Spending Christmas in Walvis Bay brings a holiday season that feels totally different. Instead of snow and cold, you get mild coastal weather shaped by the Atlantic Ocean.
Around Christmas, daytime highs usually hit 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F), and nights cool down to about 13°C (56°F). The air feels comfortable, and the dry desert climate means rain almost never shows up.
You get long daylight hours, close to 13.5, so there’s plenty of time to be outside. Humidity stays moderate, usually around 70%, so the air doesn’t feel heavy.
Skies are often clear, but sometimes coastal fog drifts in during the mornings. That fog adds a unique atmosphere before the sun burns it away.
This mix of stable temperatures, bright sunshine, and barely any rain makes Walvis Bay a great spot for the festive season. Whether you want to explore the lagoon, take a boat trip, or just hang out by the waterfront, the weather usually plays along.
Overview of December Weather in Walvis Bay
December brings mild summer conditions to Walvis Bay. You’ll notice steady daytime warmth, cool evenings, and almost no rainfall.
Humidity stays pretty high thanks to the coast, but sunshine and ocean breezes keep things comfortable for being outside.
Typical Climate Conditions
Daytime highs sit around 20–22°C (68–72°F), while nights drop to 14–15°C (57–59°F). The weather feels pleasant, though evenings can get chilly if you don’t have a light jacket.
Rain barely shows up in December. On average, you’ll see less than 5 mm of precipitation, usually just a brief shower if anything at all.
Humidity averages 70–88%, but the cool Atlantic current keeps the air from feeling muggy. Sunshine is common, with about 216 hours during the month, so days are long and bright.
Winds stay steady near the coast. Breezes can feel stronger along the lagoon or beaches, so packing a windbreaker might be a good idea.
Weather Data Sources
Climate info for Walvis Bay comes from a mix of historical records, local meteorological stations, and international weather models. These sources track daily averages for temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine.
Local data from Walvis Bay Airport and Pelican Point provide accurate readings of coastal conditions. These stations matter because inland Namibia gets much hotter and drier than the coast.
Global platforms like Weather Spark, AccuWeather, and Climate-Data.org pull this info into long-term averages. When you’re planning a trip, it’s smarter to rely on these averages, since December weather in Walvis Bay barely changes from year to year.
Comparison to Other Months
December falls in the Namibian summer, but Walvis Bay’s climate stands apart from inland areas. Cities like Windhoek might reach 30°C (86°F) or higher, while Walvis Bay stays cooler because of the Benguela Current.
Compared to winter months like July, December feels warmer, sunnier, and there’s usually less fog. In winter, daytime highs might only reach 18°C (64°F), and nights can get cold.
Rainfall stays low all year, but December gets a bit more sunshine than months like May or June. That makes it a great time for outdoor activities like birdwatching, fishing, or exploring the lagoon.
December really offers a balance of mild warmth, almost no rain, and steady sunshine, making it stand out from both the cooler winter season and the hotter inland parts of Namibia.
Temperature Patterns During Christmas
Around Christmas, Walvis Bay feels mild and comfortable compared to many other coastal cities. You get steady daytime warmth, cool evenings, and almost no chance of extreme heat or cold.
The Atlantic Ocean shapes the climate, keeping temperatures stable all through the holidays.
Average Highs and Lows
In late December, daytime highs usually reach 67–70°F (19–21°C). Nights cool down to about 55–57°F (13–14°C).
These averages mean you get warm days for outdoor fun, but you’ll probably want a light jacket at night.
Unlike inland Namibia, Walvis Bay’s temperatures don’t swing much. The ocean keeps highs and lows in a tight range.
If you’re heading out early in the morning, expect cooler air near the water.
Here’s a quick look at typical values:
| Time of Day | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Afternoon High | 67–70°F (19–21°C) |
| Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| Night Low | 55–57°F (13–14°C) |
Daily Temperature Variations
The difference between day and night is small, usually 10–12°F (5–6°C). Mornings start cool, then warm up by midday.
By late afternoon, temperatures peak, then drop again after sunset.
