December Holidays 2027
Your Complete Guide to the South African Summer Break
Holiday Starts
11 December 2027
Holiday Ends
12 January 2028
Total Days
33 days
The December 2027 holidays mark the end of the school year and the beginning of the festive season. This five-week summer break is the perfect time for family holidays, with warm weather and several public holidays.
School Calendar Context
Term 4 ends
10 December 2027
Next term starts
13 January 2028
Public Holidays During This Period
Key Dates
Term 4 ends on 10 December 2027. Note that Day of Goodwill falls on a Sunday and will be observed on Monday 27 December. Term 1 of 2028 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
- Plan and book by September for best availability
- Alternative destinations like the Wild Coast offer value
- Consider road trip routes avoiding major highways
- Air travel prices peak from 15 December - fly early or late
Things To Do
- Summer festivals and concerts across major cities
- Beach holidays - peak swimming and surfing season
- Outdoor adventure activities in cooler mountain areas
- Cricket matches and sports events
- End-of-year celebrations and fireworks
Budget Tips
Current Fuel Prices (April 2026)
Source: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
- Last-minute deals emerge after 26 December
- Consider camping for affordable family holidays
- Share accommodation costs with extended family
- Cook at home using holiday markets and farm stalls