Last updated: August 31, 2025
December in Potchefstroom, South Africa, is characterized by hot temperatures and a moderate level of humidity, with an average temperature soaring to 22°C (73°F). The month witnesses maximum highs reaching 37°C (100°F), while evening lows dip to a comfortable 11°C (53°F). Frequent rainfall occurs throughout December, contributing an average of 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 17 days. This blend of heat and moisture emphasizes the vibrant summer climate, making Potchefstroom an intriguing destination for those seeking to experience the lively atmosphere of the region during this time.
In Potchefstroom, South Africa, December heralds the peak of summer, bringing with it warm and inviting temperatures. With minimums sitting around 11°C (53°F) and averages reaching 22°C (73°F), the month is characterized by pleasant daytime conditions. However, it’s the high of 37°C (100°F) that captures attention, signaling a time for sun-soaked activities and vibrant outdoor gatherings. As the year winds down, December stands out as a month of warmth, showcasing a consistent warming trend that peaks before transitioning into the cooler months of January and February. This soothing atmosphere sets the stage for memorable summer days, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
December marks a significant increase in precipitation in Potchefstroom, South Africa, with an impressive 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain recorded over 17 days. This surge is a notable end-of-year contrast to the drier months leading up to it, where rainfall dwindled to as little as 3 mm (0.1 in) during the winter months of July and August. As the rainy season peaks, December not only brings the highest precipitation amounts for the year but also heralds the transition into a milder climate, setting the stage for a vibrant summer ahead. With rainfall nearly doubling from November’s 80 mm (3.1 in), December exemplifies Potchefstroom's role in the seasonal shift, refreshing the landscape and replenishing local waterways.
In December, Potchefstroom experiences a moderate level of humidity at 67%, marking a slight increase from the drier months of October and November. This uptick is part of a broader trend as humidity levels generally rise in the latter part of the year, climbing from a low of 54% in October to peak at 75% in April. While the early months of the year, particularly March, showcase higher humidity figures reaching 74%, the summer transition brings a rise in moisture, albeit less intense compared to previous months. Overall, December’s humidity fits into a gradual pattern of increasing moisture, providing a fresh and comfortable atmosphere as the year comes to a close.
In Potchefstroom, South Africa, the UV Index reaches its peak during the summer months, with December standing out at an extreme 16. This trend of intense UV exposure emphasizes the necessity for sun safety measures, as the burn time remains critically short at just 10 minutes. Following December, January and February maintain similarly extreme levels, showcasing the region's consistent exposure to high UV radiation. As the year progresses into April, there's a slight reduction to an 11, yet the danger remains high. By May, the Index dips to 7, transitioning to a high exposure category with a slightly longer burn time of 25 minutes. This pattern demonstrates how the months of summer result in the most severe UV conditions, indicating that residents and visitors alike should stay vigilant in protecting their skin. To learn more about the UV Index throughout the year, visit Potchefstroom UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As the year draws to a close, December in Potchefstroom, South Africa, shines brightly with an impressive 387 hours of sunshine—the highest recorded for the year. This month exemplifies a trend of increasing daylight, following the gradual ascent from 314 hours in January to peaks in late spring and early summer. The sunny disposition of December marks a crescendo of warmth and light, as it builds from the consistent illumination observed in the previous months. Notably, this month outshines its predecessors, reflecting a lively jump from 379 hours in November, and hints at Potchefstroom's undeniable allure as the festive season approaches, inviting both locals and visitors to bask in its vibrant sunlight.
As December unfolds in Potchefstroom, South Africa, the likelihood of enjoying sunny days stands at 47%, marking a notable dip from the sun-drenched heights of mid-year months. This month heralds a transition, with the chance of sunshine significantly lower than the peak periods from July (97%) through October (69%). While early summer days may offer a pleasant reprieve from the cooler winter months, they do not quite reach the sunny exuberance of the preceding months. The trend showcases a gradual decline as the year winds down, suggesting that while December can still gift sunny moments, overcast skies become increasingly common as the summer season gains momentum.
In Potchefstroom, South Africa, the daylight duration begins to wane as the year progresses, with January basking in 13 hours of sunlight, setting a bright tone for the year. As February and March unfold, daylight remains steady at 12 hours, before gradually decreasing to 11 hours in April and dropping further to 10 hours during the winter months of May, June, and July. However, with the arrival of spring in August, daylight inches back up to 11 hours, regaining some vigor. This upward trend continues through September and October, which both enjoy 12 hours of daylight, before reaching the peak once again in November and December, where sunlight stretches back to a comforting 13 hours. Overall, this cyclical pattern reflects Potchefstroom's distinct seasonal shifts, where the daylight ebbs and flows, creating a rhythmic balance throughout the year.
As December rolls into Potchefstroom, the average wind speed picks up to 3.6 m/s (8 mph), providing a refreshing breeze that contrasts with the heat of summer. This uptick is significant when viewed in context; following a gradual increase from the calmer months of April and May, winds tend to strengthen as the year progresses. Notably, November boasts the highest gusts of the year at 4.4 m/s (10 mph), setting a spirited tone for December. This transition not only marks a shift in atmospheric energy but also hints at the invigorating weather patterns that characterize South Africa's early summer. Overall, December's winds blend the remnants of spring's gentleness with the robust gusts that herald the sunny days ahead.
