South Africa is a popular tourist destination featuring an array of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. With diverse seasons throughout the year, the best time to visit South Africa can vary depending on your travel preferences.
While May to September is ideal for thrilling safaris, it might not be the optimal season for sun-soaked beach getaways.
Don't let unfavorable weather affect your annual or milestone trips. Join us as we dive into the nuances of timing your visit to South Africa, ensuring you make the most of its wildlife wonders, picturesque coastlines, and others you are interested in.
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Quick Facts about South Africa's Weather and Climate
South Africa, situated in the southern hemisphere, boasts a climate that is diametrically opposed to that of the northern hemisphere. Furthermore, thanks to its rich diversity in geography, different parts of South Africa can display contrasting climatic conditions simultaneously, adding to the unique allure of the country. Have a quick look at South Africa's weather and climate.
- Summer: November to March
- Winter: June to August
- Rainy season in Cape Town: May to September
- Rainy season in Kruger: November to April
- High season in Kruger: July to October
Best Times to Visit South Africa for a Safari
One of the top reasons people visit South Africa is to experience its incredible wildlife. The best season to go on safari in South Africa is May to September when it's dry and animals congregate around water sources, making them easy to spot. Clear skies and no need to shelter from the rain (for animals or visitors) are of course helpful factors too.
Kruger National Park is a top destination for safaris, and, as the dry season draws on, vegetation becomes sparser and sparser, and so animals become more visible. You'll have better chances of spotting lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and zebras in the middle and end of the dry season.
Best Times to Visit South Africa for Whale Watching
To witness the spectacular southern right whales in South Africa, plan your trip from June to October. However, it's optimal to visit between August to October when whale sightings are at their peak. The Hermanus Whale Festival also takes place during this season, usually in late September or early October.
During this time, these whales migrate from the Antarctic to the coast of South Africa to mate and calf. Besides Hermanus, False Bay, and Plettenberg Bay are the best places to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Best Times to Visit South Africa for Beach Holidays
The best times to visit South Africa for enjoying its beaches are during the summer months of December to February. During this time, you can enjoy the warm and sunny weather, perfect for relaxing on the beautiful beaches along the coastline.
This period is also the peak season when many travelers choose to travel to South Africa, resulting in increased costs and crowds. Contact us for an early booking to ensure availability and a competitive price.
Best Times for Smaller Crowds and Pleasant Weather
The peak tourist season in South Africa is from November to March, coinciding with the summer months, which are perfect for many (northern hemisphere) travelers who seek the warmer climes of the African continent for a winter respite. December and January get really busy since many local and school holidays happen during these months.
The South African winter, from June to August, is the travel off-season, bringing the lowest prices (except for safaris) and least crowds.
If you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather, the best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).
Worst Times to Visit South Africa
The worst times for you to visit South Africa largely depend on your interests and preferences. Generally, the months of January and February can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in the northern parts of the country.
Additionally, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions are susceptible to heavy rainfall during the summer months. If you're planning on visiting the Cape Peninsula, the winter months (June to August) can also be quite rainy and cold.
Taking a private tour would make your trip easier and more worry-free at any time, but is especially helpful in the bad weather months.
Month-by-Month Guidance for Travelling in South Africa
Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
South Africa Weather in January: Hot and Dry
January is an ideal time for beach holidays anywhere along the South African coast. Cape Town and the Western Cape are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F).
Kruger National Park experiences high temperatures, typically from 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F), but be prepared for occasional rainstorms. Game viewing in the park can be a bit challenging, but it's a quieter time with lush greenery and adorable baby animals.
South Africa Weather in February: Hottest Month
During February, South Africa experiences one of its hottest months. However, the coastal towns are fortunate to have refreshing sea breezes that help to cool things down.
This month is quite popular among tourists, so it's advisable to make hotel reservations well in advance to ensure availability.
South Africa Weather in March: End of the Summer
March falls towards the end of the summer season in South Africa. Coastal areas experience average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F), which are ideal for beach activities. Inland regions, such as Johannesburg, tend to have temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 26°C (79°F).
As the rainy season comes to a close, game viewing in popular reserves like Kruger Park becomes more accessible. The thick vegetation of summer starts to clear, making it easier to spot a diverse range of wildlife.
South Africa Weather in April: Mild Weather, Fewer Crowds
April is a good time to visit South Africa. The weather is mild with less rainfall. Coastal areas generally enjoy temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 25°C (77°F), while inland regions are slightly cooler.
