Christmas in Swakopmund brings mild summer weather that feels comfortable, not hot. Daytime temperatures usually average around 21°C (70°F), while nights cool off to about 16°C (61°F).
This makes the coast inviting, especially if you want to skip the intense heat you’d find inland.
Rain almost never interrupts December plans, so you can forget about packing an umbrella. Sunshine sticks around for most of the day, giving you plenty of time to explore, stroll the beach, or relax outside.
A breeze from the Atlantic keeps the air fresh, and the desert climate makes sure humidity stays low.
The ocean shapes Swakopmund’s weather in a big way. It keeps things stable and fairly predictable.
Around Christmas, the sea feels cool but swimmable if you don’t mind brisk water. The long daylight hours help set an easy pace for holiday activities.
Swakopmund’s pleasant climate makes celebrating Christmas by the coast feel relaxed and easy.
Typical Weather in Swakopmund Around Christmas
Late December brings Swakopmund’s warmest weather of the year, but the coastal influence keeps it mild compared to inland Namibia.
You’ll get comfortable daytime warmth, cool nights, and a dry climate with lots of sunshine.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs around Christmas usually reach 21°C to 23°C (70°F to 74°F). The cool Atlantic breeze keeps things pleasant rather than hot.
The coastal desert climate stops extreme heat, unlike Namibia’s inland towns where December can get pretty toasty.
At night, temperatures drop to about 15°C to 16°C (59°F to 61°F). You’ll probably want a light jacket for evening walks on the beach or outdoor dinners.
Cooler nights make sleeping easy, and you won’t need air conditioning.
This steady, mild range is a big reason why people flock to Swakopmund during the festive season.
You get warm afternoons for outdoor fun and crisp evenings for winding down.
Weather Patterns and Conditions
December lands in Swakopmund’s summer, but you’ll barely see any rain. Average precipitation sits below 5 mm, and some years don’t see a single drop.
So, the climate stays dry and reliable, which is great for holiday plans.
Humidity does rise a bit compared to winter, but it rarely feels sticky. The Benguela Current cools the air and stops tropical heat from building up.
You might spot some morning fog along the coast, but it usually burns off by midday.
Sunshine is generous, with about 9 to 10 hours of daylight daily.
Winds are lighter than in spring, which makes beach walks, boat trips, and sightseeing more pleasant.
Comparison to Other Months
Compared to May through September, Christmas is warmer, with more daylight and a touch more humidity. Winter gets cooler, drier, and windier, but December strikes a nice balance.
If you look at January and February, you’ll notice only small differences. January feels a bit more humid, and February can get a touch warmer.
December kicks off this pattern, so you get warm but not muggy conditions.
Unlike March and April, when things start cooling off, December brings some of the year’s highest sea temperatures—18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F).
If you’re thinking about swimming or water sports, this is one of the better times to visit.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During December
December is one of the driest months in Swakopmund. Don’t expect much rain at all—just a handful of days might see any precipitation.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Swakopmund hugs the edge of the Namib Desert, so rainfall is scarce all year. In December, the average rainfall is about 2–3 mm.
That’s tiny compared to most coastal cities.
To give you an idea:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~2–3 mm |
| January | ~3–5 mm |
| Annual Total | ~29 mm |
December barely adds to the yearly total. Most days stay dry, and if it does rain, it’s usually light and brief.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days almost never happen in December. On average, you might see 1 day of rain during the month, and even then, it’s often just a quick drizzle.
You can plan outdoor activities with confidence. Rain won’t ruin your sightseeing, beach time, or desert trips.
The dry air helps keep humidity low, so even when coastal fog rolls in during the morning, it doesn’t feel heavy.
Annual Rainfall Context
Looking at the big picture, Swakopmund gets around 29 mm of rain per year. That’s less than what some cities see in a week.
The desert climate means rain is so rare that some years pass without any.
December fits this dry pattern. Heavy showers or storms just don’t happen at this time of year.
The weather relies more on cool sea breezes and fog from the Atlantic than on rain.
Rainfall barely shapes your December experience in Swakopmund.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
The Atlantic off Swakopmund stays cool all year because of the Benguela Current. Around Christmas, the sea is swimmable, but it’s definitely chillier than most holiday spots.
Conditions change day to day, so knowing the average temperatures helps you plan.
Average Sea Temperature
During December—including Christmas—the average sea temperature by Swakopmund falls between 14 °C (57 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F).
Most days sit in the mid- to upper-16 °C range.
Compared to subtropical beaches, this feels pretty cold. Even on the warmest days, the ocean won’t reach swimming pool temperatures.
The Benguela Current brings chilly water up from the Southern Ocean, and you’ll notice it.
If you’re used to cooler waters, you might not mind. Others may prefer short dips over long swims.
A wetsuit helps a lot if you want to stay in the water for a while.
Swimming Suitability
You can swim in Swakopmund around Christmas, but the cold sea temperature means you should come prepared.
Most visitors find the water refreshing at first, but it can get uncomfortable after several minutes without a wetsuit.
Locals often wear short wetsuits or full suits, especially for surfing, bodyboarding, or longer swims.
If you prefer swimming without gear, aim for early afternoon when the sun is strongest and air temperatures are mild.
Even then, the water stays brisk compared to tropical destinations.
Monthly Variations in Sea Temperature
December starts the warmer season for sea temperatures, but the ocean still feels cool.
Early in the month, water hangs around 15–16 °C, and by late December it can hit 17–18 °C on some days.