Weather in Potchefstroom varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Potchefstroom, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather patterns of December and January, we see that both months experience similar temperature ranges, with December averaging 22°C (73°F) and January slightly warmer at 23°C (73°F). The maximum temperatures are almost identical, peaking at 37°C (100°F) in December and 37°C (99°F) in January. Precipitation levels show a slight decrease from December's 124 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days to January's 109 mm (4.3 in) over just 12 days, indicating a marginally drier month. Additionally, humidity levels rise slightly from 67% in December to 71% in January. For more detailed information, you can check out the Potchefstroom weather in January.
December and February in the region offer quite different yet comparable weather experiences. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (100°F), with an average temperature of 22°C (73°F). The month sees 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 17 days, coupled with a humidity level of 67%. In contrast, February boasts slightly higher minimum temperatures, starting at 12°C (54°F) and reaching a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with a similar average of 22°C (72°F). The month is drier, with 110 mm (4.3 in) of rainfall over just 13 days and a marginally higher humidity level of 70%. For more details, check out the Potchefstroom weather in February.
When comparing the weather in December and March, December tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures reaching 22°C (73°F) and maximum highs of 37°C (100°F). In contrast, March has slightly cooler temperatures, averaging 21°C (70°F) with a maximum of 33°C (93°F). December also experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 124 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days, compared to March's 52 mm (2.1 in) over just 7 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with March being slightly more humid at 74% compared to December's 67%. For a deeper look into the specifics of March weather, you can explore Potchefstroom weather in March.
In December, the weather is considerably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 37°C (100°F). The month experiences an average temperature of 22°C (73°F) and sees significant rainfall, with about 124 mm (4.9 in) spread over 17 days, resulting in a humidity level of 67%. In contrast, April presents a cooler climate, where temperatures range from a low of 3°C (38°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). April is also drier, with only 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days and a slightly higher humidity of 75%. For more details on April weather specifically, visit Potchefstroom weather in April.
December and May showcase starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures soar with a minimum of 11°C (53°F), averaging a warm 22°C (73°F), and reaching scorching highs of 37°C (100°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, with precipitation of 124 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days, contributing to a humidity level of 67%. In contrast, May experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). The precipitation is significantly lower at just 8 mm (0.3 in) over a solitary day, with a slightly higher humidity level of 70%. For a detailed overview of May weather, visit Potchefstroom weather in May.
December and June present starkly contrasting weather patterns. December boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and an average high of 37°C (100°F), while experiencing significant precipitation of 124 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere at 67%. In contrast, June is marked by a cooler climate, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and an average maximum of 28°C (82°F). This month sees a dramatic decrease in precipitation, totaling only 7 mm (0.3 in) across just 1 day and a slightly lower humidity of 65%. For more specifics on the June weather, check out Potchefstroom weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. December boasts warm temperatures, with minimums around 11°C (53°F) and highs soaring up to 37°C (100°F), combined with significant precipitation of 124 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days and humidity levels at 67%. In contrast, July experiences much cooler temperatures, with lows dipping to -5°C (24°F) and averages around 11°C (51°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). Moreover, July is notably dry, receiving only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation on no days, alongside a lower humidity level of 59%. For more details, you can check Potchefstroom weather in July.
In December, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and an average high reaching up to 37°C (100°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) across approximately 17 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 67%. In stark contrast, August boasts much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and an average high of 29°C (85°F). Remarkably, August sees minimal rainfall, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) recorded over the month and no days of precipitation, leading to a lower humidity of 56%. For more detailed information on August weather, visit Potchefstroom weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, it’s clear that December is significantly warmer and wetter. December experiences temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 37°C (100°F), with an average of 22°C (73°F). In contrast, September has much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 19°C (66°F). Additionally, December sees a considerable amount of precipitation at 124 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days, while September is notably drier, receiving just 6 mm (0.2 in) over a single day. Humidity also differs, with December at 67% compared to September's 56%. For more detailed weather information, check out Potchefstroom weather in September.
In comparing December and October weather, December tends to be significantly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 37°C (100°F), while October has cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Additionally, December experiences much higher precipitation levels, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days, compared to October's 44 mm (1.7 in) across just 6 days. The humidity also rises in December to 67%, while October maintains a more comfortable level at 54%. For a more detailed look at October’s climate, visit Potchefstroom weather in October.
In comparing the weather patterns of November and December, December presents notably higher minimum and maximum temperatures, with lows of 11°C and highs reaching 37°C. In contrast, November's temperatures are cooler, starting at a minimum of 5°C and peaking at 36°C. Both months share a similar average temperature of around 22°C, but December experiences significantly more rainfall, accumulating 124 mm over 17 days compared to November's 80 mm over 11 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level of 67%, compared to November's 59%. For more detailed information on November weather, check out Potchefstroom weather in November.
December in Potchefstroom is marked by hot days and mild nights, creating a vibrant summer atmosphere that stands in contrast to the cooler months. With higher humidity levels and a notable increase in rainfall, it’s a time when the landscape flourishes, bringing a refreshing greenery to the region. While December enjoys warm temperatures perfect for outdoor activities, the frequent rain showers serve as a reminder of the dynamic weather patterns typical of summer. For those looking to explore the unique climatic essence of Potchefstroom, additional insights can be found at Potchefstroom Climate.