Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the vibrant December weather in Durban, South Africa, where temperatures soar with a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and a comfortable average of 23°C (73°F). Nights cool down to a pleasant 16°C (62°F), providing a refreshing respite. However, don't forget your umbrella, as the city sees about 132 mm (5.2 in) of rainfall over approximately 15 days, creating a uniquely humid atmosphere with levels reaching 86%. Whether you’re basking under the sun or enjoying the invigorating coastal air, December in Durban offers a dynamic blend of warmth and moisture.
In December, Durban, South Africa, enjoys a warm and inviting climate as summer settles in. With minimum temperatures averaging around 16°C (62°F), residents and visitors can relish the mild nights. During the day, the average temperature reaches a pleasant 23°C (73°F), perfect for outdoor activities and beach outings. As temperatures peak at about 34°C (94°F), the festive spirit comes alive under the blazing sun, inviting everyone to embrace the vibrant atmosphere. This transition from autumn to summer showcases a distinct trend of rising warmth, making December an ideal time to experience the lush landscapes and lively culture of this coastal city.
In December, Durban experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain over 15 days. This marks a slight decrease from the previous month’s 117 mm, yet still positions December as one of the wetter months of the year. The rainfall is often accompanied by summer storms, which contribute to the lush landscapes and vibrant flora that define the coastal city during this time. As the year draws to a close, the consistent precipitation not only replenishes water sources but also signals the peak of the rainy season, paving the way for a humid and lively summer atmosphere in Durban.
In December, Durban, South Africa, experiences a noticeable continuation of high humidity levels, with an average of 86%. This trend reflects the city's tropical climate, characterized by consistently elevated moisture levels throughout the year. As we move from November’s humidity of 87% into December, the drop is minimal, showcasing the city's humid subtropical nature. Interestingly, while January through May maintain similar humidity levels around 86%, a slight decline occurs in the cooler months of June and July, where humidity dips to 80%. However, as the year wraps up, humidity rises again, creating a consistently warm and moist atmosphere ideal for lush landscapes and vibrant local flora.
In December, Durban, South Africa, experiences one of its highest UV Index ratings at a striking 15, categorizing the exposure as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This marks an upward trend from the previous months, where the UV Index consistently hovered between 9 to 14. As summer peaks, residents and visitors alike should be particularly vigilant about sun protection, given the increased risks of sunburn during this period. It's crucial to stay informed about UV conditions to enjoy the sunshine safely! For more details, check out the Durban UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Durban, South Africa, basks in a splendid 353 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. This remarkable burst of light follows a year of consistent brightness, where monthly hours gradually intensified from 291 hours in January to the peak in December. As summer approaches, each month showcases an upward trend, particularly notable from March onwards, which sees radiant days steadily gaining ground. The city transitions through vibrant autumn into the sun-drenched holidays, inviting locals and tourists alike to revel in the warmth and charm that define this coastal gem. With December being the crowning glory of sunshine, it embodies the allure of a South African summer at its finest.
When looking at the likelihood of sunny weather in December in Durban, South Africa, an intriguing trend emerges. While the summer months of January and February boast chances of sunshine at 30% and 31% respectively, December's likelihood drops to a modest 26%. This decline stands out, especially when contrasted with the more favorable conditions that precede it in the earlier months, such as May at 67% and June at 71%. The transition from the warmer spring months to the summer season seems to indicate that although December typically heralds the start of summer, the chance of clear skies doesn’t mirror this seasonal change, making sunshine less predictable for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors.
In Durban, South Africa, the daylight duration peaks in December with an impressive 14 hours of sunlight, offering extended opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoyment of the beautiful coastline. As the year progresses, daylight gradually decreases from 13 hours in January and February to a low of 10 hours during the winter months of June, July, and August. This pattern of diminishing daylight leads into a steady recovery in the spring, with March and April seeing a gradual increase as the days lengthen once again. By November, daylight returns to 13 hours, setting the stage for the longest days of the year in December, making the festive season even more vibrant in this lively coastal city.
As December rolls in, Durban experiences a gentle shift in its winds, with an average speed of 3.8 m/s (8 mph). This month's breeze is a slight dip compared to the robust winds seen in the preceding months, particularly November, which peaked at 4.4 m/s (10 mph). The trend over the year showcases a gradual increase in wind speeds during late spring and into early summer, reflecting the dynamic weather patterns typical of the region. Yet, December's winds maintain a refreshing quality, perfect for those seeking a serene escape amidst the vibrant coastal environment. As the year winds down, the breezes remain a comforting constant, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of Durban's beaches and the warmth of the summer sun.
