Last updated: August 31, 2025
December in Mthatha, South Africa offers a vibrant mix of weather patterns, characterized by a maximum temperature soaring to 34°C (94°F), complemented by a pleasant average of 19°C (66°F). As the month unfolds, temperatures can dip to a refreshing minimum of 7°C (45°F) at night. This time of year, precipitation is notable, with 153 mm (6.0 in) of rain spread over approximately 20 days, contributing to a lush, green landscape. The air remains rich in moisture, with humidity levels reaching 88%, making December a month of both warmth and refreshing rain in this picturesque South African town.
In December, Mthatha, South Africa experiences a delightful transition into summer, characterized by mild temperatures and a warm atmosphere. The temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) at night to a pleasant average of 19°C (66°F) during the day, peaking at a comfortable 34°C (94°F). This month marks a slight warming trend compared to the cooler preceding months, showing an increase in both average and maximum temperatures. As the year draws to a close, residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities in the balmy weather, making it a perfect time to soak in the vibrant local culture and beautiful landscapes.
In December, Mthatha experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, with 153 mm (6.0 in) of rain recorded over an average of 20 days. This surge marks a significant transition from the drier months of winter, where rainfall drops to as little as 7 mm (0.3 in) in July. As the year winds down, December not only features increased rainfall but also brings longer periods of precipitation, indicating the onset of the summer season in this vibrant region. Interestingly, this month’s figures align closely with those of November, which sees 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain over 17 days, suggesting a pattern of consistent wetness that continues into the heart of summer. Overall, the data reveals December as a critical month for replenishing Mthatha’s lush landscapes, setting the stage for the growth that characterizes the warmer months ahead.
In Mthatha, South Africa, December experiences a humidity level of 88%, mirroring the consistent moisture levels seen throughout the year. The data reveals a subtle ebb and flow of humidity, with the highest readings occurring in the cooler months from March to November, peaking at 89% in March and April. As the year progresses into winter, a noticeable decline in humidity is observed, reaching a low of 72% in August. However, as spring approaches, the humidity begins to rise again, settling back to 88% by December. This cyclical trend highlights the area's characteristic moist, yet comfortable climate, making it a unique destination in South Africa.
December in Mthatha, South Africa, brings a return to extreme UV Index levels, soaring to 15, which means skin can burn in just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. This trend mirrors the intensity seen in January, where the UV Index also peaked at 15, showcasing the region's high vulnerability to solar radiation during the summer months. Following a slight dip in April through July, where the UV Index became more moderate, Mthatha quickly escalates back to higher levels in the latter part of the year. For anyone planning outdoor activities during December, it’s crucial to take protective measures seriously to safeguard against potential sun damage. To stay informed about the sun’s intensity throughout the year, check out the Mthatha UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Mthatha, South Africa, shines brightly, boasting an impressive 348 hours of sunshine—the highest figure of the year. This sunny peak concludes a months-long trend of increasing sunlight, with October and November also contributing significantly with 346 and 325 hours respectively. The gradual rise in sunlight hours begins in the colder months, signaling a shift towards warmer weather, while March and April provide a comfortable balance with 326 and 295 hours. The consistent sunshine from July to September, maintaining around 300+ hours, further enriches the landscape, creating a vibrant environment perfect for outdoor adventures. As the year wraps up in December, Mthatha basks in the warmth, making it a splendid time for sun-seekers to indulge in the beauty of the region.
In Mthatha, South Africa, the likelihood of sunny weather in December takes a dip, with only a 17% chance of sunshine. This marks a noticeable decline compared to the sunnier months of the year, particularly from May to July, where the probability of clear skies peaks impressively at 71% and soars to 85% in July. Following a pattern of fluctuating sunlight, December finds itself among the lower ranks, alongside the earlier months like January and November. As the year winds down, this trend suggests that if you’re planning for sunny days in December, you might want to prepare for more cloud cover instead.
In Mthatha, South Africa, December marks a delightful peak in daylight hours, offering a generous 14 hours of sunshine that heralds the arrival of summer. As the year progresses, daylight gradually decreases from 13 hours in January and February to a low of 10 hours during the heart of winter from May through August. However, the transition back to longer days begins in September, with hours inching back to 12 in October and 13 in November, leading up to December's vibrant return. This clear trend underscores a seasonal rhythm that not only enhances outdoor activities but also enriches the community's social life during the festive month.
As December arrives in Mthatha, South Africa, the wind whispers gently through the region, averaging 2.5 m/s (6 mph)— a continuation of the breezy trend from the previous month. Throughout the year, the wind speeds have generally remained consistent, with a subtle uptick noticeable in the middle of the year. From the 2.4 m/s in June to a peak of 2.8 m/s in November, the increasing currents hint at the warm African summer drawing near. December’s soothing breezes reflect a slight drop from last month's peak but maintain a comfortable pace, perfect for outdoor exploration and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. This seasonal pattern emphasizes a stable yet dynamic weather experience, inviting both residents and visitors to relish the tranquil December winds.
