December Holidays 2026
Your Complete Guide to the South African Summer Break
Holiday Starts
12 December 2026
Holiday Ends
12 January 2027
Total Days
32 days
The December holidays are the longest school break of the year in South Africa, spanning about five weeks from mid-December to mid-January. This summer holiday period includes several public holidays and is the peak travel season for South African families.
School Calendar Context
Term 4 ends
11 December 2026
Next term starts
13 January 2027
Public Holidays During This Period
Key Dates
Term 4 ends on 11 December 2026. The holiday period includes Day of Reconciliation (16 December), Christmas Day (25 December), Day of Goodwill (26 December), and New Year's Day (1 January). Term 1 of 2027 begins on 13 January.
Expected Weather
Average conditions for December based on 5-year historical data.
Bloemfontein
28.6°C
Low 15.3°C
Durban
26.7°C
Low 20.1°C
Johannesburg
25.2°C
Low 14.7°C
Cape Town
23.6°C
Low 16°C
Gqeberha
22.8°C
Low 17.8°C
George
21.3°C
Low 14.9°C
Source: Open-Meteo.com (CC-BY 4.0). Averages from 2020–2024 daily data.
Travel Tips
- Book accommodation early - this is peak season with prices at their highest
- Consider the N3 and N1 highways will be congested from mid-December
- Coastal destinations (Durban, Cape Town, Garden Route) are busiest
- Inland destinations like the Drakensberg offer cooler alternatives
- Most businesses close from 24 December to 2 January
Things To Do
- Beach holidays along the KZN coast or Garden Route
- Mountain escapes to the Drakensberg or Magoebaskloof
- Game reserve visits (hot but less crowded than winter)
- Festive season events in major cities
- New Year celebrations at V&A Waterfront or Durban beachfront
Budget Tips
Current Fuel Prices (April 2026)
Source: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
- Travel before 15 December for better rates
- Consider self-catering accommodation to save on meals
- Look for 'shoulder season' deals in the first week of January
- Day trips can be more affordable than overnight stays