Cape Town Weather in December
South Africa · early winter in Northern Hemisphere / early summer in Southern Hemisphere
Cape Town has arguably the world's most dramatic urban microclimate geography — Table Mountain (3,558 ft) creates a massive orographic barrier that splits weather systems in two, leaving opposite sides of the city in entirely different conditions simultaneously. The Cape Doctor, a strong southeasterly summer wind, scours the city center while sheltered suburbs on the Atlantic side stay calm. Mediterranean climate means warm, dry summers (70–85°F) and cool, wet winters (50–65°F) when Atlantic fronts deliver heavy rainfall.
Holiday season. Many cities decorate beautifully. Book ahead for December travel.
Current Weather in Cape Town Right Now
64°F
Scattered Clouds
Feels like 64°F · H 65°F / L 64°F
Is December a Good Time to Visit Cape Town?
Cape Town has a classic Mediterranean climate but in the Southern Hemisphere — summers are December–February (hot and dry) and winters are June–August (cool and wet). The Cape Doctor (southeast wind) can make summer days dramatically windy. Table Mountain creates local weather patterns.
What to Pack for Cape Town in December
- ✓Windbreaker for Cape Doctor gusts in summer
- ✓Layers for dramatic temperature swings
- ✓Sunscreen — Southern Hemisphere UV is intense
- ✓Waterproof jacket for winter visits