South Africa in January

Cape at its best: hot, dry, windy. School holidays until mid-January; Kruger is hot and green.

January is rated good. 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 Town26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Aberdeen34 °C (93 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days93 °F (34 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Addo30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 5 rain days
• Alexander Bay28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °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
• Amanzimtoti28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 8 rain days
• Augrabies36 °C (97 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 3 rain days97 °F (36 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 3 rain days
• Badplaas28 °C (82 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 14 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 14 rain days
• Ballito28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 12 rain days
• Barberton28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Barkly West28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Barrydale32 °C (90 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Bathurst27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Beaufort West34 °C (93 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 3 rain days93 °F (34 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 3 rain days
• Belfast, Mpumalanga22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 13 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 13 rain days
• Bergville28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 13 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 13 rain days
• Bethlehem23 °C (73 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 5 rain days
• Bitterfontein30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 2 rain days
• Bloemfontein31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 11 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 11 rain days
• Bloemhof32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 8 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 8 rain days
• Bloubergstrand27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Blyde River Canyon30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Boulders Beach27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 7 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 7 rain days
• Caledon26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Camps Bay26 °C (79 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 3 rain days
• Centurion30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Cintsa27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Clarens28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 10 rain days
• Coffee Bay27 °C (81 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 10 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 10 rain days
• Colesberg32 °C (90 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 6 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 6 rain days
• Cradock28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Darling30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Dullstroom20 °C (68 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 8 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 41 °F (5 °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
• Durban28 °C (82 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 15 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 15 rain days
• East London26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 9 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 9 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) / 18 °C (64 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 12 rain days
• Ficksburg28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 6 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 6 rain days
• Fish Hoek26 °C (79 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 4 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 4 rain days
• Franschhoek29 °C (84 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Gansbaai27 °C (81 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Gariep Dam30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 7 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 7 rain days
• George27 °C (81 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 66 °F (19 °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 Bay27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 2 rain days
• Graaff-Reinet32 °C (90 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Grahamstown27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Graskop28 °C (82 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 64 °F (18 °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 Haga26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 8 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 8 rain days
• Hankey30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 6 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 6 rain days
• Hartebeespoort28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Hazyview29 °C (84 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 12 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 12 rain days
• Hermanus23 °C (73 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 59 °F (15 °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
• Hoedspruit30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 12 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 12 rain days
• Hogsback23 °C (73 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 9 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 9 rain days
• Hout Bay26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Howick24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Humansdorp26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Irene28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Jansenville33 °C (91 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 5 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 5 rain days
• Jeffreys Bay26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 6 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 6 rain days
• Johannesburg25.5 °C (78 °F) / 14.9 °C (59 °F), 13 rain days78 °F (25.5 °C) / 59 °F (14.9 °C), 13 rain days
• Kalk Bay26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 3 rain days
• Kei Mouth28 °C (82 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 8 rain days
• Kenton-on-Sea27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 7 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 7 rain days
• Khayelitsha27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 7 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 7 rain days
• Kimberley30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 2 rain days
• King William's Town28 °C (82 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 10 rain days
• Kleinmond26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Klerksdorp28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Knysna25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Komatipoort33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 5 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 75 °F (24 °C), 5 rain days
• Kommetjie27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 9 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 9 rain days
• Koringberg31 °C (88 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 2 rain days
• Kroonstad28 °C (82 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 5 rain days
• Krugersdorp26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Kuruman28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Ladybrand28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Ladysmith23 °C (73 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 9 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 9 rain days
• Langebaan27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Llandudno26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Lydenburg30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 9 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 9 rain days
• Machadodorp27 °C (81 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 12 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 12 rain days
• Mahikeng30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Malalane30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 12 rain days
• Malmesbury27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °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) / 19 °C (66 °F), 13 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 13 rain days
• Mdumbi26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 10 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 10 rain days
• Melkbos27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Middelburg, Eastern Cape30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Milnerton27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Montagu27 °C (81 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Moorreesburg32 °C (90 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 2 rain days
• Morgan's Bay27 °C (81 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 9 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 9 rain days
• Mossel Bay25 °C (77 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 6 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 6 rain days
• Mpande27 °C (81 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 12 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 12 rain days
• Mthatha28 °C (82 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 12 rain days
• Muizenberg26 °C (79 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 3 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 3 rain days
• Nature's Valley23 °C (73 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 10 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 10 rain days
• Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal28 °C (82 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 12 rain days
• Nieu‑Bethesda28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Noordhoek27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Norvalspont33 °C (91 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 6 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 64 °F (18 °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
• Orania28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Oudtshoorn30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 5 rain days
• Paarl30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Parys30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Patensie30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 8 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 8 rain days
• Paternoster24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Perdekop26 °C (79 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 14 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 14 rain days
• Petrusville33 °C (91 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 4 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 4 rain days
• Phalaborwa33 °C (91 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 9 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 9 rain days
• Pietermaritzburg27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 12 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 12 rain days
• Pilgrim's Rest30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 12 rain days
• Plettenberg Bay25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Polokwane28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Port Alfred28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 6 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 6 rain days
• Port Elizabeth26 °C (79 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Port St Johns26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 14 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 14 rain days
• Potchefstroom30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Pretoria29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 13 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 13 rain days
• Prince Albert35 °C (95 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 3 rain days95 °F (35 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 3 rain days
• Qolora28 °C (82 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain days
• Queenstown, Eastern Cape28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 9 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 9 rain days
• Richards Bay28 °C (82 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 10 rain days
• Riebeek-Kasteel30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Rooiels26 °C (79 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 61 °F (16 °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
• Sabie30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 12 rain days
• Saldanha27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 2 rain days
• Schoemanskloof40 °C (104 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 12 rain days104 °F (40 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 12 rain days
• Scottburgh28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 12 rain days
• Secunda28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 12 rain days
• Simon's Town26 °C (79 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 4 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 4 rain days
• Sodwana Bay28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 12 rain days
• Somerset East30 °C (86 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Somerset West26 °C (79 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• Springbok24 °C (75 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 2 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 2 rain days
• St Francis26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 6 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 6 rain days
• St Lucia28 °C (82 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 12 rain days
• Stellenbosch29 °C (84 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Storms River25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 9 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 9 rain days
• Strand27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Sun City30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 8 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 8 rain days
• Sutherland30 °C (86 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
• Swellendam28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Taung32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 8 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 8 rain days
• Thohoyandou30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain days
• Tsitsikamma26 °C (79 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 8 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 8 rain days
• Tulbagh30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Tzaneen28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 12 rain days
• Umhlanga28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °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) / 18 °C (64 °F), 4 rain days95 °F (35 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 4 rain days
• Ventersburg31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Vereeniging30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 7 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 7 rain days
• Vredefort31 °C (88 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 9 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 9 rain days
• Vryburg32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 9 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 9 rain days
• Vryheid28 °C (82 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 63 °F (17 °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 Boven28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Welkom28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• White River28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Wilderness28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 8 rain days
• Witbank28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 11 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 11 rain days
• Worcester25 °C (77 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 5 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 5 rain days
• Wupperthal32 °C (90 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 2 rain days
• Xora23 °C (73 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 12 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 12 rain days
• Yzerfontein27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 61 °F (16 °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.

• New Year's Day

  1 Jan

  Beaches and Cape Town packed; end of the summer holiday week.

• Cape Town Carnival check

  Cape Town

  A separate evening parade and festival; check the current date.

• 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

• 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)

• George

  Best months: Oct–Apr