South Africa Weather in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

South Africa's weather in March is warm to hot. For visitors coming to South Africa in March we recommend visiting Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and the Cape Winelands. Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and travel tips for March.

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South Africa Weather in March: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 15–27°C (59–81°F)
• Rainfall: 7 cm (3 inches)
• Rainy days: 9
• Sunshine hours/day: 9
• Sea temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Humidity: 68–74% (muggy to more humid throughout the country)

March is warm to hot in South Africa, with temperatures in Kruger National Park and Kalahari being hot during the day, and cooler in the evening. The rest of the country is moderately warm, making for pleasant days sightseeing with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day.

South Africa doesn't see much rain in March, approximately 7 cm (or 3 inches) throughout the country, most of which falls around Johannesburg and in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Humidity levels are moderately higher in March in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town and in Johannesburg, however, not high enough to deter a visit.

Weather of South Africa's Major Cities in March

The Best Places to Visit in South Africa in March

March is a great time of the year to visit South Africa, with plenty of incredible places to visit during this warm, sunny period that marks the end of the South African summer.

For those wanting to visit South Africa during this time of the year, we recommend checking out Kruger National Park, regardless of the weather, because it's an absolute must-see. We also recommend Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and Vamizi Island.

1. Adventure in and around Cape Town and Attend the Jazz Festival

Cape Town has activities and sights for every kind of traveler, and you could easily spend multiple days there.

For the more active tourist, we recommend climbing Table Mountain, or going out to the Cape of Good Hope. For those wanting to learn more about Cape Town's history, there is Robben Island, as well as the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and the District Six Museum.

We recommend getting a guide to ensure you don't miss anything while you're in Cape Town, something that Global Highlights can help you arrange.

March also sees the Cape Town Jazz Festival being held. Dates for this are still being confirmed for 2024, but we can help you plan your trip around it if you are interested in regional and international jazz.

2. See the Big Five in Kruger National Park

Regardless of the warmer weather, Kruger National Park is somewhere not to miss while you are in South Africa. In the park you'll be able to see the big five, as well as plenty of other flora and fauna endemic to the region.

Most animals are active from sunrise as they avoid the heat in the middle of the day, and they also tend to be more active around dusk. It is recommended to go on game drives in these parts of the day to catch the action in the park!

3. Taste Delicious Wines at the Cape Winelands

Cape Town is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, and March is a great time of year to go on a tour of the vineyards, sampling the best wines around, and eating tasty meals.

Some of the most popular estates are Vergelegen Estate, Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery, Groot Constantia, Lourensford Wine Estate, and Constantia Glen Winery.

For those more adventurous and wanting more, there are also the nearby Stellenbosch en Franschhoek vineyard areas.

If you'd like to visit these but aren't sure how to get there, Global Highlights can arrange private transfers with a wine-au-fait local guide to take you on a hassle-free wine tour.

4. See Baby Animals at Kariega Game Reserve

March sees the end of the birthing season at Kariega Game Reserve, and a visit would blow you away with so many wild young animals to see. Particularly many antelope species are known to give birth to their young between November and March, including the impala, wildebeest (kudu and blue), and blesbok.

Often, the herds will birth in quick succession, which is a survival tactic for them.

The reserve is privately owned, covers over a square kilometer (0.4 square miles) of land, and there is a lot to see. Guests tend to stay between two and seven nights depending on how much time they have in South Africa.

High Season: More Crowding and Higher Costs

March is the end of South Africa's high season, due to it having the tail end of the warm weather. During this time of the year, you can expect more crowds and higher costs for both accommodation and travel.

Human Rights Day is celebrated on March 21 annually. This day is an important day to celebrate the rights of all citizens, and to remember the struggle against apartheid. The day is commemorated with a parade in Sharpeville and other celebrations throughout the country including the Cape Town Festival. It is a public holiday with most businesses closed.

Good Friday also falls in March in 2024, on March 29. In 2025 it falls on April 18. This day is a public holiday and most businesses are closed on Good Friday. If you are traveling in March, we recommend planning or calling ahead to ensure that where you want to go is open.

What to Wear in March

March is a warm time of the year for visitors to South Africa, and we recommend bringing light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics. Bringing linen trousers and shirts, dresses and skirts, or cotton t-shirts will help you feel comfortable during your time in South Africa.

If you are hoping to participate in some more-active activities, we recommend bringing all of your hiking equipment from home, particularly supportive hiking footwear.

Since the sun will be out for most of the day, we also recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, as well as mosquito spray if you're planning to be out in the parks.

Monthly Weather in South Africa

Contact Global Highlights to Plan Your South Africa Tour

To get help with putting together your ideal South Africa itinerary, reach out to our team of experts at Global Highlights. We can help arrange tour guides, travel, accommodation, and private transfers to the places you'd like to go.

If you need a little more insight into when is best to visit South Africa, we recommend checking out: Best and Worst Times to Visit South Africa in 2024/2025.

Help us help you, and let us know where you'd like to visit, how long you're planning on staying in South Africa, and what your needs and requirements are, and we can arrange your ideal tour through South Africa. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry