Sydney edges it in December. Sydney averages 18–26°C with very high crowds; Cape Town 16–26°C with high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Sydney and Cape Town
The verdict for December
Peak summer and festive harbour
+Peak summer, beach weather and an incredible festive atmosphere.
–Christmas and New Year create extreme demand, especially around the harbour.
Peak summer, beach weather and an incredible festive atmosphere.
Summer sunshine, peak demand
+Long, warm summer days.
–High demand and expensive accommodation.
December brings warm, generally dry summer weather and long days suited to beaches, outdoor dining and coastal excursions. Visitor demand rises sharply around the festive holiday period, especially toward the end of the month.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month