Things to Do in Botswana in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Botswana
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
90°F (32°C)
High Temp
65°F (18°C)
Low Temp
2.8 inches (71 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Lightning storms occur 2-3 afternoons weekly - seek shelter immediately, never shelter under isolated trees
⚠ Tsetse fly activity peaks in riverine forests - wear neutral colors and apply repellent every 2 hours
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Green season flips the Kalahari script. Wildflowers explode in a short-lived carpet. Photographers bag shots impossible during dry months. Timing is everything. Book early.
- + Migrant birds arrive in massive flocks. Over 120 species visible at Mombo Camp's wetlands alone. Binoculars mandatory. Guides keep checklists.
- + Predator viewing peaks. Lions and leopards shadow prey to remaining water sources. Concentrations rival anywhere in Africa. Bring extra memory cards.
- + Rates drop 40-60% at luxury lodges. Same lodges cost triple during peak season. Same guides. Same wildlife. Fraction of the price.
Considerations
- − Afternoon thunderstorms cancel 30% of light-aircraft flights to delta camps. Plan buffer days. Flexibility saves trips.
- − Tsetse flies are active in mopane woodlands. Bites swell painfully. Carry sleeping sickness risk. Wear neutral layers.
- − Some remote camps close entirely. Your accommodation options shrink to about 60% of dry-season availability. Book ahead.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December in Botswana is a transition. The late spring heat yields to the first sporadic rains. You can feel the tension in the air, thick with humidity and the scent of rain on dry earth. These brief afternoon downpours cut the heat. They leave the landscape smelling of damp soil and fresh grass. In the capital, Gaborone, this shift brings a major cultural pulse. The Gaborone International Music and Culture Week fills the city with Setswana traditional music and South African house basslines. Meanwhile, the quiet spectacle of cattle judging shows the nation's deep connection to its herds. Travelers here experience a place awakening. Life quickens with the rain. Cities hum with festive energy. A trip to Botswana in December has a specific character. The weather is variable. Hot days and warm nights face short, intense showers. This pattern influences daily plans. Aim for early morning activities before the heat builds and skies open. It is a rewarding time for cultural immersion in urban centers like Gaborone. Events there provide a direct link to modern Botswanan life. Some seek the best time to visit Botswana. This month has a compelling alternative to the dry season's safari focus. It highlights the country's busy urban culture and its dramatic, green-tinged transformation.
Gaborone City Tour (Half Day tour)
guided_experienceProvides an essential introduction. You will see the imposing Parliament buildings and hear traders at the Main Mall. Feel the contrast between modern towers and quieter, tree-lined diplomatic enclaves.
This tour grounds you in the contemporary pulse and political story of Botswana, far from the wilderness.
Insider tip: Start as early as possible to avoid the peak heat and potential afternoon rain showers common in December.
Multiday Tour From Gaborone: 2 day Gaborone Experience
day_tripAllows for deeper engagement. You will taste smoky, tender seswaa at a local eatery. See the intricate baskets at the National Museum. Feel the cool quiet of the Phuthadikobo Museum in nearby Mochudi.
It captures Botswana's evolution from a rural society to a modern nation within a convenient short itinerary.
Insider tip: Use the evening between tour days to find live music. December often has spontaneous performances linked to the city's music festival.
Around Gaborone Adventure
otherPushes beyond city limits. It explores dramatic Kgale Hill and ancient rock art at Manyana. You will hear your own breath on the hike up Kgale. See centuries-old paintings of giraffes and antelope in stone shelters. Feel the rough texture of the granite landscape.
This tour combines physical activity with a tangible encounter with the deep history of southern Botswana.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for scrambling over rocks and to protect against thorny brush.
No.1 Ladies Detective Agency Literary Tour (Mma Ramotswe Tour)
guided_experienceInvites you into a fictional Botswana. You will see the acacia trees and red dust roads that inspired the stories. Visit a traditional post office that could be the one where Mma Ramotswe works. Smell the dust kicked up by a slow-moving car.
It is a charming, literary pilgrimage that celebrates a globally recognized portrait of Botswanan kindness and wisdom.
Insider tip: Read at least the first novel before the tour to fully appreciate the specific locations and their narrative significance.
Half Day Tour from Gaborone (Manyana Village Visit)
guided_experienceHas a direct connection to rural life. You will hear the quiet of a village midday. See the remarkably preserved rock paintings by the San people. Feel the community's lasting link to this artistic legacy.
It provides an intimate look at both the archaeological treasures and the contemporary rhythm of a working village in Botswana.
Insider tip: Be respectful. Ask your guide about appropriate etiquette before photographing any village residents or their homes.
1 Night Madikwe Game Reserve
otherIs a condensed foray into a premier wildlife area in South Africa. You will hear the roar of lions at night. See the silhouette of elephants against the thornveld. Feel the thrill of a dawn game drive in an open vehicle.
It delivers a classic safari atmosphere with strong chances of spotting the "Big Five" on a short timeline.
Insider tip: The December rains can make some tracks muddy and green the landscape. This may alter animal movements and visibility compared to the dry season.
Where to Stay in Botswana in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early December
Gaborone International Music and Culture Week
Early December brings Botswana's biggest music festival. You'll hear Setswana traditional music mixing with South African house in downtown Gaborone. The week includes cattle shows (Botswana's obsession) where judges evaluate horn shape and hoof size with straight faces. Local food stalls serve seswaa and bogobe (sorghum porridge) that tastes like campfire smoke.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Botswana Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Book internal flights for 8am or earlier. Afternoon storms build from 2pm and pilots won't risk landing on dirt strips. Morning slots sell first.
Carry cash in small denominations. Delta camps can't process cards when satellite connections fail during storms. Dollars or pula work.
Download offline maps for self-driving. December rains wash away sections of the Trans-Kalahari Highway. GPS saves hours.
Pack electrolyte tablets. The combination of 32°C (90°F) heat and 70% humidity drains you faster than dry-season safaris. Rehydrate often.
Ask guides about 'pans' locations. These seasonal waterholes concentrate wildlife but aren't marked on tourist maps. Local knowledge wins.
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming December is dry season. Botswana's green season starts mid-November. You'll encounter mud that traps 4WD vehicles. Check conditions.
Booking tight connections through Maun. Weather delays cascade. You might spend nights in airport guesthouses. Leave buffers.
Wearing safari beige in tsetse areas. These flies are attracted to light colors, white and khaki. Go earth tones.
Expecting Big Five everywhere - December's dispersed water means wildlife spreads across areas dry-season visitors never see
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