Weather in Durban varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Durban, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather is typically warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F). This month sees higher precipitation levels, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 15 days, along with higher humidity at 86%. In contrast, January experiences slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), but it also benefits from significantly less rain, totaling just 69 mm (2.7 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains similar between the two months at 85%. For more detailed insights, check out Durban weather in January.
In December, temperatures in Durban range from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The month also experiences significant precipitation, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) over about 15 days. Humidity remains high at 86%, contributing to a warm and sometimes muggy atmosphere.
In contrast, February sees slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures reaching 18°C (65°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), while the maximum hovers around 34°C (93°F). Rainfall increases to 148 mm (5.8 in), still distributed over approximately 15 days, and humidity continues at 86%. For more detailed insights into February weather patterns, you can visit Durban weather in February.
In December, the weather tends to be warmer and wetter compared to March, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) over about 15 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, March offers slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), while experiencing less precipitation at 86 mm (3.4 in) spread over 12 days. Despite the differences in rainfall and temperature, both months maintain a similar humidity level of 86%. For more detailed information, you can check Durban weather in March.
In comparing the weather between December and April, we see notable differences despite similar humidity levels of 86%. December boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (62°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F), while April has slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F). Additionally, December experiences higher precipitation, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) over 15 rainy days, compared to April's 100 mm (3.9 in) across just 9 days. For more detailed information on weather patterns, you can check Durban weather in April.
In comparing the weather between December and May, December tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), averaging 20°C (68°F). Additionally, December sees more precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) over 15 days, compared to May's 86 mm (3.4 in) over just 6 days. Both months share a high humidity level of 86%, making the air feel quite similar in terms of moisture. For more specific details about the climate, you can check Durban weather in May.
December and June offer distinctly different weather experiences. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F), creating a warm and humid atmosphere with a notable precipitation of 132 mm (5.2 in) over 15 days and humidity levels reaching 86%. In contrast, June presents a cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10°C (50°F) to a high of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). This month sees significantly lower rainfall, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 3 days, and a slightly reduced humidity of 80%. For more detailed information, you can check Durban weather in June.
December and July present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, with 132 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 15 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, July is much cooler, with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 30°C (86°F), and an average of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is minimal, totaling only 14 mm (0.5 in) over 4 days, and humidity levels are slightly lower at 80%. For more details, you can check Durban weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, a clear shift in temperature and conditions is evident. December experiences a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). This month also sees higher humidity levels at 86% and more precipitation, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) spread over 15 rainy days. In contrast, August offers cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 18°C (64°F). This month has significantly less rainfall, totaling just 43 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days, and a lower humidity of 79%. For more details, check out Durban weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, December tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F). In contrast, September features cooler temperatures, with averages between 12°C (54°F) and 36°C (97°F). Despite September having slightly higher maximum temperatures, December experiences notably more rainfall, with precipitation of 132 mm (5.2 in) over 15 days compared to September's 71 mm (2.8 in) over just 9 days. Both months have high humidity levels, with December at 86% and September at 85%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Durban weather in September.
When comparing December and October weather, December tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), while October experiences a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and an average maximum of 35°C (95°F). Notably, both months have similar humidity levels at 86%, contributing to a muggy atmosphere. However, December is characterized by more precipitation, receiving 132 mm (5.2 in) over approximately 15 days, compared to October's 92 mm (3.6 in) across 12 days. For more detailed information, you can visit Durban weather in October.
In December, the weather tends to be warmer compared to November, with average temperatures rising from 21°C (70°F) in November to 23°C (73°F) in December. Additionally, December experiences slightly higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 34°C (94°F), while November's maximum is 33°C (91°F). Precipitation levels in December also increase, reaching 132 mm (5.2 in) over 15 days, compared to November's 117 mm (4.6 in) over the same number of days. Despite the slight drop in humidity from November's 87% to December's 86%, both months are quite humid, reflecting the tropical climate of the region. For more detailed insights into November weather, you can visit Durban weather in November.
As December arrives in Durban, the weather transforms into a vibrant tapestry of warmth and humidity unlike any other month. Daytime temperatures soar to the mid-30s, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for beach outings and outdoor festivities. While the average temperature remains comfortable, the contrast of warm days and cooler nights makes this month distinctive. However, it's essential to be prepared for the occasional rain, with about half the month seeing some precipitation and humidity levels climbing to an impressive 86%. This unique climate not only enhances Durban's charm but also sets the stage for a bustling holiday season. For a more detailed understanding of what to expect, explore further at Durban Climate.