Month by month

Botswana in December

High temperatures and frequent rains mark the heart of the wet season; camps and lodges typically offer lower rates. Rivers and delta channels swell, and the Okavango system begins its annual transformation depending on upstream rains.

SeasonLow Season Temperature 18-35°C (64-95°F) Crowds Low Prices Low

Joachim Huber from Switzerland CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

High season Shoulder Low season

Weather by City in December

CityLow / highRain
  • Francistown Warm 19° 31° 87 mm
  • Mogoditshane Warm 19° 32° 69 mm
  • Maun Warm 20° 34° 75 mm
  • Molepolole Warm 18° 32° 65 mm
  • Serowe Mild 17° 30° 79 mm
  • Tlokweng Warm 19° 32° 72 mm
  • Palapye Warm 19° 32° 72 mm

Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.

Temperature map

Botswana average temperature in December
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°

Average temperature across Botswana in December.

Where to Go in Botswana in December

Okavango Delta & Panhandle

Northwest

December is warm, humid and storm-prone with regular afternoon thundershowers; Maun is lively with holiday traffic and lodges around the Delta can be busy with family bookings. Local roads can become intermittently impassable after heavy rains, and the mosquito season is in full swing-antimalarial precautions are recommended for long stays. Despite the inconvenience of rain, inland pools fill and the birdlife and summer vegetation make for impressive photography opportunities.

Chobe Riverfront, Linyanti & Savuti

Far North

December is hot and stormy with high humidity; Chobe River cruises remain a highlight but expect sudden showers and lightning that can postpone boat trips. Holiday bookings increase, especially at riverside lodges near Kasane, so book early; thunderstorms can still disrupt road and air transfers. Bring lightweight rain gear and plan activities for early mornings or late afternoons when the weather is most stable.

Makgadikgadi Pans & Nxai Pan

Salt Pans and Surrounding Plains

December is hot, humid and thunderstorm-prone, with sudden heavy rains that can temporarily transform the salt pans into shallow lakes and attract waterbirds. Lodges often manage logistics carefully around weather, and road transfers can be interrupted by local flooding. Travelers should be prepared for heat, pack light waterproofs, and enjoy the dramatic seasonal shifts in scenery and bird activity.

Central Kalahari

CKGR and Surrounds

December is hot, humid and thunderstorm-prone with brief, sometimes intense downpours; the CKGR can feel surprisingly alive after the first rains, with fresh growth and more animal movement in local areas. However, logistics remain remote-airstrips and tracks can be affected and facilities may be busier with holiday bookings. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and insect protection, and expect occasional delays due to weather.

Southern Kalahari & Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Southwest

December is hot, humid and storm-prone with short, heavy showers that can quickly alter local road conditions; camping can be rewarding but requires readiness for wet ground. The park enters a busier holiday period with domestic travellers appreciating the dramatic skies after storms. Carry insect repellent, waterproofs and plan for sudden rain interruptions when camping or driving long distances.

Southeast Lowveld & Urban Areas

Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye and Surrounds

December is hot, humid and often stormy; the city is lively with holiday traffic and some accommodation becomes busier as domestic tourists head to nearby lodges. Heavy afternoon showers can interrupt travel plans and small rural airstrips may be temporarily unusable after storms. Pack lightweight rain gear, insect repellent and expect occasional delays around festive travel peaks.

Events & Festivals in December

There are no major festivals or events in Botswana during December to be aware of.

Planning a trip to Botswana?

See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.