South Africa in December

Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• AprilGreatEaster holidays fill parks; otherwise a good month for Cape plus Kruger.
• MayGreatDry season starts in Kruger; first Cape rains. Good value.
• AugustGreatNamaqualand flowers start late in the month; Kruger excellent.
• SeptemberGreatCape spring and flowers, whales in Walker Bay, Kruger at its driest. Heritage Day 24 Sep.

• Western Cape · Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederbergbest weather

  Mediterranean: dry, windy summers (the south-easter can close the cableway), wet cold fronts June–August. Whales off Hermanus about June–November.

• Garden Route · Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikammabest weather

  Rain in every month, mild temperatures; December school holidays fill every bed.

• Kruger and the Lowveld · Kruger, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Panorama Routerainy

  Dry winter May–September is the game-viewing season; summer storms, 35 °C (95 °F) heat and higher malaria risk November–March, but green landscapes and baby animals.Dry winter May–September is the game-viewing season; summer storms, 95 °F (35 °C) heat and higher malaria risk November–March, but green landscapes and baby animals.

• Highveld · Johannesburg, Pretoriarainy

  At 1,750 m: afternoon thunderstorms in summer, sunny frosty winters.

• KwaZulu-Natal coast · Durban, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwehot

  Warm sea all year; humid summers; winter is the best time for the parks.

• Drakensberg · uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, Golden Gaterainy

  Summer thunderstorms most afternoons; winter snow on the high peaks.

• Atlantic Seaboard: Atlantic Seaboard coast · From Green Point to Cape Pointcool

  Mediterranean climate: dry summers (Dec–Feb), wet winters (Jun–Aug). Summer temperatures 20–28 °C (68–82 °F); winter 10–18 °C (50–64 °F). Strong south-easterly wind (the 'Cape Doctor') blows Nov–Feb, mostly in the afternoon.Mediterranean climate: dry summers (Dec–Feb), wet winters (Jun–Aug). Summer temperatures 68–82 °F (20–28 °C); winter 50–64 °F (10–18 °C). Strong south-easterly wind (the 'Cape Doctor') blows Nov–Feb, mostly in the afternoon.

• Blaauwberg Coast: Blaauwberg Coast · West coast north of Cape Townbest weather

  Summer (Nov–Mar) is hot and windy; winter (Jun–Aug) is cool and wet with fewer wind days.

• Breede River Valley: Breede River Valley · Inland Western Capefine

  Summer (Dec–Feb) averages 30 °C (86 °F), peaks near 40 °C (104 °F). Winter (Jun–Aug) colder than the coast, light frost possible. Spring and autumn mild.Summer (Dec–Feb) averages 86 °F (30 °C), peaks near 104 °F (40 °C). Winter (Jun–Aug) colder than the coast, light frost possible. Spring and autumn mild.

• Eastern Cape: Coast (Gqeberha, East London, Wild Coast) · Indian Ocean seaboardbest weather

  Warm and mild year-round; rain falls mostly in spring and autumn. Summer (Dec–Feb) is hot and busy.

• Eastern Cape: Inland (Graaff-Reinet, Karoo) · Karoo plateauhot

  Semi-desert: hot summer days, cold winter nights, and the best game viewing in the dry winter months.

• False Bay: False Bay coast · Muizenberg to Gordon's Baycool

  Mediterranean climate; summer (Dec–Feb) is warm and dry, winter (Jun–Aug) is cool and wet. Water temperature 14–20 °C (57–68 °F) year-round.Mediterranean climate; summer (Dec–Feb) is warm and dry, winter (Jun–Aug) is cool and wet. Water temperature 57–68 °F (14–20 °C) year-round.

• Free State: Free State highveld · Bloemfontein and the central plateaurainy

  Summer rain falls as brief afternoon thunderstorms; winters are cold and dry with severe frost in Bloemfontein. The east (Harrismith, Bethlehem, Ficksburg) gets snow on the higher ranges.

• Gauteng: Highveld (Johannesburg and Tshwane) · Whole province, about 1,700 mrainy

  Summer rain falls as short, intense afternoon thunderstorms with lightning; winter nights drop to just above freezing while days stay comfortable. Tshwane runs 2–3 °C (4–5 °F) warmer than Johannesburg.Summer rain falls as short, intense afternoon thunderstorms with lightning; winter nights drop to just above freezing while days stay comfortable. Tshwane runs 4–5 °F (2–3 °C) warmer than Johannesburg.

