If you’re planning a trip to Gaborone around Christmas, you’ll need to prepare for hot summer weather, not the usual cool festive season most people imagine. Daytime highs usually hit around 32°C (about 90°F), with warm nights close to 20°C (68°F), and moderate rainfall that tends to arrive in short bursts. The skies generally stay bright most of the day, so you’ll get plenty of sunshine, even with a few showers thrown in.
This blend of heat, humidity, and sunlight creates a holiday atmosphere that feels pretty different from what you might expect elsewhere. Instead of snow or chilly evenings, you’ll get long, sunny days—perfect for outdoor gatherings, local events, and festive markets.
People in Gaborone shape their holiday plans around the heat and scattered rain showers.
Typical Christmas Weather in Gaborone
Christmas in Gaborone brings hot daytime conditions, warm nights, and a mix of sunshine and seasonal rain. You’ll see bright skies most of the day, but afternoon showers happen pretty often.
Average Temperatures in Late December
Around Christmas, Gaborone’s daytime temperatures usually hit 30–33°C (86–91°F). On hotter days, the highs can push up to 34–35°C (93–95°F).
Nights stay much milder, with lows near 19–21°C (66–70°F).
You’ll probably spend your days in light clothing, and evenings rarely need more than a thin layer.
The city sits about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, so nights stay cooler than in lower areas. The heat can be intense during the day, but it’s not as harsh as Botswana’s desert regions.
Rainfall Patterns During the Holiday Season
December falls right in the rainy season for Gaborone. Around Christmas, you’ll likely get 8–12 days of rain in the month, adding up to about 75–85 mm (3–3.5 inches).
Rain usually arrives as short afternoon or evening showers, not all-day storms. These bursts can be heavy, sometimes with thunder, but they often clear out quickly.
Mornings tend to start sunny and dry, while late afternoons may bring clouds and brief downpours. If you’re heading out, keep a light rain jacket or umbrella handy.
Humidity Levels Around Christmas
Humidity creeps up in December compared to the dry winter months. Around Christmas, expect moderate humidity, generally between 50–65% during the day.
The humidity is noticeable but not overwhelming, especially when you compare it to coastal areas. The heat and moisture can feel sticky in the afternoons, especially after rain.
Evenings get more comfortable as temperatures drop and breezes pick up. If you’re sensitive to humidity, drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
Daily Weather Conditions During Christmas Week
During Christmas week in Gaborone, you’ll see warm afternoons, mild nights, and a mix of sunshine and scattered rainfall. The weather stays pretty consistent through late December, with only minor changes each day.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Range
Afternoon temperatures around Christmas often reach 88–91°F (31–33°C). The heat peaks between midday and 3 p.m., so it’s best to plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon.
At night, temperatures drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). That makes for comfortable sleeping, and you won’t need heavy bedding.
Early mornings might feel a bit cooler, but you won’t need cold-weather gear.
Most days stay above 86°F (30°C), and cooler days are rare. December has sometimes produced highs above 100°F (38°C), but that’s not the norm.
Chance of Rain and Storms
Rainfall during Christmas week is moderate. On average, December brings about 5 rainy days, with total rainfall around 3.5–4 inches (90–100 mm) for the month.
Showers typically arrive in the late afternoon or evening. They’re short but can be heavy, sometimes bringing brief thunderstorms.
Roads can get slippery, so plan travel with that in mind.
You’re more likely to get light to moderate showers than all-day rain. Most mornings start dry, and rain usually clears by night.
It’s smart to carry a light rain jacket or umbrella if you’ll be outside.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Late December skies in Gaborone are partly cloudy, with about 22% average cloud cover. You’ll see plenty of sun, but clouds often build up in the afternoon.
Daylight lasts around 13 hours and 40 minutes, with sunrise at about 5:20 a.m. and sunset near 7:00 p.m.
You can expect 13–14 hours of sunshine per day, though sometimes it’s filtered by clouds.
The UV index stays high (around 7), so sun protection is crucial, even on partly cloudy days. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves if you’ll be outside.
Climate Context: December in Gaborone
December in Gaborone brings hot days, mild nights, and a noticeable jump in rainfall. Sunshine is still common, but short storms and showers pop up frequently during this part of the wet season.
Seasonal Climate Patterns
Daytime highs usually sit around 32–34°C (89–93°F), with nighttime lows near 19–20°C (66–68°F). The heat builds through the afternoon, often followed by brief thunderstorms that cool things down.
Rainfall averages about 80 mm for the month, spread across roughly 8–12 days. Showers don’t last long, so you’ll still get plenty of sunshine.
On average, Gaborone logs about 260+ hours of sun in December, keeping the days bright even with the rain.
Humidity rises compared to the dry months, but it rarely feels oppressive. Winds stay light to moderate, bringing some relief in the evenings.
This mix of heat, rain, and sunshine is classic subtropical climate for the time of year.
