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

October falls in South Africa's spring going on summer, with warm temperatures throughout and little rain. It is the perfect time to visit Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Kruger National Park. Read more to find out more about travel and weather, including average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and travel tips for October.

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South Africa Weather in October: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 12–26°C (54–78°F)
• Rainfall: 5 cm (0 inch)
• Rainy days: 9
• Sunshine hours/day: 9
• Sea temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Humidity: 56–74% (comfortable throughout the country, but humid and damp around Cape Town)

October sees warm temperatures throughout the country, with evening temperatures also warming up when compared to the weather in September and August. Kruger and Kalahari are especially warm, with temperatures peaking higher there.

The regions of Cape Town, Kalahari, and Kruger are largely dry, with only a couple of centimeters or inches of rain falling in the month of October. Johannesburg and the Drakensberg Mountains see a little more rain in October.

Humidity levels are low throughout, except in Cape Town, which is a little more humid.

Weather of South Africa's Major Cities in October

The Best Places to Visit in South Africa in October

October is the perfect time of the year to visit much of the country, given that the weather is warm and mostly dry throughout the country. The days are long and sunny, lending themselves to lots of sightseeing and exploring in South Africa.

For a trip to South Africa in October, we would recommend visiting Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for a wine tasting tour through the vineyards, Johannesburg in order to learn more about South African history, Kruger National Park to go on an incredible safari, and the Langkloof for more active visitors.

1. Taste Regional Wines in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

The areas around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are well known to be home to some of the most delicious wines, and there are plenty of vineyards and wineries to visit around the area. Head out on a wine tasting tour and take in the beautiful sites along the way. You can also pick up a few bottles of wine to take home to remember your trip by, or to gift to friends and family.

This wine region is not too far from Cape Town, so is well-combined with a few days sightseeing in and around Cape Town. This is where you'll also find Table Mountain National Park where it is nice to go for a walk or a more strenuous hike if you prefer.

2. Go on a Safari at Kruger National Park

Regardless of the fact that October is when Kruger National Park gets warmer, we would still highly recommend visiting. It is one of the most memorable things to go in South Africa. To read more about what to do in Kruger in October, check out our South Africa Weather in September piece.

3. Learn about South Africa's History in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is South Africa's biggest city, and there are so many opportunities to learn about South Africa's past here. From Nelson Mandela's House, to the Apartheid Museum, and the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, each of these sights adds a piece to your understanding of South Africa's history.

For the younger visitors there is also the Johannesburg Zoo, as well as Gold Reef City Theme Park, for which the weather is perfect in October.

If you prefer, Global Highlights can help you arrange a walking or a cycling tour of the sights too, to give you some time to see more of the city.

4. Mountain Bike in the Langkloof

The Langkloof is a long valley in South Africa between the cities of George and Gqeberha, and it is a very popular destination with mountain bikers, mountaineers, and hikers, as well as photographers. The spring weather in October there is great for active travelers.

There are gorges and waterfalls to walk through, with a huge range of difficulties of hikes, meaning that it is possible for almost everyone to experience some of the tranquil and breathtaking sites. We do recommend a base of fitness, but Global Highlights' experts can help you tailor your trip to your abilities.

The Langkloof falls along Route 62, one of the best-known wine routes in the world, which stretches through Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson, and Klein Karoo.

Low Season: Less Crowding and Lower Costs

Late October is just about when the high season starts to pick up (this really kicks off in November through to March), and you'll notice this in an increase in prices for flights and accommodation when compared to September or even August.

There will likely also be slightly more tourists at the popular sights, but in general there isn't the same crowding and busyness that you can expect to see in the proper peak season.

If you're still not sure when to visit South Africa, read more here: Best and Worst Times to Visit South Africa in 2024/2025.

What to Wear in October

Visitors to South Africa in October can expect to feel comfortable in summer clothing for most of their trip, from skirts and cotton shorts or trousers to dresses and linen shirts. You would likely be a little warm if you are sightseeing, so we don't recommend wearing too many layers. The only exception would be if you are heading out for a very early game drive in a national park, or going out at sunset, at which point you might want to bring a hoodie or a light jacket to wrap up.

If you are planning on going hiking or biking in the Langkloof we do recommend bringing the proper gear and protective gear for cyclists. It is also important to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself adequately against the long, sunny days.

Good, supportive footwear is also recommended to make sure you are comfortable throughout your trip to South Africa, regardless of your activities.

Monthly Weather in South Africa

Contact Global Highlights to Plan Your South Africa Tour

Planning a trip can sometimes be a little stressful, especially if you've not been before and even if you've read up on all of the information online. If you need a little help planning your ultimate once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa, reach out to our experts at Global Highlights and we can help you put together your ideal itinerary.

Let us know what you would like to see, where you want to go, and your requirements and expectations, and we can help you create a bespoke itinerary that fits your needs. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.