• KwaZulu-Natal: Durban and the coast · Indian Ocean seaboard from the South Coast to Richards Baybest weather

  Subtropical and humid; sea is warm enough to swim most of the year. Summer (Dec–Feb) is hot and wet with afternoon storms; winter (Jun–Aug) is mild and dry.

• KwaZulu-Natal: Zululand and the far north · Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, iSimangaliso, Sodwana Bayrainy

  Best game viewing in the dry winter (May–Sep) when bush is thin; summer is green, hot and humid with malaria risk in the far north.

• KwaZulu-Natal: Drakensberg and Midlands · Inland highlandsbest weather

  Cooler year-round; snow possible on high peaks Jun–Aug. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer — hike early.

• Limpopo: Lowveld and Kruger north · Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, Giyanihot

  Hot and humid October to March, with summer highs in the low 30s °C and Phalaborwa known to reach the mid 40s; the dry, mild winter from May to September is the best game-viewing window as vegetation thins.

• Limpopo: Highveld and mountains · Polokwane, Tzaneen, Haenertsburg, Soutpansbergfine

  Summer temperatures around 27 °C (81 °F) and cooler nights up in the Soutpansberg; winter mornings can be cold at altitude.Summer temperatures around 81 °F (27 °C) and cooler nights up in the Soutpansberg; winter mornings can be cold at altitude.

• Mpumalanga: Lowveld (Mbombela, Hazyview, southern Kruger) · 300–700 mrainy

  Hot and humid in summer (Nov–Mar), with afternoon thunderstorms; winter (May–Aug) is dry, sunny and the best game-viewing window because the bush thins out. Nights can drop near freezing in June–July.

• Mpumalanga: Escarpment (Graskop, Sabie, Dullstroom, Lydenburg) · 1,000–2,100 mrainy

  Cooler and wetter than the lowveld; mist and rain are common in summer, and winter mornings are cold — bring a jacket even in the lowveld's warm season.

• North West Province: Highveld (whole province) · Rustenburg, Pilanesberg, Mahikengrainy

  Summer (Oct–Apr) 17–31 °C (63–88 °F) with afternoon thunderstorms; winter (May–Aug) 3–21 °C (37–70 °F), dry and clear, cold at dawn on game drives.Summer (Oct–Apr) 63–88 °F (17–31 °C) with afternoon thunderstorms; winter (May–Aug) 37–70 °F (3–21 °C), dry and clear, cold at dawn on game drives.

• Northern Cape: Namakwa and the N7 · Springbok, Namaqualandhot

  Winter-rainfall corner; wildflower season is roughly August to September and depends on that year's rain.

• Northern Cape: Kalahari and Orange River · Upington, Kgalagadihot

  Best game viewing in the cool, dry months (May–Sep); summer days are very hot.

• Northern Cape: Diamond Fields · Kimberleyhot

  Year-round city stop; spring and autumn are the most comfortable.

• Swartland: Swartland · Inland plainscool

  Winter (Jun–Aug) is the rainy season; summer (Dec–Feb) is dry and hot, 30–35 °C (86–95 °F). Spring (Aug–Sep) is best for wildflowers.Winter (Jun–Aug) is the rainy season; summer (Dec–Feb) is dry and hot, 86–95 °F (30–35 °C). Spring (Aug–Sep) is best for wildflowers.