Comparison With Other Months
December sits in the middle of the rainy season, so it’s wetter than September, October, and November, which are much drier.
Rainfall peaks in January and February, so December is a bit less wet than what’s coming next.
Temperatures in December are higher than in June or July, when daytime highs average 22–25°C (72–77°F) and nights can dip below 10°C (50°F).
Compared with March or April, December feels hotter and stickier because of the extra humidity.
If you like dry, cool weather, the winter months (May–August) are better. If you want warmth, green landscapes, and occasional storms, December gives you that balance.
Weather Variability and Extremes
December in Gaborone usually brings warm days and some rain, but the weather can change quickly. Temperatures swing from hot afternoons to cooler nights, and storms sometimes break up the usual summer rhythm.
Record Highs and Lows in December
In December, Gaborone’s daytime highs often reach the upper 80s °F (about 31 °C). Sometimes, temperatures climb to 95 °F (35 °C) during especially hot spells.
These peaks tend to happen under clear skies when there’s little rain.
Nighttime lows are more moderate. Average lows hover near 68 °F (20 °C), but sometimes they dip into the lower 60s °F (16–17 °C).
Cooler nights usually come after storms that drop humidity and clear the skies.
The big gap between day and night temperatures is typical for the region’s semi-arid climate.
You’ll get warm afternoons, but evenings can feel a lot cooler, especially if you’re out late.
Unusual Weather Events Near Christmas
Rain is common in December, but the amount really varies. Some years, steady showers show up, while other times you’ll just get quick storms.
On average, Gaborone gets about 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain in December, but totals can be higher if thunderstorms hang around.
Thunderstorms cause the most disruption around Christmas. They can bring bursts of heavy rain, gusty winds, and occasional lightning.
Roads might get slick, and you may have to pause outdoor activities until things settle down.
Severe storms, though rare, have caused localized flooding in low-lying areas. Power sometimes goes out during intense lightning activity.
If you’ll be outside, keep your plans flexible and watch for sudden shifts in clouds or wind.
How Christmas Weather Affects Local Activities
In Gaborone, Christmas lands right in the hot and rainy season. Daytime temperatures usually sit in the upper 80s °F, with warm nights in the 60s °F.
Afternoon showers are common, so you’ll need to plan around the heat and possible rain when figuring out your holiday activities.
Outdoor Events and Celebrations
Christmas in Gaborone often means church services, family get-togethers, and outdoor meals. Warm daytime highs around 87–88°F (30–31°C) make it nice for barbecues and garden parties, but humidity and occasional storms are part of the deal.
Rain usually falls in the late afternoon or evening, so mornings are clearer and better for outdoor events.
If you’re hosting guests outside, you’ll want shade and plenty of water.
Public celebrations, like concerts or community events, usually go ahead despite the heat. Most gatherings shift their timing to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Umbrellas or light rain jackets are handy since December averages 12 rainy days.
Travel Considerations
Travel by road around Christmas can get tricky during the rainy season. Heavy showers sometimes make roads slick and cause flooding in low spots.
If you’re driving to visit family or heading to events, give yourself extra time and skip poorly maintained routes after rain.
Flights in and out of Gaborone usually run on schedule, but brief weather delays can happen when storms roll through.
Booking earlier flights helps, since storms are more common later in the day.
Pack light clothes for the heat, but don’t forget rain gear and sturdy shoes. With high humidity and wet conditions, planning ahead keeps you comfortable and helps you avoid scrambling when the weather changes.
Practical Tips for Visiting Gaborone at Christmas
December in Gaborone means hot days, warm nights, and a mix of sunshine with some rain. You’ll want to prepare for both the heat and sudden showers to stay comfortable during your trip.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime highs often reach around 32°C (90°F), while nights cool to about 19–20°C (66–68°F).
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen will help you keep cool. Short sleeves and shorts work for most days, but toss in a lightweight long-sleeve shirt and pants for sun protection.
Rain is common, with about 10 days of rain in December. Bring a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket that dries quickly.
For footwear, pack comfortable walking shoes and sandals, but skip anything heavy that traps heat.
The sun gets intense, with an extreme UV index most days. You’ll need sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
Don’t forget a refillable water bottle—you’ll want to stay hydrated in the heat.
Staying Safe and Comfortable
High temperatures mixed with humidity can wear you out fast if you’re not paying attention. Try to drink water often, even if you don’t really feel thirsty.
It helps to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Find shade, or head indoors where there’s a fan or air conditioning for a break.
Mosquitoes seem to show up everywhere during the rainy season. I always use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, and if your place doesn’t have a mosquito net, you might want to bring your own.
Wearing long sleeves in the evening can really cut down on bites.
Too much sun is another thing to watch out for. Put on sunscreen every few hours, especially if you’ve been sweating or caught in the rain.
If you’re heading out beyond the city, bring extra water and tell someone your plans—rural spots can be pretty basic.