When to go to South Africa
South Africa has the reverse climate to Europe, so summer is from November to February and winter is from May to July. The climate varies very significantly from one part of the country to another and we will suggest an itinerary that will make the most of the weather for your chosen dates.
Broadly speaking Cape Town and the Garden Route is lovely over the Christmas and Easter holidays but wet and cold in July and August. The north and east (including Kruger and Durban) get very hot with some late afternoon rain over Christmas but you can still travel at this time. The north and east are very pleasant at Easter and during July and August.
January
Hot and sunny in Cape Town and along the Garden Route (although it can be windy around Cape Town). Very hot in the north with some rain although this is usually in the late afternoon and will then clear. This is a very popular time for domestic tourists to travel so accommodation will fill up quickly; book as early as possible.
February
Hot and sunny in Cape Town and along the Garden Route (although it can be windy around Cape Town). Very hot in the north and east (around Kruger and Durban) with some rain although this is usually in the late afternoon and will then clear.
March
This is a great time to travel throughout South Africa with plenty of sunshine, little rain and it will not be too hot.
April
This is a great time to travel throughout South Africa with plenty of sunshine, little rain and it will not be too hot.
May
This is the start of winter and is a great time to be in the north and east of the country (around Kruger and Durban). However, particularly towards the end of the month the rains is increasing in the Cape. It can be cold and wet so is not a great time to travel to this area.
June
This is the winter. It is a great time to be in the north and east of the country (around Kruger and Durban). However, Cape Town will be cold and wet and there may be strong winds. As a result this is not the ideal time to visit this area.
July
This is the winter. It is a great time to be in the north and east of the country (around Kruger and Durban). However, Cape Town will be cold and wet and there may be strong winds. As a result this is not the ideal time to visit this area.
August
This is the winter. It is a great time to be in the north and east of the country (around Kruger and Durban). However, Cape Town will be cold and wet and there may be strong winds. As a result this is not the ideal time to visit this area.
September
This is now spring. It is a great time to be in the north and east of the country (around Kruger and Durban). The rainfall decreases in the Cape and temperatures start to rise although it still will not be hot.
October
This is now spring and a great time to travel throughout South Africa. There will be plenty of sunshine but it won’t be too hot.
November
This is early summer and a wonderful time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route. It is starting to get hot and humid in the north and east (around Kruger and Durban) and there may be the occasional afternoon thunderstorm but it is still a good time to visit.
December
It will be hot and sunny in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. In the north and east (around Kruger and Durban) it will be very hot and humid with some rain although this is usually in the late afternoon and will then clear. This is a very popular time for domestic tourists to travel so accommodation will fill up quickly; book as early as possible.
Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.
01728 752751
South Africa in pictures
