Last updated: August 31, 2025
December in Pretoria, South Africa is characterized by warm temperatures and a sultry atmosphere, with maximum highs reaching 35°C (96°F) and an inviting average of 22°C (72°F). However, the month also sees a cool drop to a minimum of 12°C (53°F) during the cooler nights. Rain is a common feature, as 150 mm (5.9 in) of precipitation falls over approximately 15 days, contributing to a relative humidity of 72%. Visitors and residents alike can expect a mix of sunny days and scattered showers, making it a vibrant yet unpredictable time of year.
In December, Pretoria basks in the warmth of summer, with temperatures showcasing a delightful mix of heat and comfort. The minimum temperature hovers around 12°C (53°F), offering a pleasant start to the day, while the daily average remains steady at 22°C (72°F), making it an inviting time for outdoor activities. As the sun rises higher, the maximum temperature can reach a sizzling 35°C (96°F), embodying the peak of summer warmth. This month represents a slight uptick in temperature from the preceding months, illustrating a transition into the hot season, characterized by clear skies and vibrant sunsets, perfect for enjoying Pretoria's lively atmosphere.
As December rolls in, Pretoria experiences a significant surge in precipitation, making it the wettest month of the year with an impressive 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain over 15 days. This reflects a striking increase from the preceding months, where rainfall is quite sparse—especially in the heart of winter, when July and August barely see any rain at all. The transition from the dry winter months to the vibrant summer season is characterized by a notable uptick in both precipitation amount and frequency of rainy days. December's rainfall not only revitalizes the parched landscape but also sets the stage for the lush greenery that defines Pretoria's summer, illustrating a clear seasonal pattern of increasing precipitation as the year draws to a close.
As December rolls in, Pretoria experiences a notable rise in humidity, reaching 72%—the highest for the year. Following a gradual decline during the cooler months, where humidity dipped to a low of 61% in both June and August, the trend reverses as spring transitions into summer. This increase in moisture is consistent with the warmer temperatures that characterize this season, offering a lushness to the landscape but also indicating a slight discomfort for those sensitive to humidity. The pattern shows a gentle uplift from November's 68%, hinting at the heavy, humid days that often accompany the summer rains, which are just around the corner.
In December, Pretoria experiences an extreme UV Index of 16, matching the intensity seen in January, indicating a peak in sun exposure that requires vigilant sun safety measures. With a burn time of only 10 minutes, locals and visitors alike should be prepared to protect their skin against harmful rays. This month marks the culmination of a trend seen throughout the year, where high UV levels dominate in the summer months, particularly from September through December, emphasizing the importance of staying sun-smart during these peak periods. As the year wraps up, ensuring proper sun protection is vital; for more details, visit Pretoria UV Index.
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December in Pretoria, South Africa, shines brightly with an impressive 374 hours of sunlight, tying with November as one of the sunniest months of the year. This splendid light is a part of a broader trend that sees the region basking in sunshine throughout the summer months, with hours steadily increasing from the cooler winter days of June, which records 299 hours. As the year progresses, sunny days in Pretoria become more abundant, peaking in October with 364 hours and maintaining this vibrant energy into December. This consistent increase in sunlight creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that is perfect for outdoor activities and celebrating the festive season under the South African sun.
In December, Pretoria experiences a 41% chance of sunny weather, a noticeable drop compared to the preceding months. As the year winds down, the likelihood of clear skies isn't as high as the peak seen in the middle of the year, particularly from July's impressive 94% to June's 85%. This decline highlights a seasonal transition; while December still offers opportunities for sun, it's a reminder that the summer rains are lurking around the corner. Thus, visitors and locals alike should prepare for a mix of sunshine and potential showers as they enjoy the festive month.
In Pretoria, South Africa, the December daylight duration shines brightly with an impressive 13 hours of sunlight, mirroring the previous month’s offerings. As the year progresses from the peak of summer in January, where daylight stretches equally at 13 hours, there’s a gradual decrease into the autumn months, dipping to 10 hours by June through July. However, as spring approaches in August, daylight begins to rebound, gradually climbing back to 12 hours in October before hitting the seasonal max again in November and December. This cyclical pattern not only defines the rhythm of the seasons but also highlights Pretoria's allure in summer when longer days invite vibrant outdoor activities and explorations.
As December wraps up the year in Pretoria, the winds remain gentle yet consistent, with an average speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph). This slight dip from the brief gusts experienced in November, where winds reached 3.8 m/s (9 mph), reflects a calming trend as summer approaches. While the summer months generally showcase a gradual increase in wind speeds, December maintains a comfortable breeze that complements the city's warm, vibrant atmosphere. Notably, the transition from the cooler winter breeze of April's 2.4 m/s (5 mph) to the mild December winds illustrates how Pretoria gracefully shifts into its summer season, offering residents and visitors a delightful balance of warmth and refreshing air.
Weather in Pretoria varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Pretoria, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather in Pretoria typically features temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 22°C (72°F). The month sees significant rainfall, totaling around 150 mm (5.9 in) over approximately 15 days, resulting in a humidity level of 72%.