It's a great time for wildlife viewing as vegetation diminishes, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
South Africa Weather in May: Great for Safaris
May is a wonderful time to explore the country as the peak summer crowds have subsided, allowing for a more serene atmosphere. The weather remains warm and dry throughout the various regions. It's important to note that evenings can be chilly, so it's advisable to pack accordingly.
Moreover, safari excursions during this month are often exceptional, with wildlife sightings reaching their peak period.
South Africa Weather in June: Arrival of Winter
June marks the arrival of the winter season. In coastal areas, the average temperature range is 12°C (54°F) to 20°C (68°F), while inland regions may experience slightly colder temperatures, ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 16°C (61°F) on average.
The cooler temperatures and drier conditions make wildlife viewing in national parks and reserves even more rewarding.
June is considered the beginning of the low season for tourism, leading to fewer crowds and a chance for more tranquil experiences at popular attractions.
South Africa Weather in July: Whale Watching Season
The Western Cape and the Northern Cape regions start to enter the spring season and come alive with blooming flowers.
While the Cape and Gauteng can be chilly during this time, it is perfect time to enjoy the exceptional game viewing opportunities in Kruger and other reserves, as animals are more active and visible.
Additionally, August is the low season for tourism, meaning fewer crowds and more availability at accommodations and attractions.
South Africa Weather in August: Great for Safaris
The Western Cape and the Northern Cape regions start to enter the spring season and come alive with blooming flowers.
While the Cape and Gauteng can be chilly during this time, it is perfect time to enjoy the exceptional game viewing opportunities in Kruger and other reserves, as animals are more active and visible.
Additionally, August is the low season for tourism, meaning fewer crowds and more availability at accommodations and attractions.
South Africa Weather in September: Excellent for Safaris and Whale Watching
In September, South Africa bursts with beauty as wildflowers bloom on the West Coast, and temperatures rise throughout the country. It's an excellent time to visit as animals are abundant, with many giving birth in the bush, and whales can be spotted along the coast.
For an unforgettable safari experience, game parks like Shamwari, Phinda, and Kruger offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
South Africa Weather in October: Quiet Month with Good Weather
October is a stunning month in South Africa, with temperatures beginning to rise across the country, but the rains are yet to come in the north.
It's a great month to visit if you're combining multiple regions in South Africa. You can enjoy beach holidays along the South African coast, take safaris in Kruger Park, and view whales at Hermanus and the Western Cape.
Accommodation in tourist areas is usually quiet in October, but may fill up during the spring school holiday in late September/early October.
South Africa Weather in November: Start of the Rainy Season
As temperatures rise across the country, Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal experience the start of the rainy season. Late afternoon thunderstorms not only bring relief from the heat but also offer a remarkable sight.
This month is also the last chance to witness the whale season in the Western Cape seas before the whales begin their migration northwards.
South Africa Weather in December: Busy for Beach Holidays
December in South Africa is a busy time, so it's necessary to book hotels and excursions well in advance.
Cape Town and the Western Cape are hot by day, cooler at night, and dry. It is great for beach holidays along the coast.
Kruger Park and its surroundings are hot during the day, warm at night, and dry. Game viewing can be challenging due to animals dispersing away from water sources, but the lush greenery and clear skies provide excellent conditions for photography safaris.
