When to go · Eswatini
Eswatini in August
Great month. Dry and clear; Umhlanga reed dance often late Aug–early Sep (dates announced late).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- High
- Eswatini
- Prices
- High
- Eswatini
Verdict
Dry and clear; Umhlanga reed dance often late Aug–early Sep (dates announced late).
Is another month better than August?
No other month rates higher than August for Eswatini in this guide.
Weather in August
- Highveld · Mbabane, Malolotja, Piggs Peakbest weather
Misty, cool and green; summer storms and fog on the MR1; frosty winter nights.
- Middleveld · Ezulwini Valley, Lobamba, Manzini, Malkernsbest weather
Mild all year; most lodges, crafts and ceremonies are here.
- Lowveld · Hlane, Mkhaya, Mbuluzi, Big Bendbest weather
Hot and humid Nov–Mar with some malaria risk; winter dry season concentrates game at waterholes.
- Lubombo plateau · Shewula, Mlawula, Sitekibest weather
Border ridge with Mozambique; warm and dry in winter.
- Mbabane21 °C (70 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 3 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 3 rain days
- Lobamba23 °C (73 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 3 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 3 rain days
- Manzini21 °C (70 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 7 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 7 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Umhlanga (reed dance) day big impact
Late Aug–early Sep (announced late)
Tens of thousands of young women dance at Ludzidzini, Lobamba; roads and hotels in the valley fill.
Umhlanga (Reed Dance) check
Late Aug or Sep, set yearly · Mbabane
Large crowds near Lobamba; roads close; a cultural event, not a show.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Eswatini
- High
- Prices · Eswatini
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Eswatini, side by side.
Verdict
Aug: Great
Apr: Great
Crowds
Aug: High
Apr: Medium
Prices
Aug: High
Apr: Medium
Festivals listed
Aug: 2
Apr: 4
August: Dry and clear; Umhlanga reed dance often late Aug–early Sep (dates announced late).
April: Autumn clarity; Easter queues at borders; 19 April King's birthday.
Eswatini: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
Nothing unusual for the weather this month.
Where to go in August
Rated best or good this month
Highveld
Best weather of the year (Mbabane, Malolotja, Piggs Peak)
Middleveld
Best weather of the year (Ezulwini Valley, Lobamba, Manzini, Malkerns)
Lowveld
Best weather of the year (Hlane, Mkhaya, Mbuluzi, Big Bend)
Lubombo plateau
Best weather of the year (Shewula, Mlawula, Siteki)
Dry; Umhlanga Reed Dance is usually late Aug or Sep.
Best months: Apr–Oct
Best months: Apr–Oct