Here’s a quick look:
| Period in December | Typical Range (°C) | Typical Range (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Early December | 15–16 | 59–61 |
| Mid December | 16–17 | 61–63 |
| Late December | 17–18 | 63–64 |
Even a 1–2 degree rise makes the sea feel noticeably better.
By January, temperatures usually climb a bit more, so swimming gets a little easier.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Around Christmas, Swakopmund enjoys long daylight and plenty of sunshine.
Outdoor activities are easy to plan, though coastal fog might cut the sun’s strength some mornings.
Average Sunshine Hours
In late December, you’ll get 10 to 11 hours of sunshine per day. That’s about as much as Swakopmund gets all year.
Even with the desert climate, the coast often wakes up to morning fog and low clouds.
Usually, this clears by midday, so most of the day is sunny.
Humidity goes up in December, but it doesn’t really cut into sunshine hours.
You can count on clear, bright afternoons for your plans.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| December | 10–11 |
| January | 8–10 |
| June–July | 7–9 |
These long days make Christmas a great time for sightseeing, beach walks, and photos, since the light sticks around into the evening.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Daylight in Swakopmund during December lasts about 13.5 hours per day.
The sun rises around 6:00 a.m. and sets close to 7:30 p.m.
This gives you plenty of time for outdoor plans, no need to rush.
Mornings may feel cool and misty, but once the fog lifts, the sun quickly warms things up.
Evenings are long and mild, with sunsets that often paint the sky in soft colors.
If you like outdoor dining or evening walks, the late sunset is a bonus.
Long daylight and steady sunshine make Christmas week one of the best times to explore Swakopmund’s coast and desert.
Wind Speed and Humidity Levels
Swakopmund gets steady winds and moderate humidity around Christmas. The city’s coastal spot shapes both, keeping temperatures mild and the air comfortable.
Typical Wind Speeds
You’ll notice breezes in December, with average wind speeds from 12 km/h to 17 km/h (7–10 mph).
Winds usually blow in from the southwest, thanks to the chilly Benguela Current.
Late spring and early summer bring the strongest winds, so by Christmas, it can still feel brisk—especially near the shore.
Inland, things calm down a bit, but the coast stays breezy most of the day.
Wind patterns don’t change much, so you rarely get sudden gusts or dead calm.
This steady breeze helps keep the weather comfortable and stops heat from building up.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, the wind can be refreshing during the day but might feel cool in the evening.
A light jacket or windbreaker comes in handy for beach walks or boat rides.
Relative Humidity Around Christmas
Humidity in Swakopmund during December usually sits between 65% and 75%.
The ocean keeps the air from feeling too dry, but it’s not muggy either.
Mornings often start with higher humidity and mist, called “Morgennebel.”
Fog usually clears as the sun rises, leaving behind drier, sunnier afternoons.
Moderate humidity and steady winds create a balanced environment.
You skip the sticky air of the tropics and avoid the bone-dry desert feeling.
Travelers can spend hours outdoors without discomfort.
Just keep in mind: the mix of moisture and wind can make it feel cooler than the thermometer says.
Local Climate Characteristics and Visitor Experience
Swakopmund’s weather in December brings a mix of mild desert air and a refreshing coastal breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll notice steady temperatures, barely any rain, and long hours of daylight, all shaping both daily life and how visitors spend their holidays.
Desert Coastal Climate Overview
Swakopmund sits right where the Namib Desert meets the ocean, but the cold Benguela Current keeps things cooler than you’d probably guess. December days usually warm up to about 21–25°C (70–77°F), and nights drop to a comfortable 13–15°C (55–59°F).
Rain almost never shows up, with the whole month getting just 5–10 mm at most. The humidity might feel higher than it does inland, though it’s still pretty manageable, especially if you’ve dealt with tropical weather before.
Fog rolls in most mornings, thanks to the desert air clashing with that chilly ocean current. Usually, the fog lifts by mid-morning, and then you get these bright, sunny skies. You’ll see around 9–10 hours of sunshine each day, which feels perfect for getting outdoors.
The sea stays cool, sitting between 14–19°C (57–66°F). Swimming’s a bit of a shock to the system, but that cold water actually keeps the air from getting too hot, so it’s not all bad.
Impact on Holiday Activities
December’s mild weather makes it easy to get outside. You can spend hours on the beach, wander the dunes, or sign up for desert tours without worrying about sweltering heat.
The chilly sea draws in more surfers, kayakers, and anglers than swimmers. Most people wear wetsuits if they’re planning to stay in the water for long.
With clear skies and so much daylight, there’s plenty of time to sightsee. Activities like quad biking, sandboarding, or checking out nearby nature reserves feel way more doable when the weather isn’t acting up.
Evenings cool off, so it’s smart to bring a light jacket if you’re eating by the sea or strolling after dark. Since heavy rain almost never interrupts things, December is honestly one of the most reliable months for outdoor events and holiday plans.
Tourist Season and Crowds
December hits Swakopmund with a rush of energy. Summer holidays in Namibia and travelers from neighboring countries all pile in, so the town feels packed.
Locals and visitors snap up hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants weeks ahead of time. You’ll probably notice that accommodation and tour prices climb higher than usual.
Streets buzz with people, beaches fill up, and there’s a real festive mood, especially near Christmas. Holiday events and local markets keep things lively, but you might find it tough to get some privacy at the main attractions.
If you’re after a bit more peace, try heading out early or wander beyond the city center. It’s smart to book your tours and meals ahead, just to dodge any last-minute headaches.