South Africa - When to Visit

When to South Africa

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for South Africa Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -4°C 7°C 18°C 29°C 41°C Rainfall (mm) 0 25 50 Jan Jan: 34.0°C high, 16.0°C low, 51mm rain Feb Feb: 34.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 51mm rain Mar Mar: 31.0°C high, 12.0°C low, 51mm rain Apr Apr: 28.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 51mm rain May May: 26.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 51mm rain Jun Jun: 21.0°C high, 1.0°C low, 51mm rain Jul Jul: 21.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 51mm rain Aug Aug: 25.0°C high, 2.0°C low, 51mm rain Sep Sep: 28.0°C high, 5.0°C low, 51mm rain Oct Oct: 33.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 51mm rain Nov Nov: 33.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain Dec Dec: 36.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 51mm rain Temperature Rainfall
South Africa experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal patterns that vary significantly across its vast territory. The country follows Southern Hemisphere seasons, with summer occurring from December to February and winter from June to August. Summer months (December-February) are characterized by hot temperatures reaching up to 96°F, while winter months (June-August) see cooler conditions with highs around 69-77°F and notably cold nights that can drop to the low 30s°F. The rainfall pattern shows consistent moderate precipitation of 2.0 inches throughout the year, indicating a relatively stable moisture distribution rather than distinct wet and dry seasons. This climate pattern, combined with consistent 70% humidity levels year-round, creates favorable conditions for various activities across different seasons, from beach relaxation during the warm summer months to comfortable hiking and cultural exploration during the milder autumn and spring periods.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December to February offers the warmest temperatures (93-96°F highs) perfect for beach activities and coastal relaxation.
Cultural Exploration
April to May and September to October provide comfortable temperatures (78-91°F) ideal for city tours and cultural site visits without extreme heat.
Adventure & Hiking
March to May and August to October offer the most pleasant conditions with moderate temperatures (77-87°F) perfect for outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing.
Budget Travel
June to August during winter months typically see lower tourist numbers despite pleasant daytime temperatures, offering better accommodation rates and fewer crowds.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

Peak summer month with hot days reaching 93°F and warm nights at 60°F. Excellent for beach activities and coastal tourism with moderate rainfall of 2.0 inches providing occasional relief from the heat.

93°F High
60°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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February

Continues the hot summer pattern with temperatures matching January at 93°F highs and 59°F lows. Popular month for beach holidays with consistent moderate rainfall and high humidity levels.

93°F High
59°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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March

Transition into autumn brings more comfortable temperatures with highs of 87°F and cooler nights at 53°F. Excellent month for outdoor activities with pleasant weather and moderate rainfall.

87°F High
53°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

Autumn continues with very comfortable daytime temperatures of 82°F and cool nights at 50°F. Ideal for hiking, cultural tours, and outdoor exploration with mild weather conditions.

82°F High
50°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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May

Late autumn brings cooler but pleasant conditions with 78°F highs and chilly 42°F lows. Perfect for wildlife viewing and cultural activities with comfortable daytime temperatures.

78°F High
42°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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June

Winter begins with mild daytime temperatures of 69°F but cold nights dropping to 33°F. Good for daytime activities but requires warm clothing for evenings and early mornings.

69°F High
33°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

Mid-winter month with similar daytime highs of 69°F but slightly warmer nights at 42°F compared to June. Pleasant for daytime sightseeing with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates.

69°F High
42°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

Late winter shows warming trend with 77°F highs but still cold nights at 35°F. Excellent for daytime outdoor activities and wildlife viewing as spring approaches.

77°F High
35°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

Spring arrives with pleasant 82°F daytime temperatures and mild 41°F nights. Excellent month for all outdoor activities with comfortable weather and emerging wildlife activity.

82°F High
41°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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October

Spring continues with warm 91°F highs and comfortable 50°F lows. Prime month for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures with excellent weather conditions before summer crowds arrive.

91°F High
50°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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November

Late spring brings hot days of 91°F and warm nights at 68°F, signaling the approach of summer. Excellent for all activities with tourist season beginning to peak.

91°F High
68°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

Summer begins with the year's hottest temperatures reaching 96°F and warm 59°F nights. Peak tourist season with excellent beach weather but expect higher prices and larger crowds.

96°F High
59°F Low
2.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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Activities in South Africa