The Best Time to Travel to South Africa
Written by Daryll Williams
From cosmopolitan Cape Town, to the raw natural beauty of the Karoo Desert, South Africa is a tourist destination for almost everybody, from nature enthusiasts to history buffs. Thanks to its varied weather conditions, this is a country that can be visited year-round – which means that all you have to decide is what kind of weather you want to experience. Here's our guide to the best time to travel to South Africa.
January: Summer / High Season
In the first month of the year, South Africans descend on most of the major tourist areas, including the coast and parks, during the school summer holidays. Hot and dry weather takes over the Cape, making it an excellent time of year for trips to Cape Town and the Garden Route. The Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal also have high temperatures, but with sunny periods interspersed with tropical rainstorms.
February: Summer / High Season
Summer continues through February, with smiles on the beaches and spectacular sunsets aplenty. Elephants munch on marula trees, and baby antelope, zebras, and giraffes cavort in the parks. This is typically the hottest month in the Cape, although coastal towns are cooled by pleasant sea breezes.
March: Autumn / Good Season
March’s weather is warm, and although there may still be some rainfall in the north, it eases off. On safari in Kruger, the bush will be thick and rivers full as this is the end of the rainy season. Summer will eventually begin its roll towards autumn, although the days will remain remarkably sunny and long. This time of year is good for walks and beach bumming in the Western Cape.
April: Autumn / Good Season
There's a two-week South African school vacation around Easter, generally regarded as the beginning of autumn. Take note as this can increase accommodation costs and lead to busier roads. Temperatures drop, and wildlife watching in the bushveld starts to look more attractive than lying on the beach. Wildlife rutting season runs until May.
May: Autumn / Good Season
By the time May comes around the peak summer crowds have died down, but it is still a lovely time of year to visit the country if you are not seeking particularly hot weather. The evenings become chilly, and a safari during this time is often superb. Snow may also begin to fall on the highlands where it is much wetter.
June: Winter / Low Season
June in South Africa means chilly days and cold nights. It’s the rainiest month in the Western Cape. But don't let that put you off: safari conditions are great in the north, which is much drier.
July: Winter / Low Season
Winter brings rain to the Cape and clouds to Table Mountain. Northern areas experience fresh, sunny days and clear night skies. Low season is June to September, apart from the mid-June to mid-July school holidays.
August: Winter / Low Season
Signs of spring are in the air in South Africa in August. Head towards the west coast to see the colourful wildflowers emerge from winter hibernation. Kruger National Park and the northern reserves remain pleasant and dry.
September: Spring / Good Season
By September, winter is giving way to spring. Cherry trees bloom in the Free State Eastern Highlands in September and October, which are also the last dry months for wildlife viewing. Head to the coast for superb opportunities for whale watching.
October: Spring / Good Season
October is a great month to visit South Africa, and it offers mostly sunny weather without the worst of the summer crowds and prices.
November: Summer / High Season
Spring drifts into summer: look out for wildflowers in the Drakensberg, and hit the beach before the worst humidity comes to KwaZulu-Natal, and all of the above in Cape Town and the Western Cape. November is rainy in the Lowveld, and the high season begins.
December: Summer / High Season
The hot, dry days pick up as summer officially gets cooking in December. Expect rainfall and stunning thundershowers in the lowveld around Johannesburg.
Experience South Africa’s year-round beauty
South Africa is stocked with places that are yet to be discovered by the masses and is brimming with adventure. Ready to book your next trip? Check out our tailored trip builder on our website or visit our Instagram to start your adventure!
