Things to Do in Pretoria in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Pretoria
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Jacarandas keep scattering purple petals into early December, those last two weeks hand you Pretoria's famous purple carpet minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
- + December lands between exam season and peak holiday traffic, so the students have vanished while families haven't shown up, Union Buildings gardens feel almost deserted at 4 PM.
- + The afternoon storms scrub the air and knock temperatures down 5-6 °C (9-11 °F) for golden-hour photography, good for the Voortrekker Monument at 6 PM.
- + Restaurant patios stay lit until 9 PM thanks to the long summer twilight, you'll spot locals nursing bottles of South African Chenin Blanc at Hazelwood's open-air wine bars.
- − Thunderstorms crash in around 3 PM and linger for 45 minutes, get caught between Freedom Park and the city center without an umbrella and you'll be drenched.
- − UV index climbs to 8 by 10 AM, enough to burn unprotected skin in 20 minutes, the granite steps around the Union Buildings bounce light like mirrors.
- − December 16th is a public holiday (Day of Reconciliation), museums shut and the roads to Hartbeespoort Dam turn into parking lots.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December's afternoon storms sculpt dramatic clouds around the granite monolith, the finest shots come right after the rain stops while the monument steams in the heat. Early tours (starting 8 AM) dodge both heat and crowds, and the sun strikes the east face well. The marble friezes inside stay cool even when it's 29 °C (84 °F) outside.
The last jacarandas tumble in early December, forming purple tunnels along Celliers Street and in Sunnyside. Morning light (7-9 AM) gives the sharpest contrast against the remaining purple blossoms, and temperatures sit comfortably at 19 °C (66 °F). Walks begin at the University of Pretoria's main gate where 70-year-old jacarandas still shed petals.
December water temperatures reach 24 °C (75 °F), warm enough for a swim yet cool enough to escape the 29 °C (84 °F) air. Afternoon storms sweep over the Magaliesberg mountains, painting spectacular backdrops for kayaking. Morning sessions (8 AM-11 AM) deliver glass-flat water before the afternoon winds stir it up.
The conservatory's rainforest section hits 85 % humidity in December, feeling like Durban despite lying 600 km (373 miles) inland. The afternoon storms amplify the tropical mood, you'll hear rain drumming the glass roof while orchids bloom overhead. The gardens stay open until 6 PM in December, giving you time to dry off after the 3 PM storms.
December's storms clear by 5 PM, leaving air crisp enough to see 50 km (31 miles) across the Magaliesberg range. The park's elevated perch catches cool breezes that never reach downtown, making the 400-step climb tolerable even at 27 °C (81 °F). African sunsets stretch until 7:30 PM in December.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Hazelwood's outdoor market runs the first three weekends of December, mixing purple jacaranda blossoms with holiday shopping under string lights. Local artisans hawk everything from wire-woven giraffes to Rooibos tea blends while food trucks dish out biltong and craft beer. The market stays open until 9 PM thanks to December's long twilight.
December 16th brings cultural performances to Freedom Park and the Union Buildings lawns. Traditional dances, drum circles, and braai (BBQ) competitions spill across Pretoria's parks. The city center closes to traffic, creating pedestrian zones between Church Square and the State Theatre.
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Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Book Experiences in Pretoria
Top-rated things to do in Pretoria this December
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