December is the height of summer in Strand. The days are long and warm, the sun doesn't set until around eight in the evening, and the whole town seems to move down to the beach. It's also the start of the big South African summer holiday, when schools close and families from all over the country head for the coast.
If you're coming from the northern hemisphere, Christmas here takes a little getting used to: think swimming instead of snow, and lunch under a tree instead of by the fire. Here's what to expect, and what we'd do with a December week in Strand.
What is the weather like in Strand in December?
Warm, dry and sunny. Daytime highs are usually in the mid to high 20s °C, with the odd hotter day, and rain is rare. False Bay is warmer than the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, so the sea in Strand is pleasant for swimming, especially later in the summer.
The one thing to plan around is the south-easter, the Cape's summer wind, which often picks up in the afternoons. Swim and walk in the mornings, and save the afternoons for lunch or a wine estate. The sun is strong, so bring a high-factor sunscreen and a hat, and find some shade in the middle of the day.
Summer Christmas in South Africa
Christmas in South Africa falls in the middle of the summer holidays, and it's mostly spent outdoors. Many families still have a traditional Christmas lunch, with gammon, roasts, and a trifle or malva pudding to finish, but just as many light the braai and eat outside. Paper hats from Christmas crackers are worn either way. An afternoon swim, or a nap in the shade, is part of the day.
There are three public holidays close together: the Day of Reconciliation on 16 December, Christmas Day on 25 December, and the Day of Goodwill (our Boxing Day) on 26 December. New Year's Day follows a week later, and in Cape Town, 2 January is Tweede Nuwe Jaar ("second New Year"), when the Cape Minstrels carnival parades through the city.
Expect most shops and restaurants to be open over the festive season apart from Christmas Day itself, when many close or serve a set lunch. If you'd like to eat out on Christmas Day, book well ahead.
Beach days
Strand Beach is about 15 minutes on foot from Green Gables, and in December lifeguards are on duty at the main bathing areas. Swim between their flags. The tidal pool on Beach Road is calmer for small children, and Gordon's Bay's Bikini Beach is ten minutes away by car.
The beaches are at their busiest on the public holidays, especially 16 December, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. On those days, go early, or walk down so you don't have to look for parking. Alcohol isn't allowed on City of Cape Town beaches. Our beaches and tidal pools guide has more on each beach.
Things to do in the Helderberg in December
The Crystal Pools hike near Gordon's Bay is open in summer, and its rock pools are at their best on a hot day. You need a permit, and they sell out over the holidays, so book ahead.
Strawberry picking runs on farms around the Helderberg and Stellenbosch into the summer, and Lourensford's markets on Fridays and Sundays are an easy family outing. Drive Clarence Drive for the views, and stop at Kogel Bay on the way. Cheetah Outreach in Somerset West is another good morning out with children.
On windy afternoons, head inland to a wine estate. Vergelegen's gardens, a long lunch at Idiom, or a tasting in the shade at one of the Somerset West estates are all good ways to sit out the south-easter.
Summer evenings
With sunset so late, evenings are long. Walk the promenade as the light goes, then have dinner on Beach Road with a view of the bay. Restaurants are busy over the holidays, so book a table for sunset. For something more casual, Triggerfish Brewing in Paardevlei has a taproom and live music.
Art at Green Gables
The Helderberg Fine Art Studio, here at Green Gables, runs painting and drawing lessons for a range of ages and skill levels. A class makes a good plan for a windy afternoon, or a different kind of Christmas present. Get in touch with the studio before you arrive, as it runs to its own schedule over the holidays.
Tips for a December stay
December and early January are peak season, and Western Cape schools are usually on holiday from mid-December to mid-January. Book your accommodation, the Crystal Pools and any special restaurants early.
Summer is also fire season in the Cape. Only braai where it's allowed, and respect fire bans on the mountain and in the nature reserves. Roads to the coast and the winelands are busy over the holidays, so leave extra time, especially for the airport.
Where to stay in the Helderberg: accommodation in Strand, Somerset West & Gordon's Bay →
Spending Christmas at Green Gables
Green Gables is a restored 1918 heritage house in Strand, about 15 minutes' walk from the beach, with two en-suite rooms and a self-catering Garden Apartment set in a lush, shady garden. The apartment has its own kitchen, so you can cook your own Christmas lunch. Bookings are made through Airbnb, where you can check live availability and prices for the festive season.
