Last updated: August 31, 2025
December in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, making it a vibrant time in the region. With a maximum temperature soaring to 36°C (97°F) and an average of 22°C (71°F), the weather provides a balmy backdrop for outdoor adventures. However, this warmth comes with frequent rain, as the area experiences 132 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation over the month, spread across 18 days. The atmosphere is often humid, with levels reaching 86%, contributing to a lush, green landscape that enhances the region's natural beauty. Visitors can expect a mix of sunny days and refreshing showers, which define the unique charm of Mpumalanga in December.
In December, Mpumalanga, South Africa experiences a delightful warm-up as summer takes hold. With minimum temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and average highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F), the month encapsulates the essence of the southern summer. The consistently mild average of 22°C (71°F) invites outdoor adventures, whether exploring the breathtaking landscapes or enjoying the vibrant local culture. As the region transitions from the cooler months, December offers a pleasant blend of warmth and sunshine, making it a perfect time for experiencing the natural beauty and diverse wildlife that Mpumalanga is renowned for.
In December, Mpumalanga experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) of rainfall over 18 days, making it one of the wettest months of the year. This increase reflects a consistent trend from the preceding months, particularly November, which also saw considerable rainfall at 123 mm (4.9 in). The festive season is often marked by lush greenery and vibrant landscapes, thanks to the moisture provided by December's rains. This month’s precipitation marks a seasonal shift as the region transitions from the drier winter months, characterized by minimal rainfall, into the more lush and verdant summer season. Such weather conditions not only enhance the beauty of Mpumalanga but also play a crucial role in supporting local agriculture and biodiversity.
In Mpumalanga, South Africa, December marks a continuation of high humidity levels, averaging 86%. This figure aligns closely with the region's late spring and summer conditions, where humidity peaks significantly. Interestingly, from January through April, the humidity remains consistently elevated at 86%, contributing to the lush, vibrant landscapes typical of this period. Following a brief dip in June and July, where humidity levels fall to 80%, the trend kicks back up again towards the end of the year. November sees a slight increase to 87%, further confirming the late-year humidity surge, before settling at 86% in December. This rhythm of moisture throughout the year emphasizes Mpumalanga's tropical climate, making it a destination rich in biodiversity and life.
December in Mpumalanga, South Africa marks an intense peak in the UV Index, soaring to 15 and categorizing exposure as extreme. Residents and visitors should take particular care, as the rapid increase in UV intensity is a notable trend from earlier months. Following a consistent pattern of extremely high levels from October to November, December's blistering sun reduces burn time to just 10 minutes. This trend underscores the importance of sun safety, as the region experiences an overall elevation in UV levels during these summer months. For comprehensive details on monthly variations, check the Mpumalanga UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As December unfolds in Mpumalanga, South Africa, it brings with it an impressive 353 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. Following a trend of brightening days, the sunlight gradually intensifies from 291 hours in January to a peak in December, showcasing an overall upward trajectory as the year progresses. This sunny pattern is particularly striking compared to the winter months, with June at its lowest with just 285 hours. The sunny showcases of November and October, both at 330 hours, hint at the vibrant growth as summer approaches its zenith. The steady increase of daylight hours through the final months not only enhances the region's natural beauty but also sets the stage for festive celebrations under a glorious sun-kissed sky.
In Mpumalanga, South Africa, December presents a notable decline in sunny weather probabilities, with only a 21% chance of sunshine compared to the higher rates of the preceding months. This trend showcases a gradual increase in sunlit days from the cooler months, peaking in July at 86%, before tapering off toward the end of the year. Interestingly, while the winter months boast impressive sunshine, the warmth of December is overshadowed by a diminished likelihood of clear skies, fitting into a broader seasonal pattern where sunshine is scarce as the year draws to a close. With January and February both slightly higher than December but still low, it indicates a shift from the ample summer sun the region enjoys in the earlier months.
In December, Mpumalanga basks in 14 hours of daylight, marking the peak of its summer season. This generous sunlight is a vibrant contrast to the shorter days experienced earlier in the year, particularly from April to July, when daylight dwindles down to just 10 hours. As the months progress toward the end of the year, daylight gradually increases, climbing from 11 hours in August to a delightful 13 hours in November. This seasonal shift not only enhances the beauty of the region but also invites outdoor activities, celebrating the warm, sun-kissed days of summer.
As December arrives in Mpumalanga, the wind begins to dance at an average speed of 2.9 m/s (7 mph), echoing the gentle breezes of earlier months. This consistency marks a slight drop from the steadily increasing speeds observed in the preceding months, peaking in November at 3.4 m/s (8 mph). The winter transition brings a slight calmness after a progressive rise throughout the spring and early summer. Overall, the December winds create a soothing backdrop to this vibrant region, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the warm, sunny days alongside the occasional refreshing gusts.
