Surfing in South Africa in December
In December the best surfing in South Africa is at Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes, Cape St Francis & Bloubergstrand.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 2.3 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 14–24°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 14–15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 18°C; 3/2 wetsuit at 20–21°C; shorty at 24°C
- Air: 25°C by day, 17°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 29 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 8; a day can have both
- For beginners: Muizenberg & Durban.
When are you planning to go?
1
DecGOOD
Supertubes
Jeffreys Bay · South Africa
2.8 m waves20° water25° air
Advanced only · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ PLZ 63 km
2
DecGOOD
Cape St Francis
South Africa
2.8 m waves20° water24° air
Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ PLZ 76 km
3
DecGOOD
Bloubergstrand
South Africa
2.6 m waves14° water27° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CPT 23 km
4
DecGOOD
Muizenberg
South Africa
2.5 m waves18° water24° air
Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ CPT 19 km
5
DecGOOD
Victoria Bay
South Africa
2.4 m waves21° water23° air
Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ GRJ 16 km
6
DecGOOD
Durban
South Africa
1.8 m waves24° water27° air
Beginner-friendly · shorty · ✈ DUR 28 km
7
DecGOOD
Elands Bay
South Africa
1.5 m waves15° water25° air
Intermediate and up · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CPT 186 km
Averages of the 7 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in South Africa in December?
Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes: 2.8 m waves; Cape St Francis: 2.8 m waves; Bloubergstrand: 2.6 m waves.
How warm is the water in South Africa in December?
14–24°C: 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 14–15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 18°C; 3/2 wetsuit at 20–21°C; shorty at 24°C.
Where can beginners go surfing in December?
Good spots for beginners this month: Muizenberg & Durban.
Which airport is closest?
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), 63 km from Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes; Cape Town International Airport (CPT), 23 km from Bloubergstrand; George Airport (GRJ), 16 km from Victoria Bay.
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