South Africa in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in South Africa

20°C (69°F) High Temp

6°C (42°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Prime whale watching season - Southern Right whales arrive at Hermanus in peak numbers, visible from shore without boats. Walker Bay viewpoints offer guaranteed sightings most days with 200m (656 ft) visibility.
Perfect safari weather - 20°C (69°F) days mean animals are active all day, not just dawn/dusk. Dry conditions create excellent game viewing as animals congregate around water sources in Kruger and private reserves.
Snow season in Drakensberg - Experience Africa's winter wonderland with snow-capped peaks above 2,000m (6,562 ft). Clear mountain air offers 50km+ (31+ mile) visibility for hiking and photography.
Cape Town's low season pricing - Accommodation costs drop 40-60% compared to December-February. Restaurant bookings available Easttimor-day, and major attractions have 30-minute queues instead of 2+ hours.

Considerations

Shorter daylight hours - Sunrise at 7:30am, sunset at 5:45pm gives only 10 hours of daylight for activities. Plan indoor alternatives for 4pm onwards when temperatures drop to single digits.
Cape Peninsula weather unpredictability - Four Seasons in one day is real. Morning sunshine at Camps Bay can become afternoon rain and 50km/h (31mph) winds at Cape Point within 3 hours.
High accommodation demand during school holidays - July 9-19, 2025 are South African school holidays. Book Western Cape and Drakensberg accommodations 8+ weeks ahead or pay 25-35% premiums.

Best Activities in July

Hermanus Whale Watching

Peak Southern Right whale season with mothers and calves in Walker Bay. Shore-based viewing from cliff paths offers free whale watching, while boat tours get within 50m (164 ft) of whales. July has the highest whale count - typically 60-80 whales in the bay. Morning tours (8am-11am) have calmer seas and better light for photography.

Booking Tip: Shore viewing is free from Cliff Path. Boat tours cost R650-850 ($35-45) and should be booked 5-7 days ahead. Choose operators with hydrophones for whale sounds. Weather-dependent - have 2-3 flexible days. See current whale watching tours in the booking section below.

Kruger Safari Game Drives

Ideal safari conditions with dry weather concentrating animals around permanent water sources. 20°C (69°F) days mean big cats and elephants remain active all day, not just early morning. Less vegetation provides clearer animal spotting. Winter is calving season for many antelope species.

Booking Tip: Full day safaris cost R1,200-2,000 ($65-110) including park fees. Book 14-21 days ahead for July. Choose operators with open vehicles for better photography. Bring layers - morning starts at 6°C (43°F). Current safari packages available in booking section below.

Drakensberg Mountain Hiking

Crystal clear mountain air with visibility extending 50km+ (31+ miles). Snow on high peaks above 2,000m (6,562 ft) creates spectacular photography. Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls hikes offer winter mountain experiences rare in Africa. Dry conditions mean safer river crossings.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes range R400-800 ($22-44) per day. Multi-day hikes need booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Essential to have warm weather gear - temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) at altitude. Check current hiking tours in booking section below.

Cape Town Wine Estate Tours

Harvest season (March-April) has ended, leaving cellars full for tastings. Crisp 18°C (64°F) days perfect for cycling between estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Winter pruning season offers insights into winemaking process. Indoor cellar tours ideal for variable July weather.

Booking Tip: Wine tours cost R450-900 ($25-50) including tastings at 3-4 estates. Book 7-10 days ahead for premium estates. Choose tours with indoor components for weather backup. Cycling tours depend on dry days. See current wine tours in booking section below.

Garden Route Coastal Drives

Stormy seas create dramatic coastal photography at Tsitsikamma and Nature's Valley. Knysna Heads have spectacular wave action. Forest walks in Tsitsikamma stay pleasant at 16°C (61°F) when coastal areas are windy. Plettenberg Bay whale watching from shore peaks in July.

Booking Tip: Self-drive is most flexible for weather. Car rental costs R300-500 ($16-27) daily. Guided tours R800-1,200 ($44-66) include multiple stops. Book accommodation 4-6 weeks ahead for July school holidays. Check current Garden Route tours in booking section below.

Johannesburg Cultural Township Tours

Perfect weather for walking tours of Soweto and inner city. 20°C (69°F) days comfortable for 3-4 hour cultural experiences. July 16 Human Rights Day adds cultural significance. Winter clear air offers great Johannesburg skyline views from Constitution Hill.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost R350-550 ($19-30). Book through established operators with local guides. Combine multiple townships in full-day tours. Weather rarely affects tours. Current cultural tours available in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Early July

National Arts Festival Fringe

Africa's largest arts festival with 500+ productions in Makhanda (Grahamstown). Theatre, comedy, music and visual arts in intimate venues. Many productions cost R50-150 ($3-8). Book accommodation 3+ months ahead as town capacity doubles.

Mid July

Hermanus Whale Festival

Shore-based whale watching celebration with craft markets, live music, and whale spotting competitions. Free cliff path walks with whale guides. Peak whale viewing week with 60-80 Southern Right whales typically in Walker Bay.

Early July

Durban July Horse Racing

South Africa's premier horse racing event and fashion show at Greyville Racecourse. More about fashion and socializing than racing - tickets R150-2,500 ($8-135) depending on access level. Book early for premium enclosures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - Start with thermals for 6°C (43°F) mornings, add/remove layers as temperature rises to 20°C (69°F) by noon

Waterproof jacket with hood - Not for heavy rain but for Cape Town's sudden weather changes and coastal wind protection

Warm hiking boots - For Drakensberg snow conditions above 2,000m (6,562 ft) and rocky terrain on whale watching cliff paths

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 intensified by high altitude and reflective surfaces, especially dangerous with clear winter air

Binoculars 8x32 minimum - Essential for whale watching from Hermanus cliffs and safari game viewing from 100m+ (328+ ft) distances

Headlamp or flashlight - Sunset at 5:45pm means early darkness for evening activities and potential load shedding backup

Warm sleepwear and thick socks - Accommodation heating often inadequate, especially in coastal areas where temperatures drop to 6°C (43°F)

Cash in small denominations - Many township tours, craft markets, and parking attendants don't accept cards, need R20-50 notes

Power bank and universal adapter - Load shedding still affects some areas, Type M plug adapter essential for international visitors

Warm hat and gloves - Necessary for early morning safaris starting at 6am when temperatures are 4-6°C (39-43°F)

Insider Knowledge

Load shedding schedules vary by area - Download EskomSePush app and check your accommodation's backup power situation. Areas like Sandton and Waterfront have better infrastructure than townships.

School holidays July 9-19, 2025 create domestic tourism peaks - Book Drakensberg and Western Cape accommodations by early May or expect 30% premiums and limited availability.

Whale watching from shore is often better than boat trips - Hermanus cliff path offers elevated views and longer observation time. Boat trips can be cancelled due to 7m+ (23+ ft) winter swells.

Morning game drives (6am-10am) produce 70% more big cat sightings in July - Animals hunt in cooler temperatures before midday heat. Afternoon drives focus more on elephant and buffalo herds at water sources.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature variations - Wearing summer clothes because it's Africa, then freezing in 6°C (43°F) morning temperatures. Pack for European winter conditions.

Booking only Cape Town and missing whale season - July is the ONE month for guaranteed Southern Right whale viewing. Hermanus is 90 minutes from Cape Town and unmissable.

Assuming rain ruins plans - July's 51mm (2.0 inches) falls in brief showers over 10 days, not continuous rain. Most activities continue with proper rain gear.