and taking on the hiking trails around the region.

Weather in December

The summer rains increase in Kruger and surrounds, along with the temperatures and humidity. Top safari destinations in South Africa can reach a high of 32 °C/90 °F and a low of 19 °C/66 °F – conditions can still be slightly cold in the early mornings and evenings. December is one of the wettest months, characterised by torrential downpours in the afternoon. Cape Town’s temperatures can reach a high of 25 °C/77 °F and a low of 15 °C/59 °F, with an average rainfall of 0.7 in.

Average Weather in December

Kruger and Surrounds

Temperature Celsius Fahrenheit Rainfall
Min 19℃66℉3.3 inches
Max 32℃90℉4.6 inches

Cape Town

TemperaturesCelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min15℃59℉0.5 inches
Max25℃77℉1.6 inches

National Parks to Visit in South Africa in December

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Thanks to the Great Fish River that flows through the game reserve, Kwandwe is able to support an abundance of wildlife, including over 300 bird species. Birdwatchers can also enjoy a more secluded safari experience here thanks to the low guest-to-land ratio. In the wet summer months, migratory bird species from northern Africa and Europe arrive, creating an even more exciting birding environment. The name “Kwandwe” is an isiXhosa word that means “place of the blue crane” – this is the national bird of South Africa, and the reserve is home to an impressive population of this vulnerable species.

Garden Route

If lying on the beach and participating in watersports is what you’re looking forward to the most on your South African holiday, December is a fantastic choice. Summer is in full swing along the Garden Route. Make sure to stop at Plettenberg Bay’s Robberg, Central, and Lookout beaches, which are known for their perfect white sand. Go on boat tours to spot pods of dolphins and whales in the waves. Plett is also South Africa’s smallest wine-growing region – tour the wine farms here to taste unique vintages and bubbly.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

November to March is also an incredible time of the year to visit this KwaZulu-Natal park, as this is when you can see sea turtles nesting along the beach. For birders, there are over 500 species of birds around the park, with many waterbirds at Lake St. Lucia. One of the top 10 diving destinations in the world, Sodwana Bay in the park is a must-visit for travellers who want to scuba dive and snorkel. The expansive coral reef systems here contain over 1,200 species of fish, including scorpion fish, sharks, rays, slingers, and octopuses, to name a few.

Activities to Do in December in South Africa

  • Beach days in Cape Town and along the Garden Route
  • Game drives in national parks and game reserves
  • Photographic safaris
  • Birdwatching safaris

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Murielle Vegezzi, Destination Expert

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Truly exceptional- delivering personalised, seamless, attentive service from start to finish.

Masai Mara Photographic Safari Review

Mira, Lebanon
17 Apr 2025
First time in Africa!

The Best of Botswana Safari Review

Graham French, United Kingdom
22 Feb 2025
Discover Africa did an amazing job planning our South Africa/Zimbabwe trip!

11 Day South Africa & Zimbabwe Safari Experience Review

Madeline, United States
04 Sep 2024
Excellent and efficient service to provide the best possible safari experience

10 Day Tanzania Safari Adventure Review

Fai, Australia
11 Jul 2024
My South Africa Reunion Brought to Life!

South Africa Highlights Review

Taylor, United States
12 May 2024
A remarkable journey

Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta & Chobe Safari Review

Diana Álvarez, Colombia
08 May 2024