South Africa in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in South Africa
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect safari weather - clear skies and cool mornings mean animals are active at waterholes from 6-9am, with visibility up to 15 km (9.3 miles) in Kruger
- Whale season peak - Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate past Hermanus with 95% sighting success rate, best viewing 9am-4pm when seas are calmest
- Minimal crowds at major attractions - Robben Island tours run every hour instead of every 30 minutes, Table Mountain cable car waits under 10 minutes
- Wine harvest season in Western Cape - participate in harvest festivals, estate tastings with 2025 vintages, and accommodation rates 40% lower than summer
Considerations
- Cold mornings require layered clothing - temperatures can drop to 2°C (35°F) at 6am, especially problematic for early morning safari drives
- Unpredictable afternoon rain showers occur 30% of August days, typically lasting 45-90 minutes and disrupting outdoor activities
- Limited daylight hours - sunrise at 7:15am, sunset at 6pm means only 10 hours 45 minutes of usable outdoor time
Best Activities in August
Kruger National Park Safari Drives
August is prime safari season with dry conditions concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. Animals are most active 6-9am when temperatures are cool. Vegetation is sparse, making big cat spotting 60% more likely than wet season. Clear skies provide perfect photography light.
Hermanus Whale Watching
Southern Right whales arrive in Walker Bay during August, with mothers and calves staying close to shore. Land-based viewing from cliff paths is spectacular, while boat tours get within 50m (164 ft) of whales. Calm winter seas and clear visibility make August the peak viewing month.
Cape Peninsula Scenic Drives
Crystal clear winter air provides impressive visibility along Chapman's Peak Drive and Cape Point. Temperatures are perfect for hiking - warm enough at midday but cool enough to avoid overheating. Fewer tourists mean unobstructed photo opportunities at major viewpoints.
Stellenbosch Wine Estate Tours
August is harvest season in South Africa's premier wine region. Participate in harvest activities, taste new barrel samples, and enjoy harvest festivals. Cool winter weather makes cycling between estates comfortable, and accommodation rates are at annual lows.
Table Mountain Hiking and Cable Car
August offers perfect hiking conditions with cool mornings and minimal wind. Clear winter skies provide 360-degree views across South Africa. Cable car operates daily with minimal queues compared to summer peak season. Start hikes by 8am to avoid afternoon weather changes.
Garden Route Coastal Drives
Winter storms create dramatic coastlines perfect for photography, while mild daytime temperatures make driving comfortable. South Africa Lagoon and South Africa offer excellent land-based whale watching. Accommodation rates are 50% lower than peak summer season.
August Events & Festivals
Hermanus Whale Festival
Annual celebration of whale migration season with live music, local food vendors, and guided whale watching walks. Features the world's only whale crier who announces whale sightings throughout the town.
Western Cape Wine Harvest Festivals
Multiple wine estates host harvest celebrations with grape stomping, traditional harvest meals, and new wine tastings. Different estates host events throughout August, with weekends being most popular.