Country Overview For South Africa
The climate in South Africa is typically mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights. The terrain: vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain. For Pretoria in January the daily average maximum temperatures is 29°C with the average minimum 15°C, while in June the average maximum is 20°C with a minimum of 1°C. The wettest month for Pretoria is December with an average of 112.1mm of precipitation falling while the driest month is July with 1.5mm falling.
HISTORICAL MONTHLY AVERAGES FOR DECEMBER
The information presented below gives detailed historical monthly average weather conditions along with exceptional weather occurrences. To maintain relevance to current weather trends the displayed information has been calculated using data collected over the past two decades. The climate profile is taken from closest available data source to Moses Mabhida Stadium Durban.
Temperature
Throughout the month of December daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 28°C that's about 82°F. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 19°C, that's 66°F.
In recent times the highest recorded temperature in December has been 38°C that's 100°F, with the lowest recorded temperature 12°C, about 54°F.
Relative Humidity
The average daily relative humidity for December is around 79%.
Heat Index
The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to actual air temperature. From this a comfort level is calculated providing categories on how heat conditions might adversely affect someone.
Comfort Levels: Given average maximum temperatures and humidity levels caution is advised. Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity for those in high risk groups of possible heat disorders (see heat index for more information).
Precipitation
The average monthly amount of precipitation has been recorded at around 101 mm, that's 4 inches.
Estimated Hours of Sunshine per Day
We calculate sunshine hours per day using our past forecast data. For December expect the sun to shine for an average of 6 hours per day. This represents the average number of hours in the daytime that the sun is visible and not obscured by cloud e.g. the average number of hours the sun is actually out and shining. Note we calculate hours of sunshine per day using our past forecast data, not observation data, thus it is an estimate and not actual.
Wind
The average daily wind speed in December has been around 9 km/h, that’s the equivalent to about 5 mph, or 5 knots. In recent years the maximum sustained wind speed has reached 39 km/h, that’s the equivalent of around 24 mph, or 21 knots.
Fog
On average the month of December is not affected by foggy conditions.
SWIMMING AND WATER TEMPERATURE
The temperature of water an individual will feel comfortable in is very much personal preference. What feels unbearably cold to one person for a swim might be fine for another. We have created our own Swimming Water Temperature Index offering a guide to water temperature and comfort levels for swimming;
In December, for the nearest coastal location, the temperature of the sea averages around 24°C, that's 75° Fahrenheit. Our index indicates for swimming this is considered warm and would be enjoyed by all, even those who are more likely to suggest the water was ‘too cold’ for a swim.
YEARLY TRENDS: WEATHER AVERAGES & EXTREMES
The following charts show yearly weather trends with information on monthly weather averages and extremes.
Temperature
The chart below plots the average high and low temperature for each month of the year. It also shows the maximum and minimum recorded temperatures.
Precipitation Amount
The chart below plots the average monthly precipitation amount.
Wind Speed
The chart below plots the average daily wind speed you can expect for any month. It also shows the maximum recorded sustained wind speed for each month.