What December feels like in Johannesburg
December is early summer in Johannesburg (Johannesburg is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights stay mild. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Johannesburg in December
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 7.6 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.1 mm per wet day. December is Johannesburg's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Johannesburg gets 13 h 46 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:10 am to sunset near 6:56 pm. Days are getting longer: 23 min more daylight than in mid-November. About 82% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Johannesburg's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd warmest month. It is about as warm as November, with 40 mm more rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. By January, typical highs are 24.9°C (76.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — rain interrupts outdoor plans.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Johannesburg in December
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Johannesburg in December?
It feels warm: typical highs are 25°C (77°F), with lows near 14.4°C (57.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Johannesburg in December?
It does: about 17 rainy days bring roughly 129 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Johannesburg in December?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is December or January better for visiting Johannesburg?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January has fewer rainy days.