Humidity sticks around 70%, which can make the air feel a bit damp but not uncomfortable. The cool Benguela Current offshore stops the heat from rising too much, even in summer.
Wind shows up every day. Southerly breezes are pretty common, averaging 8–9 mph, and they often pick up in the afternoon. This keeps the air fresh, but evenings might feel cooler than the numbers suggest.
Historical Extremes
Extreme temperatures almost never happen in Walvis Bay around Christmas. Records show highs rarely go above 77–79°F (25–26°C), and lows hardly ever dip below 50°F (10°C).
The ocean’s influence keeps big temperature spikes away. Even when Namibia’s interior bakes, Walvis Bay stays moderate.
The cold Atlantic waters act as a natural regulator, keeping things steady.
If you’re packing for Christmas, plan for mild swings. Bring light clothes for the day and something warmer for evenings, and you’ll be set for pretty much anything.
Precipitation and Rainfall
Walvis Bay sits among the driest places on earth, with almost no rainfall all year. Around Christmas, you can count on dry conditions, with barely any measurable precipitation.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Walvis Bay barely registers, averaging between 10 mm and 40 mm per year depending on the source. December usually gets less than 2 mm, so most days pass without a drop of rain.
The cold Benguela Current shapes the coastal desert climate, keeping moisture out of the air. Even during the “wetter” months of January to March, rainfall rarely tops 7–9 mm per month.
To compare:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~1–2 mm |
| January | ~5–7 mm |
| February | ~7–9 mm |
| June | ~1 mm |
So December is one of the driest months, with weather that’s very stable for travelers.
Chance of Rainy Days
Rainy days in December are almost nonexistent. On average, you might see 0 to 1 day with measurable precipitation during the whole month.
Even when rain falls, it’s usually a quick drizzle or brief shower, never a steady downpour.
Weather data shows Walvis Bay averages about 16 days with any precipitation per year, which is just over 1 day per month. Most of those days bring tiny amounts, often less than 0.2 mm.
For visitors, this means you can plan outdoor activities at Christmas with barely any worry about rain. Umbrellas and rain gear? You probably won’t need them.
Precipitation Trends
Long-term records show that Walvis Bay’s rainfall pattern doesn’t change much. December keeps its place as one of the driest months, while February counts as the wettest with around 7–8 mm on average.
The overall annual precipitation total stays between 13 mm and 40 mm depending on the data set. That’s way below the desert threshold of 250 mm, which tells you just how dry it gets.
Unlike inland Namibia, where summer thunderstorms are common, the coast almost never gets convective rainfall. The cool ocean current stabilizes the air, so skies stay mostly clear and rain stays rare, even during the holidays.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity stays fairly high in Walvis Bay during December, and steady coastal winds shape much of the daily weather. These two things really influence how comfortable you feel outside and can affect activities on land and at sea.
Humidity Levels
In December, relative humidity usually runs between 70% and 80%. That’s higher than inland Namibia, but it’s normal for coastal towns along the cold Benguela Current.
You’ll notice mornings often feel damp with mist or fog. This marine layer forms when cool ocean air meets warmer land air.
By midday, the fog usually clears, but the air still holds some moisture.
Unlike tropical climates, the humidity here doesn’t come with heavy rain. December averages 0 mm of rainfall, so you get dry conditions even though the air feels moist.
This makes the humidity less oppressive than in wetter places.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, you might want to prep for mild stickiness, especially in enclosed spaces or during calm periods with less breeze.
Wind Speed and Patterns
Wind really defines Walvis Bay’s December weather. Average wind speeds often range from 15 to 25 km/h (9–15 mph), and you’ll sometimes get stronger gusts in the afternoon.
South and southwest winds prevail, driven by the Benguela Current and regional pressure systems. These winds keep the coastline cooler than inland Namibia and help clear fog by late morning.
For visitors, the steady breeze adds comfort by taking the edge off the humidity. It can also make the sea choppy, which matters if you’re planning boat trips or fishing.
