79 properties found · Showing 1–20
December is the busiest time of year in St Lucia, with South African school holidays running mid-December through mid-January. There are currently 15 properties listed in the St Lucia area for the December peak season, with nightly rates ranging from R900 to R3,536 — averaging R1,832 per night. Demand outstrips supply significantly during this window, so properties book out weeks in advance. Whether you're after self-catering near the estuary or a guesthouse close to the beach, availability gets tight fast once schools close.
What to Expect in St Lucia in December
St Lucia in December is hot, humid, and full. Temperatures sit between 24°C and 32°C, afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the town sees its highest foot traffic of the year. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park remains fully operational — hippo and croc sightings on the estuary are reliable year-round, but December boat cruises book out days in advance. The beach at St Lucia is swimmable in December; the Zululand coast gets warm Indian Ocean conditions and surf is generally mild.
Where Properties Are Listed
All 15 listed properties are in or immediately around St Lucia town itself, which makes sense — the town sits between the estuary and the beach, with most accommodation within walking distance of the main street, the launch site, and the shore. There's no sprawling holiday park situation here; St Lucia is compact, so location differences between properties are modest. What matters more is whether you need air conditioning (essential in December), a private pool, or a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering over a two-week stay.
Rates and What You Get
At R900 per night you're looking at basic self-catering units or off-peak deals that may carry minimum-stay requirements over the festive period. The R3,536 end of the range typically covers larger houses sleeping six or more, or guesthouses with private pools and daily cleaning. The average of R1,832 per night reflects mid-range self-catering houses — usually three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a braai area. For a 10-night stay over Christmas, budget R18,320 at the average rate before you factor in food and activities.
Booking Tips for December in St Lucia
St Lucia has a small accommodation base for the volume of visitors it receives in December. Properties regularly sell out by October for the Christmas and New Year window. If you're targeting specific dates — Christmas Eve through New Year — treat those as non-negotiable and book the moment you find something suitable. Minimum-stay requirements of five to seven nights are standard over the festive peak. Confirm whether rates are per-property or per-person, and check whether linen and towels are included in self-catering quotes, as some properties charge separately. Arriving midweek gives slightly better availability and sometimes lower rates on shoulder dates around the 25th and 1st.