Weather in Mpumalanga varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Mpumalanga, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather is characterized by higher temperatures, with an average of 22°C (71°F) and maximums reaching up to 36°C (97°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, and a humidity level of 86%. In contrast, January sees slightly milder temperatures, with an average of 23°C (73°F) and maximums around 35°C (96°F). The precipitation decreases to 80 mm (3.1 in) over 13 days, resulting in a slightly drier month with a humidity level of 85%. This shift in weather marks January as a transition into a period of lighter rainfall compared to December. For more detailed insights, check out Mpumalanga weather in January.
December and February exhibit relatively similar weather patterns, with both months experiencing warm temperatures and high humidity. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 22°C (71°F) and total rainfall of 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days. In comparison, February sees slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 16°C (60°F), an average of 23°C (74°F), and a maximum of 36°C (96°F). Precipitation is slightly higher at 136 mm (5.4 in) over 16 days, maintaining the 86% humidity level. For more specific details about February weather, visit Mpumalanga weather in February.
In December, the weather is typically warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), while March features slightly cooler temperatures, with a range of 15°C (59°F) to 34°C (93°F). Both months experience high humidity levels of 86%, contributing to a tropical feel. December sees more precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, compared to March, which records 83 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days. For more details, you can check Mpumalanga weather in March.
In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 22°C (71°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, accumulating 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, and maintains a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, April sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and the same maximum of 36°C (97°F), resulting in an average of 20°C (69°F). Precipitation is lower during April, at 84 mm (3.3 in) over just 11 days, while the humidity remains constant at 86%. For more detailed information, check out Mpumalanga weather in April.
In December, the weather is typically warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 22°C (71°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere with 86% humidity. In contrast, May sees cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). The precipitation level drops significantly to 64 mm (2.5 in) across just 6 days, while the humidity remains the same at 86%. For more detailed information, you can check Mpumalanga weather in May.
In December, the weather is significantly warmer than in June, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), and an average of 22°C (71°F). The month also experiences higher humidity at 86%, alongside considerable precipitation of 132 mm (5.2 in) spread over 18 days. In contrast, June sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). June is much drier, with only 16 mm (0.6 in) of rainfall over just 3 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 80%. For more detailed insights into June weather, you can explore Mpumalanga weather in June.
Comparing the weather between December and July reveals significant contrasts in temperature and precipitation. December boasts a warmer climate, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), accompanied by considerable humidity at 86%. In contrast, July presents a much cooler atmosphere, marked by temperatures that dip to a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and peak at 31°C (87°F), averaging around 16°C (60°F). Additionally, July experiences much lower precipitation, receiving just 11 mm (0.4 in) over three days compared to December's 132 mm (5.2 in) spread over 18 days. For more information, you can view the detailed analysis here: Mpumalanga weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, December emerges as a notably warmer and more humid month. With temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) and average humidity at 86%, December experiences a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over around 18 days. In contrast, August offers cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), along with lower humidity at 79%. Additionally, August sees much less rainfall, contributing only 38 mm (1.5 in) over about 8 days. For more details on the weather in August, you can visit Mpumalanga weather in August.
December weather is characterized by warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and a maximum reaching up to 36°C (97°F), averaging 22°C (71°F). In contrast, September temperatures are cooler, ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 38°C (100°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). While December experiences higher humidity at 86% and more precipitation with 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, September has relatively lower precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) over 10 days, with humidity remaining closely comparable at 85%. For a detailed look at September's climate, you can refer to Mpumalanga weather in September.
December weather generally exhibits warmer temperatures compared to October, with average highs reaching 36°C (97°F) in December versus 38°C (100°F) in October. However, December’s minimum temperature hovers higher at 14°C (57°F) compared to October's 10°C (50°F). Both months share an identical humidity level of 86%, but December sees significantly more rainfall, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, while October experiences a lighter 84 mm (3.3 in) across 12 days. For more details, you can explore Mpumalanga weather in October.
December weather shows a slight increase in temperature compared to November, with minimums of 14°C (57°F) versus 10°C (49°F) and averages of 22°C (71°F) compared to 20°C (68°F). The maximum temperature in December reaches 36°C (97°F), just above November's 35°C (95°F). Precipitation also rises slightly, with December receiving 132 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, surpassing November's 123 mm (4.9 in) over 16 days. Interestingly, humidity remains quite high in both months, with December at 86% and November at 87%. For a more detailed look at November's weather, you can visit Mpumalanga weather in November.
December in Mpumalanga brings a notable shift in weather patterns, characterized by higher temperatures and increased humidity compared to other months. With a maximum reaching 36°C (97°F) and an average hovering around 22°C (71°F), the warmth is accompanied by frequent afternoon thunderstorms resulting in 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain over approximately 18 days. This transition enhances the region's lush landscapes, making it a vibrant time for nature enthusiasts. However, the heightened humidity of 86% can make the air feel more oppressive, setting December apart from the drier months of the year. For more insights on the nuances of Mpumalanga's climate, visit Mpumalanga Climate.