On land, wind can kick up sand along the dunes and beaches. Wearing light layers and protective eyewear makes outdoor exploring a lot more comfortable.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
In Walvis Bay during late December, you can expect long daylight hours, steady sunshine, and some changes in cloud cover. The coastal climate keeps things mild, with bright skies most days, but sometimes you’ll get fog or low clouds in the mornings that limit visibility.
Sunshine Hours
December ranks as one of the sunniest months in Walvis Bay. On average, you get about 391 hours of sunshine for the month, which works out to roughly 12.5 hours per day.
That’s among the highest sunshine totals all year.
The sun is strong, but the cool ocean current keeps air temperatures comfortable. Even so, UV radiation gets extreme, often peaking at a UV index of 14, so you’ll definitely want sun protection.
If you’re heading outside, mornings may start with haze or fog, but skies usually clear by midday. By afternoon, things are bright and stable, making that the best time for outdoor plans.
Daylight Hours
Around Christmas, daylight lasts close to 13 hours and 30 minutes per day. That’s the longest stretch of daylight you’ll see in Walvis Bay all year.
The extra daylight gives you more time for sightseeing, beach walks, or trips into the dunes. Unlike inland areas, the cooler coastal air keeps things comfortable even during these long days.
Daylight length changes very slowly, so you won’t notice a big difference until late January. Late December really is one of the best times to enjoy long, bright days without the intense inland heat.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In late December, the sun usually rises around 6:00 AM and sets close to 7:30 PM. The exact times might shift a bit depending on the date, but you’ll notice the pattern stays pretty steady throughout Christmas.
Early mornings feel cooler, and fog often hugs the coastline. If you’re up early, you might catch the fog lifting as the sun climbs, and by mid-morning, clear skies tend to take over.
Evenings bring those long sunsets over the Atlantic. The sun’s low angle throws out soft light, which feels perfect for photos or just a relaxed stroll along the waterfront.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover in Walvis Bay changes with the seasons, but December falls in the clearer stretch of the year. You’ll get plenty of mostly sunny skies.
Still, fog and low cloud often roll in during the mornings. The cool Benguela Current meets warmer air, and that’s what causes these conditions. Usually, the fog lifts by midday, and the afternoon turns bright.
December’s average cloud cover sits lower than in the early months of the year. You’ll probably enjoy more sunshine, which makes Christmas a pretty good time for outdoor plans. Just keep in mind, the morning haze can still pop up now and then.
Travel Tips for Visiting Walvis Bay at Christmas
Christmas in Walvis Bay usually means mild temperatures, dry air, and long daylight hours. You’ll get comfortable weather for spending time outside, but steady winds and cool evenings mean you should pack the right clothing and plan ahead.
Best Outdoor Activities
Walvis Bay’s lagoon draws people in December. You can hop on a boat cruise to spot dolphins, seals, and lots of seabirds—flamingos included. These tours run most days and offer a good way to enjoy the calm waters.
If you’re more into land adventures, the nearby dunes open up chances for quad biking and sandboarding. The sand stays firm and dry around this time, so conditions work well for both new and experienced riders.
Kite surfing gets a lot of attention too. December brings windier days, with average speeds near 14 km/h, so water sports fans usually find the conditions just right.
If you want a slower pace, try birdwatching along the lagoon or walk the waterfront promenade. You can soak in the scenery without even leaving town.
Packing Recommendations
Daytime highs usually hit around 20–21°C. At night, temps can dip to about 14–15°C.
I’d suggest packing light layers—grab a mix of t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts. Toss in a warmer sweater or jacket for when it gets chilly in the evenings.
The coastal wind often feels stronger than you’d expect, so you’ll probably want a windbreaker. If you’re thinking about exploring the dunes or the lagoon, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The sun stays pretty intense, even when it’s cool out. A reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated if you’re out and about.
Planning on water sports, like kayaking or kite surfing? Pack some quick-dry clothes, or you can just rent gear when you get there. A small daypack comes in handy for carrying your stuff while you wander around Walvis Bay and nearby spots.