Is December a good time for surfing at Wilderness?
December is one of the best months for surfing at Wilderness. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 0.9 m, water 21°C (3/2 wetsuit), air 23°C.
Plan your trip to WildernessEvery month at a glance, daily wind and waves from years of weather statistics, photos, videos and local tips.Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 0.9 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 21°C, 3/2 wetsuit
- Air: 23°C by day, 16°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 29 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 12; a day can have both
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 5 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in December
Within 1,500 km, ranked by wave height and, a little, warm water.
Other surfing spots in South Africa in December →Where to go surfing in December →Questions
Is December a good time for surfing at Wilderness?
December is one of the best months for surfing at Wilderness. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 0.9 m, water 21°C (3/2 wetsuit), air 23°C.
How warm is the water at Wilderness in December?
About 21°C: 3/2 wetsuit.
How big are the waves at Wilderness in December?
About 0.9 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Wilderness in December?
Around 23°C by day and 16°C at night; sun (6+ hours) on about 29 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 12; a day can have both.
Where else can I go surfing in December?
Within 1,500 km: Victoria Bay (2.4 m waves), Durban (1.8 m waves) & Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes (2.8 m waves).
Read more
Jeffreys Bay surf guide: Supertubes, the season and what to expect5 min read
Which wetsuit do you need? Water temperature at popular spots, month by month2 min read