Weather in Mthatha varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Mthatha, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January in Mthatha both feature warm temperatures and high humidity levels, but January tends to be slightly warmer. In December, the minimum temperature hovers around 7°C (45°F), averaging 19°C (66°F) and peaking at 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is relatively high, with 153 mm (6.0 in) over 20 days. In contrast, January sees a slight rise in minimum temperature to 10°C (50°F) and averages around 20°C (68°F), with a maximum temperature of 36°C (96°F). Additionally, rainfall decreases to 123 mm (4.8 in) over 17 days. Despite the similar humidity levels of 88% in both months, January offers a warmer and slightly drier experience overall. For more details on January weather in Mthatha, visit Mthatha weather in January.
In December, temperatures in Mthatha range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). The month sees significant rainfall, with 153 mm (6.0 in) of precipitation over 20 days and consistent humidity at 88%.
In contrast, February offers slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). Rainfall increases to 172 mm (6.8 in), occurring over 19 days, while humidity remains stable at 88%.
For more details on February weather, you can check out Mthatha weather in February.
In comparison to December, March features slightly warmer minimum temperatures, with December starting at 7°C (45°F) and March at 9°C (48°F), while both months maintain a similar average temperature of around 19°C (66°F). Maximum temperatures remain close, peaking at 34°C (94°F) in December and 34°C (93°F) in March. Precipitation is lower in March, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of rain over 16 days, compared to December's 153 mm (6.0 in) over 20 days. Humidity levels in both months are quite high, with December at 88% and March slightly higher at 89%. For more detailed insights on the weather conditions in March, check out Mthatha weather in March.
In December, the weather tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F). This month experiences more rainfall, with precipitation amounts reaching 153 mm (6.0 in) over 20 days, combined with high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, April sees slightly cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation is lower in April, totaling 111 mm (4.4 in) over just 12 days, while humidity is marginally higher at 89%. For more details on weather patterns in April, you can visit Mthatha weather in April.
December and May showcase distinct weather patterns that reflect the transition between seasons. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). This month experiences substantial rainfall, averaging 153 mm (6.0 in) over 20 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, May sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is significantly lower in May, with only 34 mm (1.3 in) over 5 days, while humidity remains steady at 88%. This comparison highlights December as a much wetter and warmer month compared to the milder and drier conditions of May. For more details, check out Mthatha weather in May.
When comparing the weather in December and June, it's evident that December is significantly warmer and wetter. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C to a maximum of 34°C, with an average of 19°C, while June experiences much cooler temperatures, from 0°C to 27°C, with an average of 13°C. Additionally, December sees considerable rainfall, with 153 mm over 20 days, making it a much wetter month compared to June, which only has 20 mm of precipitation across just 2 days. Despite the higher humidity in December at 88%, June still maintains a relatively high humidity level of 82%. For more detailed insights on June weather, you can check out Mthatha weather in June.
In December, the weather is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a mild 7°C (45°F) to a sweltering 34°C (94°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). The month also experiences considerable rainfall, with 153 mm (6.0 in) of precipitation over 20 days and high humidity at 88%. In contrast, July sees much cooler temperatures, with a range from -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging around 12°C (55°F). This month is notably drier, receiving only 7 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just 1 day and lower humidity at 77%. For more details, check out Mthatha weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, notable differences emerge. December experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F), contributing to an average of 19°C (66°F). In contrast, August's temperatures are cooler, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). Furthermore, December is much wetter, receiving 153 mm (6.0 in) of precipitation over 20 days, while August sees only 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 7 days. The humidity in December is also higher at 88%, compared to August's 72%. For more details on August weather, visit Mthatha weather in August.
December and September showcase quite distinct weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a scorching maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 153 mm (6.0 in) over 20 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, September experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F), a maximum of 37°C (98°F), and an average of 15°C (60°F). Additionally, this month has considerably less rainfall, only 39 mm (1.5 in) over 6 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 82%. For more detailed information about September weather, you can visit Mthatha weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, December tends to be warmer with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F), while October has a slightly cooler average at 16°C (62°F). October can reach a maximum of 37°C (99°F), which is higher than December's maximum of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 153 mm (6.0 in) over 20 days compared to October's 98 mm (3.9 in) over 12 days. Additionally, December's humidity is higher at 88%, compared to October's 83%, making December feel a bit more humid overall. For more detailed information about October weather, you can check Mthatha weather in October.
The weather in December is characterized by slightly warmer temperatures compared to November, with average highs reaching 34°C (94°F) compared to November's maximum of 36°C (97°F). While the minimum temperatures in December are marginally higher at 7°C (45°F) versus 6°C (44°F) in November, both months experience high humidity, with December peaking at 88% and November at 87%. Precipitation also increases in December, with 153 mm (6.0 in) over 20 days, compared to November's 114 mm (4.5 in) over 17 days. For more detailed insights, check out Mthatha weather in November.
As December arrives in Mthatha, the weather undergoes a notable transformation, characterized by warmer temperatures and an increase in humidity. Unlike the cooler months, December sees a surge in maximum temperatures, presenting an inviting atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. However, this month also brings significant rainfall, with more frequent rainy days compared to other times of the year. With an average humidity of 88%, the air feels lush and tropical, making it a unique time to experience the beauty of the region. For more detailed insights into the climate, check out Mthatha Climate.