South Africa in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in South Africa

34°C (93°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather along the coast with water temperatures at 23-25°C (73-77°F) and minimal wind, making it ideal for swimming and water sports
Game viewing in Kruger is exceptional as animals gather around water sources during the hot days, and vegetation is lush from summer rains making for impressive photography
Late afternoon thunderstorms clear the air and cool temperatures to pleasant 20-22°C (68-72°F) for evening activities, while mornings are crisp and perfect for hiking
Cape Town's summer festivals are in full swing, including outdoor concerts and night markets that take advantage of daylight until 8pm and warm evening temperatures

Considerations

Midday temperatures can reach 34°C+ (93°F+) making outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-3pm, requiring significant schedule adjustments
Daily thunderstorms arrive predictably between 3-6pm in most regions, potentially disrupting afternoon game drives and outdoor plans
Peak summer season means accommodation prices are 40-60% higher than winter months and popular attractions have maximum crowd levels

Best Activities in February

Kruger National Park Game Drives

February offers the best game viewing of the year as animals concentrate around permanent water sources during hot afternoons. The summer rains create lush landscapes perfect for photography, and migratory birds are present. Morning drives (5:30-9am) are comfortable at 18-22°C (64-72°F) before heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise drives through park gates or lodges - typically R400-800 ($22-44) for self-drive or R1,200-2,500 ($66-138) for guided tours. Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead for February. Avoid afternoon drives after 2pm due to thunderstorms. Reference booking widget for current guided safari options.

Cape Town Wine Estate Tours

February is harvest season (harvest festivals throughout the month) with perfect warm weather for outdoor tastings. Mornings are ideal at 20-24°C (68-75°F) before afternoon heat. Many estates offer harvest participation experiences unique to this month.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (9am-2pm) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Harvest experience tours cost R800-1,500 ($44-83) including tastings. Book 10-14 days ahead as harvest season is popular. Look for estates offering harvest participation. Check booking section for current wine tour options.

Garden Route Coastal Activities

Ocean temperatures peak at 23-25°C (73-77°F) making swimming, surfing, and whale watching comfortable. February has minimal wind and calm seas. Southern right whales are still visible near Hermanus, and penguin colonies at Boulders Beach are active.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours run R600-1,200 ($33-66) with best success in early morning calm conditions. Beach activities perfect all day except during 4-6pm thunderstorms. Book ocean tours 7-10 days ahead. See current coastal tour options in booking widget below.

Table Mountain Hiking and Cableway

Early morning hikes (6-9am) offer perfect conditions at 16-20°C (61-68°F) before heat and afternoon clouds obscure views. February has the longest daylight hours for summit experiences, but thunderstorms close cableway 3-6pm daily.

Booking Tip: Cableway tickets R395 ($22) adult, book online to skip queues. Start hikes before 7am to avoid heat and afternoon storms. Guided hikes cost R800-1,500 ($44-83). Weather closes cableway frequently in afternoons - morning visits essential. Check current hiking tour options below.

Johannesburg Cultural Township Experiences

February's warm evenings extend outdoor cultural activities and street food experiences. Townships come alive with summer festivals and outdoor markets. Morning tours avoid peak heat while evening cultural experiences benefit from pleasant 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Morning cultural tours R600-1,200 ($33-66) avoid midday heat. Evening experiences include traditional braai and music. Book with certified guides 7-14 days ahead. Look for tours including transport and meals. Reference booking section for current cultural tour options.

Drakensberg Mountains Hiking

Summer rains create spectacular waterfalls and green landscapes. Morning temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) are perfect for hiking before afternoon thunderstorms. February offers the most dramatic mountain scenery with flowing rivers and lush vegetation.

Booking Tip: Start hikes by 6am to complete before afternoon storms (typically 2-5pm). Guided hikes R800-1,800 ($44-99) including transport. Multi-day hikes need advance booking due to peak season. Weather changes rapidly - guided tours recommended for safety. See current mountain tour options in booking widget.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Cape Town Summer Night Markets

Multiple weekly markets including Neighbourgoods Market and Bay Harbour Market extend evening hours taking advantage of warm weather and late sunsets. Local artisans, food vendors, and live music create busy outdoor atmosphere.

Throughout February

Wine Harvest Festivals

Harvest season celebrations across Western Cape wine regions including grape stomping, cellar tours, and harvest worker meals. Each estate hosts different weekend events throughout the month with traditional music and food.

Early to Mid February

Johannesburg Summer Concert Series

Outdoor concerts in parks and venues take advantage of warm evenings and minimal rain after 7pm. Local and international artists perform in settings like Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - thunderstorms last 30-60 minutes and arrive predictably between 3-6pm daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8-9 during peak summer with intense African sun

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps heat and moisture

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - afternoon rains make surfaces slippery, especially on hiking trails

Light sweater or fleece for early mornings - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) before sunrise game drives

Insect repellent with DEET - summer rains increase mosquito activity, especially around water sources and game parks

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - perfect ocean temperatures at 23-25°C (73-77°F) make beach time irresistible

Small umbrella for city walking - afternoon storms can catch you between indoor locations in urban areas

Waterproof phone case or bag - protect electronics during sudden downpours and water activities

Layers for air-conditioned spaces - malls and restaurants keep AC very cold to counter outside heat

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities before 11am and after 6pm - locals avoid midday heat and afternoon thunderstorms by following this pattern religiously

Book accommodations with pools or air conditioning well in advance - February is peak season and quality places fill up, with prices 40-60% higher than winter

Fuel up early morning for road trips - petrol stations get crowded before weekend getaways and some rural stations close during afternoon storm hours

Many restaurants offer special harvest season menus in wine regions featuring seasonal ingredients and wine pairings available only in February

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon game drives after 2pm - thunderstorms regularly disrupt wildlife viewing and many parks close gates during lightning

Underestimating crowd levels at major attractions - February is peak domestic and international tourist season requiring advance bookings and early arrival

Wearing dark colors in midday heat - locals wear light colors and loose clothing to reflect sun and allow air circulation in high humidity