January, on the other hand, offers slightly cooler nights with minimum temperatures dropping to 11°C (52°F) and a marginally warmer maximum of 36°C (97°F). Rainfall decreases to 108 mm (4.3 in) over 11 days, and humidity drops slightly to 70%. For a more in-depth look at January's weather patterns, you can visit Pretoria weather in January.
December and February exhibit a relatively similar range of temperatures in Pretoria, with December experiencing slight extremes at a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F), compared to February's slightly warmer minimum of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). Both months have an average temperature of 22°C (72°F), but December sees higher precipitation at 150 mm (5.9 in) over 15 days, while February experiences slightly less rain at 123 mm (4.8 in) over 14 days. Additionally, February benefits from lower humidity levels at 65%, compared to December's 72%, making it feel a bit more comfortable. For more detailed insights, check Pretoria weather in February.
In December, weather conditions are generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average temperature of 22°C (72°F). This month also experiences a higher level of precipitation, totaling 150 mm (5.9 in) across approximately 15 rainy days, contributing to a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, March offers slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation in March is significantly lower at 64 mm (2.5 in) over just 7 days, resulting in a drier climate with humidity at 64%. For more details on the weather in March, see the following link: Pretoria weather in March.
In December, the weather is generally warmer and more humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, with about 150 mm (5.9 in) of precipitation spread over 15 days, resulting in a higher humidity level of 72%.
In contrast, April experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Rainfall is relatively low at 48 mm (1.9 in), occurring over just 8 days, and the humidity level decreases to 63%. For more detailed insights on April weather, check out Pretoria weather in April.
In December, the weather is notably warmer with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, with approximately 150 mm (5.9 in) of precipitation spread over 15 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 72%. In contrast, May's climate is much cooler, characterized by temperatures that range from a chilly 2°C (36°F) to a mild 28°C (84°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation drops drastically to just 13 mm (0.5 in) over only one day, and humidity is lower at 64%. For more detailed information about May weather, you can visit Pretoria weather in May.
December weather in Pretoria is characterized by significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and highs reaching up to 35°C (96°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, averaging around 150 mm (5.9 in) across approximately 15 days, coupled with a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, June brings a much cooler climate, featuring a minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is minimal in June, with only about 5 mm (0.2 in) recorded on no rainy days, and humidity levels drop to 61%. For more detailed information, you can check Pretoria weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather patterns. December boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and an average high reaching 35°C (96°F), while experiencing 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain over approximately 15 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere at 72%. In contrast, July features much cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average high of just 26°C (79°F). Additionally, July is extremely dry, recording only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over the month, and experiences no rainy days, with humidity around 64%. For those interested in more details about this month's climate, check out Pretoria weather in July.
December and August present two starkly different climates. In December, temperatures range from a mild 12°C (53°F) at night to a sweltering 35°C (96°F) during the day, with an average of 22°C (72°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, with 150 mm (5.9 in) distributed across 15 days and humidity levels around 72%. In contrast, August offers a much cooler experience, featuring temperatures that drop to a chilly 1°C (35°F) at night and peak at 29°C (85°F) during the day, with a more comfortable average of 16°C (61°F). Remarkably, August experiences minimal rainfall, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) recorded over the entire month and zero days of precipitation, as well as lower humidity levels at 61%. For a detailed look at August's weather, check out Pretoria weather in August.
In December, the weather features a broad range of temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F), averaging 22°C (72°F), and peaking at 35°C (96°F). The month is quite humid at 72% and experiences significant rainfall with about 150 mm (5.9 in) spread over 15 days. In contrast, September presents a cooler climate, with a minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F), an average of 19°C (67°F), and a maximum similar to December at 35°C (95°F). This month is much drier, with only 7 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just 2 days and a lower humidity level of 65%. For more detailed information, you can explore Pretoria weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, we see noticeable differences in temperature and precipitation. December typically experiences a minimum temperature of 12°C (53°F) and averages around 22°C (72°F), peaking at 35°C (96°F), with higher humidity levels at 72%. In contrast, October has a cooler minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F), and while the average is close at 21°C (69°F), it reaches a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; December receives about 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain over 15 days, while October has a much lighter rainfall of 54 mm (2.1 in) over just 7 days. For more details, check out Pretoria weather in October.
In comparing the weather between December and November, December generally sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) compared to November's 7°C (45°F). Both months have the same average high of 35°C (95°F), but December tends to be slightly more humid at 72% compared to November's 68%. Notably, December experiences more rainfall, with 150 mm (5.9 in) over 15 days, while November has just 82 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days. For more detailed insights on November weather, you can view Pretoria weather in November.
As December unfolds in Pretoria, the weather transforms into a vibrant summer ambiance that sets it apart from other months. With warm maximum temperatures averaging around 35°C, the city becomes a lively hub, contrasting sharply with the cooler months of winter. The average temperature of 22°C provides a pleasant warmth, while the nights can offer a refreshing coolness. December also sees a considerable increase in precipitation, with around 15 days of rain contributing to a humidity level of 72%. This combination of heat and humidity creates a distinctly tropical feel, making it a unique month for enjoying the outdoors. For further insights into the climate, visit Pretoria Climate.