South Africa in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in South Africa

30°C (86°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak harvest season in wine regions - March brings perfect weather for vineyard tours with temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and minimal rainfall in the Western Cape
Excellent whale watching conditions along the coast as southern right whales are still present before migrating, with calmer seas and 15-20 km (9-12 mile) visibility
Shoulder season pricing kicks in after peak summer - accommodation costs drop 25-40% compared to December-January rates while weather remains warm
Perfect hiking weather in the mountains with daytime temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) and clear skies, before winter rains arrive in the Western Cape

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms in Gauteng region (Johannesburg/Pretoria) can disrupt outdoor plans - storms typically last 45-90 minutes but are intense
Some coastal areas experience strong southeast winds reaching 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph), particularly around Cape Town, making beach days uncomfortable
School holidays end mid-March, so first two weeks can still have family crowds at major attractions before quieting down significantly

Best Activities in March

Garden Route Self-Drive Tours

March offers ideal conditions for the 300 km (186 mile) coastal drive with warm 24-27°C (75-81°F) temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildflowers are still blooming, and accommodation prices drop 30% after peak season. Morning starts are perfect with excellent visibility for whale spotting from clifftops.

Booking Tip: Book accommodation in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay 3-4 weeks ahead as March is still popular. Self-drive car rentals cost R400-800 ($22-44) per day. Book through established rental agencies for insurance coverage on coastal roads.

Cape Winelands Harvest Tours

March is harvest season in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek with perfect 23-28°C (73-82°F) weather and minimal rain. Participate in actual grape picking, witness crushing processes, and taste new vintages. Vineyards offer special harvest experiences unavailable other times of year.

Booking Tip: Harvest tours cost R600-1,500 ($33-83) including tastings and meals. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as harvest timing varies by vineyard. Look for working harvest experiences versus standard cellar tours.

Drakensberg Mountain Hiking

March delivers perfect hiking weather with 18-23°C (64-73°F) temperatures at altitude and clear mountain views before winter sets in. Amphitheatre hikes offer 20+ km (12+ mile) visibility, and San rock art sites are accessible with comfortable walking conditions.

Booking Tip: Mountain lodge bookings cost R800-2,000 ($44-110) per night. Book guided hikes 1-2 weeks ahead through registered mountain guides. Day hikes cost R300-600 ($17-33) per person including transport from hotels.

Kruger Park Safari Drives

March brings excellent game viewing as animals gather at water sources during drier conditions. Temperatures reach 28-32°C (82-90°F) by midday but mornings are perfect at 18-22°C (64-72°F). Fewer crowds than peak summer, and malaria risk is lower than wet season months.

Booking Tip: Self-drive entries cost R440 ($24) per adult daily. Book accommodation in rest camps 6-8 weeks ahead for March. Guided safari drives cost R400-800 ($22-44) per person for 3-4 hour sessions.

Cape Peninsula Coastal Drives

March offers impressive coastal scenery with 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures perfect for Chapman's Peak Drive and Cape Point visits. Penguin viewing at Boulders Beach is excellent as breeding season continues, and Atlantic ocean temperatures reach annual peak of 18-20°C (64-68°F).

Booking Tip: Cape Point entry costs R385 ($21) per adult. Book penguin viewing slots online 5-7 days ahead during school holiday periods. Township tours combined with peninsula drives cost R800-1,200 ($44-66) for full day experiences.

Johannesburg Cultural Township Experiences

March weather is ideal for walking tours through Soweto and cultural sites with comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F) daytime temperatures. Afternoon thunderstorms provide natural breaks, and locals are active outdoors after the intense summer heat subsides.

Booking Tip: Half-day township tours cost R500-900 ($28-50) per person including transport and local guide. Book through operators offering community benefit programs. Apartheid Museum visits work well as indoor alternatives during afternoon storms.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Cape Town Harvest Festival

Multiple wine farms across Stellenbosch and Franschhoek host harvest celebrations with grape stomping, traditional music, and new wine tastings. Each farm has different weekend events throughout March.

Early to Mid March

Hermanus Whale Festival

While the main festival is in September, March still offers excellent whale watching as southern right whales complete their breeding season before migration. Shore-based viewing from cliff paths is ideal.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms in inland areas last 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

Layered clothing for temperature swings - mountain areas drop to 12°C (54°F) at night while reaching 28°C (82°F) during day

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8-9 and southern hemisphere sun is intense, especially at altitude

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - surfaces can become slippery during brief but heavy rain showers

Light fleece or sweater for evenings - temperatures drop 10-15°C (18-27°F) after sunset, particularly in wine regions

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - humidity reaches 70% and polyester fabrics become uncomfortable quickly

Insect repellent for game reserves - March mosquito activity increases with afternoon rains in lowveld areas

Waterproof day pack cover - protect cameras and electronics during sudden weather changes

Sun hat with chin strap - coastal winds can reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) especially around Cape Peninsula

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - March offers excellent game and whale watching opportunities with clear visibility

Insider Knowledge

Book wine estate restaurants for lunch rather than dinner - harvest season creates magical afternoon atmospheres and you'll avoid evening chill in outdoor seating areas

Plan indoor activities (museums, shopping) for 2-5pm in Johannesburg and Pretoria when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely to occur

Use March's shoulder season timing to negotiate accommodation rates - many hotels offer 'stay 3, pay 2' deals after school holidays end mid-month

Local knowledge: March is when Capetonians start hiking again after avoiding summer heat - trails can be busier on weekends but weekday hiking is perfect

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes and freezing during evening wine tastings or mountain activities where temperatures drop significantly after sunset

Planning all outdoor activities for afternoons in Gauteng region without indoor backup plans for inevitable thunderstorms

Expecting December-January heat levels - March is noticeably cooler and many visitors under-pack warm layers for evening activities