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Table Mountain, South Africa

South Africa

Unbeatable safaris, self-drives and scenery

When to visit South Africa

Introduction

The seasons in South Africa are a reversal of those in the Northern Hemisphere, with winter at its height in July and August. This is the best time to view South Africa's wildlife; with dry conditions forcing animals to congregate around water sources in National Parks, making them easier to spot. This is when whale watching is easiest too.

Cape Town and the Garden Route are best visited during the warmer summer months (December and January) when temperatures average 25-30°C. During winter, temperatures plummet, overnight frosts are common, as is snow in mountainous areas and the Cape Town region.

Be aware that South African summers are prone to sudden and very heavy storms, and when driving in these conditions reduced visibility can make it necessary to pull over for a time.

Kruger National Park

Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
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Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, with each season bringing its own rewards. Game viewing is generally at its best during the dry winter months when the bushveld is open, and wildlife migrates towards the remaining waterholes. The early summer (November to December) brings newborn wildlife to the Kruger, along with heavy rains that fill the rivers and waterholes. While this can make it more difficult to spot land-based wildlife, it’s an excellent time for birding as the summer migrant birds arrive.

Daily max temp (Mar)
29.7℃

Monthly rainfall (Mar)
67mm

Cape Town

Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
  • 30
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There’s no bad time to visit Cape Town, but the weather in the Cape Winelands and along the Garden Route is most favourable between January and late April, when the weather is warm and the beaches are at their best. The late summer, when there’s little in the way of vegetation, is also the best time to view wildlife in the Eastern Cape reserves, while spring (September to November) offers the best chance to see whales off the coast of Hermanus. Those headed inland to the Klein Karoo will experience the most dramatic weather conditions, with icy winters and very hot summers.

Daily max temp (Mar)
25.4℃

Monthly rainfall (Mar)
30mm

Garden Route

Average temperature (℃)
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Daily max temp (Mar)
24.2℃

Monthly rainfall (Mar)
31mm

KwaZulu-Natal

Average temperature (℃)
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  • 30
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The climate in KwaZulu-Natal is as varied as its topography suggests. The coastal region enjoys an almost perpetual summer, with warm dry winters and occasional rain in the summer. Winter in the mountains brings dry days, perfect for hiking, although it can get cold at night with occasional snow on the high peaks. Spring is a good time to visit, with warm, dry weather throughout the region.

Daily max temp (Mar)
27.6℃

Monthly rainfall (Mar)
125mm

Johannesburg

Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
  • 30
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Cool, dry winters and hot summers, which come with short and sometimes spectacular storms, characterise Johannesburg’s climate. In Madikwe, the best time for game viewing is from May to the end of September, when rainfall is low and the resident wildlife congregate around the remaining waterholes, a pattern similar to that of Tswalu Kalahari. Throughout spring the heat builds slowly before summer arrives, which in turn brings high temperatures and occasional thunderstorms.

Daily max temp (Mar)
24.5℃

Monthly rainfall (Mar)
91mm

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0797 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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