Things to Do in Johannesburg in December

December Weather in Johannesburg

25°C (77°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

130 mm (5.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Summer season means long daylight hours (sunrise 5:30am, sunset 7:00pm) perfect for extended sightseeing and outdoor activities without rushing
Jacaranda season creates stunning purple canopies throughout the city - Pretoria Street and University of Witwatersrand campus are spectacular for photography
Festive season atmosphere with Christmas markets, outdoor concerts, and extended shopping hours - many venues stay open until 10pm instead of usual 6pm
Afternoon thunderstorms (typically 2pm-4pm) provide natural air conditioning and clear the air, leaving crisp evenings perfect for rooftop dining and outdoor events

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular attractions like Apartheid Museum and Carlton Centre can have 45-60 minute wait times
Afternoon thunderstorms can be intense with lightning - outdoor activities need flexible scheduling and indoor backup plans between 1pm-5pm
High UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection - even 20 minutes of midday exposure can cause burns at Johannesburg's 1,753 m (5,751 ft) altitude

Best Activities in December

Soweto Cultural Township Tours

December brings vibrant street life to Soweto as families celebrate holidays outdoors. The dry summer weather makes walking tours comfortable, and extended daylight hours allow for comprehensive visits to Vilakazi Street, Hector Pieterson Memorial, and local shebeens. Christmas celebrations add authentic cultural experiences you won't find other times of year.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as December demand peaks. Tours typically cost R450-650 ($25-36) and last 4-6 hours. Look for operators including lunch at local taverns. Morning departures (8am-9am) avoid afternoon storms. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cradle of Humankind Cave Explorations

Summer's stable weather conditions make underground cave systems at Sterkfontein and Maropeng ideal for exploration. December's clear skies enhance the 45-minute drive through scenic Magaliesberg. Cool cave temperatures (15°C/59°F year-round) provide relief from December heat, and extended daylight allows for full-day experiences combining multiple archaeological sites.

Booking Tip: Reserve 5-7 days ahead during peak season. Full-day tours cost R850-1200 ($47-67) including transport and guide fees. Morning departures essential to return before afternoon storms. Look for UNESCO-certified guides. Check current availability in booking widget below.

Johannesburg CBD Street Art Walking Tours

December's clear post-storm light creates perfect conditions for photographing the city's street art renaissance. Summer heat makes early morning tours (7am-10am) ideal before crowds arrive. The festive season brings special holiday-themed installations in Maboneng and Arts on Main precincts that only appear during December.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead as walking tours fill quickly in December. Expect R280-420 ($16-23) for 3-hour guided tours. Start early (7am-8am) to beat heat and crowds. Choose tours including rooftop stops for skyline photography. See current options in booking section below.

Gold Reef City Theme Park Adventures

December school holidays bring extended operating hours (9am-9pm vs usual 5pm closure) and special Christmas shows. Summer weather is perfect for outdoor rides, and afternoon thunderstorms usually pass quickly without significant closures. The vintage gold mine tours provide cool underground relief during peak heat hours (11am-2pm).

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential in December - walk-in tickets often sell out by noon. Day passes cost R320-480 ($18-27) with online discounts available. Visit midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) for smaller crowds. Underground mine tours require closed shoes and light jackets.

Lion & Safari Park Day Trips

Summer brings active wildlife as animals are more visible during longer daylight hours. December's green landscape from recent rains creates stunning photography conditions. Morning game drives (6am-9am) and late afternoon sessions (4pm-7pm) avoid midday heat and thunderstorms while catching animals at their most active periods.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead for December availability. Full-day tours cost R950-1,400 ($53-78) including transport and park fees. Choose operators offering both morning and afternoon game drives to maximize wildlife viewing. Self-drive options available for R180-220 per vehicle.

Constitution Hill Historical Tours

December's extended museum hours (9am-6pm instead of 4pm) allow thorough exploration of the Old Fort and Constitutional Court. Clear summer weather enhances the outdoor prison yard experience, while indoor exhibitions provide air-conditioned relief. The festive season often includes special exhibitions about South African democracy and human rights.

Booking Tip: Peak season requires booking 5-7 days ahead. Guided tours cost R120-180 ($7-10) with audio guides available in 11 languages. Start early morning to secure parking and avoid afternoon crowds. Combined tickets with Apartheid Museum save R50-80. Check current tour times in booking widget below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Johannesburg Christmas Market at Mary Fitzgerald Square

Local artisans sell handcrafted goods while live music fills the square nightly. Features traditional South African Christmas foods like boerewors rolls and koeksisters alongside international cuisine. The market runs from sunset until 11pm with fairy lights creating magical atmosphere.

Mid December

Carols by Candlelight at Johannesburg Botanic Garden

Thousands gather on the lawns with picnic blankets and candles for traditional Christmas carols performed by local choirs and orchestras. Food stalls offer traditional South African Christmas treats, and children's activities include face painting and puppet shows.

Late December

New Year's Eve Festival at Sandton Convention Centre

Multi-stage outdoor festival featuring South African musicians, DJs, and performers. Food trucks serve local specialties while craft beer gardens showcase regional breweries. Fireworks display at midnight visible throughout northern Johannesburg suburbs.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - December thunderstorms are intense but brief, typically lasting 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen in 200ml bottles - UV index reaches 8 at Johannesburg's 1,753 m (5,751 ft) altitude, requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity during afternoon hours

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with grip - summer rain makes surfaces slippery, especially around outdoor markets and historical sites

Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces - museums, malls, and restaurants keep temperatures at 18-20°C (64-68°F) year-round

Portable umbrella that fits in daypack - essential for sudden afternoon downpours when exploring outdoor attractions like Constitution Hill

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - essential protection during peak UV hours (10am-3pm) with minimal shade at many historical sites

Power bank and waterproof phone case - extended sightseeing days drain batteries, and sudden storms require device protection

Light scarf or shawl for evening activities - temperatures drop 10-12°C (18-22°F) after sunset, making outdoor dining surprisingly cool

Insect repellent containing DEET - summer rains increase mosquito activity, especially in garden areas and outdoor markets after 6pm

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Sandton or Rosebank rather than city center - these areas have reliable power backup during December's frequent thunderstorms and better security for tourists

Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt exclusively after dark - December's extended daylight makes walking safe until 7pm, but avoid public transport and walking after sunset regardless of area

Most local businesses close December 26-January 2 except tourism operators - book essential services like airport transfers and restaurant reservations before December 24th to avoid disappointment

Afternoon thunderstorms typically start in western suburbs (Roodepoort) around 1pm and move east - track weather radar to time outdoor activities in different areas of the city

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon thunderstorm intensity - tourists often get caught without waterproof gear during 30-45 minute downpours that can flood streets temporarily

Not booking accommodations early enough - prices increase 40-60% in December and quality options sell out by November, leaving expensive last-minute choices

Planning outdoor activities during peak UV hours (11am-2pm) without adequate sun protection - altitude intensifies sun exposure causing burns within 20 minutes