gowhereandwhen.comFor Cape Town and the coast, go in summer, November to March. For safari in Kruger, the dry winter, May to September, is best for spotting wildlife. The seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Cape Town. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
The quietest, cheapest stretch of the year.
The year at a glance
South Africa is a tale of two trips. The month ratings track Cape Town, which has a Mediterranean climate: warm, dry summers from November to March are the time for the city, the beaches and the Winelands.
Safari follows the opposite calendar. The dry winter from May to September thins the bush and draws animals to the waterholes, making it the best time for wildlife in Kruger and the north. Winter in the Cape is mild but wet, and brings the whales to the southern coast.
South Africa month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Cape Town.
JanuaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 15 mm
Warm and dry.
FebruaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 27°C / 81°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 17 mm
Warm and dry.
MarchWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 20 mm
Warm and dry.
AprilWarm and dry.Ideal 99
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 48 mm
Warm and dry.
MayMild with a little rain.Ideal 87
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 79 mm
Mild with a little rain.
JuneMild with a little rain.Ideal 82
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 84 mm
Mild with a little rain.
JulyMild with a little rain.Ideal 81
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 89 mm
Mild with a little rain.
AugustMild with a little rain.Ideal 90
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 66 mm
Mild with a little rain.
SeptemberMild and dry.Ideal 96
- Daytime high
- 19°C / 66°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 43 mm
Mild and dry.
OctoberMild and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 32 mm
Mild and dry.
NovemberWarm and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 21 mm
Warm and dry.
DecemberWarm and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 18 mm
Warm and dry.
Where you go changes when you go
Cape Town and the Cape
Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers, November to March, ideal for Table Mountain, the beaches and the Winelands.
Kruger and the safari north
Dry winter, May to September, is the prime safari season, with sparse bush and animals gathered at the water.
The Garden Route and coast
A milder, year-round climate, lovely in spring and autumn, with whales offshore in winter and spring.
Best time to visit South Africa for
Safari and wildlife
May to September, the dry winter, when thin bush and busy waterholes make for the best game viewing in Kruger.
Cape Town and the Winelands
November to March for warm, dry summer days on Table Mountain, the beaches and the wine estates.
Whale watching
July to November along the southern coast around Hermanus, when southern right whales calve close to shore.
Wildflowers
August and September on the West Coast, when the spring blooms carpet the Namaqualand desert.
What is on, and when
Whale watching, Jul to Nov
Southern right whales gather close to the southern Cape coast to calve.
Wildflowers, Aug to Sep
The West Coast and Namaqualand erupt in spring colour.
Where to stay in South Africa
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit South Africa?
When is the best time for safari?
Are the seasons reversed in South Africa?
Plan another month or destination
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