Weather in South Africa Tourism Areas
- Cape Town
- Johannesburg
- Durban
- Knysna
- Kruger
- Plettenberg Bay
- Stellenbosch
- The Battlefields
- The Drakensberg
- The Kalahari
Cape Town Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
26ºC /79ºF |
16°C / 61°F |
15 mm / 1 in |
| February |
26ºC /79ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
17 mm / 1 in |
| March |
25ºC /77ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
20 mm / 1 in |
| April |
23ºC /73ºF |
13ºC /55ºF |
41 mm / 2 in |
| May |
20ºC /68ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
69 mm / 3 in |
| June |
18ºC /64ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
93 mm / 4 in |
| July |
18ºC /64ºF |
8ºC /46ºF |
82 mm / 3 in |
| August |
18ºC /64ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
73 mm / 3 in |
| September |
19ºC /66ºF |
10ºC /50ºF |
47 mm / 2 in |
| October |
20ºC /68ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
31 mm / 1 in |
| November |
22ºC /72ºF |
13ºC /55ºF |
14 mm / 1 in |
| December |
25ºC /77ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
17 mm / 1 in |
Johannesburg Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
26ºC /79ºF |
15°C / 59°F |
128 mm / 5 in |
| February |
25ºC /77ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
92 mm / 4 in |
| March |
24ºC /75ºF |
13ºC /55ºF |
93 mm / 4 in |
| April |
22ºC /72ºF |
10ºC /50ºF |
48 mm / 2 in |
| May |
19ºC /66ºF |
6ºC /43ºF |
1 mm / 0 in |
| June |
17ºC /63ºF |
3ºC /37ºF |
7 mm / 0 in |
| July |
17ºC /63ºF |
3ºC /37ºF |
1 mm / 0 in |
| August |
20ºC /68ºF |
5ºC /41ºF |
4 mm / 0 in |
| September |
23ºC /73ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
24 mm / 1 in |
| October |
24ºC /75ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
53 mm / 2 in |
| November |
24ºC /75ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
105 mm / 4 in |
| December |
25ºC /77ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
116 mm / 5 in |
Durban Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
28ºC /82ºF |
21°C / 70°F |
130 mm / 5 in |
| February |
28ºC /82ºF |
21ºC /70ºF |
117 mm / 4 in |
| March |
28ºC /82ºF |
21ºC /70ºF |
133 mm / 5 in |
| April |
27ºC /81ºF |
18ºC /64ºF |
80 mm / 3 in |
| May |
26ºC /79ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
49 mm / 2 in |
| June |
24ºC /75ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
18 mm / 1 in |
| July |
24ºC /75ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
18 mm / 1 in |
| August |
24ºC /75ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
23 mm / 1 in |
| September |
24ºC /75ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
49 mm / 2 in |
| October |
25ºC /77ºF |
17ºC /63ºF |
87 mm / 3 in |
| November |
26ºC /79ºF |
19ºC /66ºF |
101 mm / 4 in |
| December |
28ºC /82ºF |
21ºC /70ºF |
113 mm / 4 in |
Knysna Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
25ºC /77ºF |
17°C / 63°F |
62 mm / 2 in |
| February |
25ºC /77ºF |
17ºC /63ºF |
60 mm / 2 in |
| March |
24ºC /75ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
71 mm / 3 in |
| April |
23ºC /73ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
51 mm / 2 in |
| May |
21ºC /70ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
34 mm / 1 in |
| June |
20ºC /68ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
33 mm / 1 in |
| July |
19ºC /66ºF |
8ºC /46ºF |
33 mm / 1 in |
| August |
19ºC /66ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
34 mm / 1 in |
| September |
20ºC /68ºF |
10ºC /50ºF |
35 mm / 1 in |
| October |
21ºC /70ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
50 mm / 2 in |
| November |
22ºC /72ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
59 mm / 2 in |
| December |
24ºC /75ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
48 mm / 2 in |
Kruger National Park Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
32ºC /90ºF |
20°C / 68°F |
140 mm / 6 in |
| February |
31ºC /88ºF |
20ºC /68ºF |
114 mm / 4 in |
| March |
30ºC /86ºF |
19ºC /66ºF |
83 mm / 3 in |
| April |
28ºC /82ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
52 mm / 2 in |
| May |
26ºC /79ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
16 mm / 1 in |
| June |
25ºC /77ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
14 mm / 1 in |
| July |
25ºC /77ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
14 mm / 1 in |
| August |
27ºC /81ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