• Cape Town25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Aberdeen33 °C (91 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Addo29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 5 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 5 rain days
• Alexander Bay27 °C (81 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 1 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 1 rain days
• Aliwal North30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Amandawe28 °C (82 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 12 rain days
• Amanzimtoti27 °C (81 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 8 rain days
• Augrabies36 °C (97 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 2 rain days97 °F (36 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 2 rain days
• Badplaas28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 14 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 14 rain days
• Ballito27 °C (81 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain days
• Barberton27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Barkly West27 °C (81 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 5 rain days
• Barrydale31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• Bathurst26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Beaufort West33 °C (91 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Belfast, Mpumalanga22 °C (72 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 14 rain days
• Bergville28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 14 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 14 rain days
• Bethlehem23 °C (73 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 5 rain days
• Bitterfontein29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 2 rain days
• Bloemfontein31 °C (88 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 10 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 10 rain days
• Bloemhof32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 7 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 7 rain days
• Bloubergstrand26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Blyde River Canyon29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Boulders Beach26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 7 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 7 rain days
• Caledon26 °C (79 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Camps Bay25 °C (77 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Centurion28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 7 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 7 rain days
• Cintsa26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Clarens28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 10 rain days
• Coffee Bay26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 10 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 10 rain days
• Colesberg32 °C (90 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Cradock27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 6 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 6 rain days
• Darling29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Dullstroom20 °C (68 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 8 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 8 rain days
• Dundee23 °C (73 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 5 rain days
• Durban27 °C (81 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 15 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 15 rain days
• East London25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Eshowe30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 12 rain days
• Estcourt28 °C (82 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 12 rain days
• Ficksburg27 °C (81 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 6 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 6 rain days
• Fish Hoek25 °C (77 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Franschhoek28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Gansbaai26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Gariep Dam30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 7 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 7 rain days
• George26 °C (79 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 5 rain days
• Giyani33 °C (91 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain days
• Gordon's Bay25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Graaff-Reinet31 °C (88 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Grahamstown26 °C (79 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 8 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 8 rain days
• Graskop27 °C (81 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 12 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 12 rain days
• Haenertsburg27 °C (81 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 12 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 12 rain days
• Haga Haga25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Hankey29 °C (84 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 6 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 6 rain days
• Hartebeespoort27 °C (81 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Hazyview29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 13 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 13 rain days
• Hermanus23 °C (73 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 6 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 6 rain days
• Hluhluwe28 °C (82 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 5 rain days
• Hoedspruit29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 11 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 11 rain days
• Hogsback23 °C (73 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 9 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 9 rain days
• Hout Bay25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Howick24 °C (75 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Humansdorp25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Irene27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Jansenville32 °C (90 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Jeffreys Bay25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 6 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 6 rain days
• Johannesburg25.5 °C (78 °F) / 14.5 °C (58 °F), 13 rain days78 °F (25.5 °C) / 58 °F (14.5 °C), 13 rain days
• Kalk Bay26 °C (79 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 3 rain days
• Kei Mouth27 °C (81 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Kenton-on-Sea26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 7 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 7 rain days
• Khayelitsha26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 7 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 7 rain days
• Kimberley28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 1 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 1 rain days
• King William's Town27 °C (81 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 10 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 10 rain days
• Kleinmond25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Klerksdorp27 °C (81 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 5 rain days
• Knysna24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Komatipoort32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 5 rain days
• Kommetjie26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 9 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 9 rain days
• Koringberg30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 2 rain days
• Kroonstad27 °C (81 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Krugersdorp25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Kuruman27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Ladybrand27 °C (81 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 8 rain days
• Ladysmith23 °C (73 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 9 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 9 rain days
• Langebaan26 °C (79 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Llandudno25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• Lydenburg29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 9 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 9 rain days
• Machadodorp26 °C (79 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 11 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 11 rain days
• Mahikeng29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 6 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 6 rain days
• Malalane30 °C (86 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 12 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 12 rain days
• Malmesbury26 °C (79 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Margate, KwaZulu-Natal28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 6 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 6 rain days
• Mbombela29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 13 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 13 rain days
• Mdumbi25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 10 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 10 rain days
• Melkbos26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Middelburg, Eastern Cape30 °C (86 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Milnerton26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Montagu26 °C (79 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Moorreesburg31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 2 rain days
• Morgan's Bay27 °C (81 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 9 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 9 rain days
• Mossel Bay24 °C (75 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 6 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 6 rain days
• Mpande26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 12 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 12 rain days
• Mthatha27 °C (81 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 9 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 9 rain days
• Muizenberg25 °C (77 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Nature's Valley23 °C (73 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 10 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 10 rain days
• Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal27 °C (81 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 11 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 11 rain days
• Nieu‑Bethesda27 °C (81 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Noordhoek25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Norvalspont33 °C (91 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 6 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 6 rain days
• Ohrigstad28 °C (82 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 10 rain days
• Orania27 °C (81 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 2 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 2 rain days
• Oudtshoorn30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Paarl29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• Parys28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Patensie29 °C (84 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 8 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 8 rain days
• Paternoster24 °C (75 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 2 rain days
• Perdekop26 °C (79 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 14 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 14 rain days
• Petrusville33 °C (91 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Phalaborwa33 °C (91 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 9 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 9 rain days
• Pietermaritzburg26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 11 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 11 rain days
• Pilgrim's Rest30 °C (86 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 11 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 11 rain days
• Plettenberg Bay24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Polokwane27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 6 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 6 rain days
• Port Alfred27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 4 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 4 rain days
• Port Elizabeth24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Port St Johns25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 13 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 13 rain days
• Potchefstroom30 °C (86 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Pretoria29 °C (84 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 13 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 13 rain days
• Prince Albert33 °C (91 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Qolora27 °C (81 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 10 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 10 rain days
• Queenstown, Eastern Cape28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 9 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 9 rain days
• Richards Bay27 °C (81 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain days
• Riebeek-Kasteel29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Rooiels25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Rustenburg30 °C (86 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 10 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 10 rain days
• Sabie29 °C (84 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 12 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 12 rain days
• Saldanha26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 2 rain days
• Schoemanskloof38 °C (100 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 12 rain days100 °F (38 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 12 rain days
• Scottburgh28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 10 rain days
• Secunda27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 12 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 12 rain days
• Simon's Town25 °C (77 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Sodwana Bay27 °C (81 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain days
• Somerset East29 °C (84 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 2 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 2 rain days
• Somerset West25 °C (77 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 4 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 4 rain days
• Springbok24 °C (75 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 2 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 2 rain days
• St Francis25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 6 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 6 rain days
• St Lucia27 °C (81 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 12 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 12 rain days
• Stellenbosch28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Storms River24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 9 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 9 rain days
• Strand26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Sun City29 °C (84 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 7 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 7 rain days
• Sutherland29 °C (84 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 4 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 4 rain days
• Swellendam27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Taung32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 7 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 7 rain days
• Thohoyandou30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain days
• Tsitsikamma25 °C (77 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Tulbagh29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• Tzaneen27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 11 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 11 rain days
• Umhlanga27 °C (81 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 8 rain days
• Upington30 °C (86 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 2 rain days
• Vanderkloof35 °C (95 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 4 rain days95 °F (35 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 4 rain days
• Ventersburg31 °C (88 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 8 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 8 rain days
• Vereeniging29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 7 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 7 rain days
• Vredefort31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 9 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 9 rain days
• Vryburg32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 8 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 8 rain days
• Vryheid28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 12 rain days
• Wartrail and New England22 °C (72 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 6 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 6 rain days
• Waterval Boven27 °C (81 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 7 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 7 rain days
• Welkom28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• White River27 °C (81 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Wilderness27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 8 rain days
• Witbank28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 11 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 11 rain days
• Worcester26 °C (79 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 5 rain days
• Wupperthal31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 2 rain days
• Xora23 °C (73 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 11 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 11 rain days
• Yzerfontein26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days

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.

• Day of Reconciliation big impact

  16 Dec

  Start of the peak summer holidays.

• Christmas Day and Day of Goodwill big impact

  25–26 Dec

  Coast and parks at full capacity; many businesses close until early January.

• Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts check

  Cape Town

  Sunday-afternoon picnic crowds; book ahead in peak weeks.

• Peak summer season

  Cape Town

  Highest prices and crowds; book well ahead.

Crowds · South Africa

High

Prices · South Africa

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in South Africa, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Western Cape

  Best weather of the year (Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederberg)

• Garden Route

  Best weather of the year (Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma)

• Aliwal North

  Best months: Sep–Apr

• Camps Bay

  Best months: Oct–Apr (warm, dry beach weather)

• Centurion

  Best months: Oct–Apr (warm, low rain)

• Cintsa

  Best months: Oct–Apr

• Darling

  Best months: Aug–Sep (wildflowers), Oct–Apr (wine tasting)

• East London

  Best months: Oct–Apr (warm beaches); May–Aug for dry, mild driving weather

• Ficksburg

  Best months: Oct–Dec (cherry season, festival)

• Fish Hoek

  Best months: Oct–Apr for beach weather; Jun–Nov for whales

• Franschhoek

  Best months: Oct–Apr (dry, warm, harvest Feb–Mar)

• Gariep Dam

  Best months: Sep–Apr (warm and dry)