9 mm / 0 in |
| September |
29ºC /84ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
25 mm / 1 in |
| October |
30ºC /86ºF |
17ºC /63ºF |
68 mm / 3 in |
| November |
31ºC /88ºF |
19ºC /66ºF |
92 mm / 3 in |
| December |
32ºC /90ºF |
19ºC /66ºF |
77 mm / 3 in |
Plettenberg Bay Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
25ºC /77ºF |
18°C / 64°F |
88 mm / 3 in |
| February |
25ºC /77ºF |
18ºC /64ºF |
84 mm / 3 in |
| March |
24ºC /75ºF |
18ºC /64ºF |
108 mm / 4 in |
| April |
23ºC /73ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
68 mm / 3 in |
| May |
21ºC /70ºF |
13ºC /55ºF |
37 mm / 1 in |
| June |
20ºC /68ºF |
10ºC /50ºF |
34 mm / 1 in |
| July |
20ºC /68ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
44 mm / 2 in |
| August |
20ºC /68ºF |
10ºC /50ºF |
56 mm / 2 in |
| September |
21ºC /70ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
51 mm / 2 in |
| October |
22ºC /72ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
78 mm / 3 in |
| November |
24ºC /75ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
92 mm / 4 in |
| December |
25ºC /77ºF |
17ºC /63ºF |
102 mm / 4.02 in |
Stellenbosch Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
29ºC /84ºF |
16°C / 61°F |
21 mm / 1 in |
| February |
29ºC /84ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
15 mm / 1 in |
| March |
27ºC /81ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
19 mm / 1 in |
| April |
24ºC /75ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
41 mm / 2 in |
| May |
21ºC /70ºF |
8ºC /46ºF |
69 mm / 3 in |
| June |
19ºC /66ºF |
6ºC /43ºF |
80 mm / 3 in |
| July |
19ºC /66ºF |
6ºC /43ºF |
74 mm / 3 in |
| August |
20ºC /68ºF |
7ºC /45ºF |
78 mm / 3 in |
| September |
21ºC /70ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
62 mm / 2 in |
| October |
23ºC /73ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
38 mm / 2 in |
| November |
25ºC /77ºF |
13ºC /55ºF |
36 mm / 1 in |
| December |
28ºC /82ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
18 mm / 1 in |
The Battlefields Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
29ºC /84ºF |
16°C / 61°F |
110 mm / 4 in |
| February |
28ºC /82ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
98 mm / 4 in |
| March |
27ºC /81ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
80 mm / 3 in |
| April |
24ºC /75ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
51 mm / 2 in |
| May |
21ºC /70ºF |
8ºC /46ºF |
19 mm / 1 in |
| June |
19ºC /66ºF |
6ºC /43ºF |
12 mm / 0 in |
| July |
19ºC /66ºF |
6ºC /43ºF |
11 mm / 3 in |
| August |
20ºC /68ºF |
7ºC /45ºF |
21 mm / 1 in |
| September |
22ºC /72ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
32 mm / 1 in |
| October |
23ºC /73ºF |
11ºC /52ºF |
75 mm / 3 in |
| November |
25ºC /77ºF |
13ºC /55ºF |
96 mm / 4 in |
| December |
28ºC /82ºF |
15ºC /59ºF |
102 mm / 4 in |
The Drakensberg Mountains Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
24ºC /75ºF |
13°C / 55°F |
174 mm / 7 in |
| February |
23ºC /73ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
144 mm / 6 in |
| March |
23ºC /73ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
150 mm / 6 in |
| April |
21ºC /70ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
100 mm / 4 in |
| May |
19ºC /66ºF |
5ºC /41ºF |
37 mm / 1 in |
| June |
16ºC /61ºF |
2ºC /36ºF |
13 mm / 1 in |
| July |
16ºC /61ºF |
1ºC /34ºF |
10 mm / 0 in |
| August |
17ºC /63ºF |
3ºC /37ºF |
15 mm / 1 in |
| September |
19ºC /66ºF |
6ºC /43ºF |
41 mm / 2 in |
| October |
21ºC /70ºF |
8ºC /46ºF |
100 mm / 4 in |
| November |
22ºC /72ºF |
10ºC /50ºF |
112 mm / 4 in |
| December |
23ºC /73ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
137 mm / 5 in |
The Kalahari Monthly Weather
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
| January |
36ºC /97ºF |
20°C / 68°F |
48 mm / 2 in |
| February |
35ºC /95ºF |
19ºC /66ºF |
62 mm / 2 in |
| March |
33ºC /91ºF |
18ºC /64ºF |
39 mm / 2 in |
| April |
30ºC /86ºF |
14ºC /57ºF |
13 mm / 1 in |
| May |
26ºC /79ºF |
9ºC /48ºF |
5 mm / 0 in |
| June |
23ºC /73ºF |
5ºC /41ºF |
2 mm / 0 in |
| July |
23ºC /73ºF |
4ºC /39ºF |
1 mm / 0 in |
| August |
26ºC /79ºF |
7ºC /45ºF |
1 mm / 1 in |
| September |
30ºC /86ºF |
12ºC /54ºF |
5 mm / 0 in |
| October |
33ºC /91ºF |
16ºC /61ºF |
8 mm / 0 in |
| November |
34ºC /93ºF |
18ºC /64ºF |
13 mm / 1 in |
| December |
35ºC /95ºF |
19ºC /66ºF |
41 mm / 2 in |
