South Africa in May

Dry season starts in Kruger; first Cape rains. Good value.

No other month rates higher than May for South Africa in this guide.

• Western Cape · Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederbergrainy

  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, Tsitsikammafine

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

• Kruger and the Lowveld · Kruger, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Panorama Routebest weather

  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, Pretoriabest weather

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

• KwaZulu-Natal coast · Durban, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwebest weather

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

• Drakensberg · uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, Golden Gatebest weather

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

• Atlantic Seaboard: Atlantic Seaboard coast · From Green Point to Cape Pointbest weather

  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 Towncool

  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 Capebest weather

  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 seaboardfine

  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 plateaubest weather

  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 Baybest weather

  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 plateaubest weather

  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 mdry

  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 Bayfine

  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 Baybest weather

  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 highlandsfine

  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, Giyanibest weather

  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, Soutpansbergbest weather

  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 mbest weather

  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 mfine

  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, Mahikengbest weather

  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, Namaqualandbest weather

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

• Northern Cape: Kalahari and Orange River · Upington, Kgalagadibest weather

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

• Northern Cape: Diamond Fields · Kimberleybest weather

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

• Swartland: Swartland · Inland plainsbest weather

  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 Town20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 12 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 12 rain days
• Aberdeen22 °C (72 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 4 rain days
• Addo22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Alexander Bay20 °C (68 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 3 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 3 rain days
• Aliwal North20 °C (68 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 4 rain days
• Amandawe23 °C (73 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Amanzimtoti23 °C (73 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Augrabies25 °C (77 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 1 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 1 rain days
• Badplaas23 °C (73 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 4 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 4 rain days
• Ballito23 °C (73 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• Barberton20 °C (68 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 4 rain days
• Barkly West21 °C (70 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 2 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 2 rain days
• Barrydale23 °C (73 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 5 rain days
• Bathurst20 °C (68 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 4 rain days
• Beaufort West22 °C (72 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 3 rain days
• Belfast, Mpumalanga18 °C (64 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 4 rain days64 °F (18 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 4 rain days
• Bergville22 °C (72 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 4 rain days
• Bethlehem18 °C (64 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 4 rain days64 °F (18 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 4 rain days
• Bitterfontein22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 1 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 1 rain days
• Bloemfontein21 °C (70 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 4 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 4 rain days
• Bloemhof22 °C (72 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 2 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 2 rain days
• Bloubergstrand20 °C (68 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 7 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 7 rain days
• Blyde River Canyon22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 4 rain days
• Boulders Beach20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 3 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 3 rain days
• Caledon19 °C (66 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 8 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 8 rain days
• Camps Bay20 °C (68 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 9 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 9 rain days
• Centurion20 °C (68 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 4 rain days
• Cintsa20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 3 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 3 rain days
• Clarens19 °C (66 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 4 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 4 rain days
• Coffee Bay22 °C (72 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 5 rain days
• Colesberg21 °C (70 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 3 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 3 rain days
• Cradock22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 3 rain days
• Darling22 °C (72 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 8 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 8 rain days
• Dullstroom22 °C (72 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 8 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 8 rain days
• Dundee22 °C (72 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 3 rain days
• Durban25 °C (77 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 6 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 6 rain days
• East London23 °C (73 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 5 rain days
• Eshowe24 °C (75 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 8 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 8 rain days
• Estcourt22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 4 rain days
• Ficksburg18 °C (64 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 4 rain days64 °F (18 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 4 rain days
• Fish Hoek20 °C (68 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 11 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 11 rain days
• Franschhoek21 °C (70 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 9 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 9 rain days
• Gansbaai20 °C (68 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 4 rain days
• Gariep Dam20 °C (68 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 4 rain days
• George20 °C (68 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 8 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 8 rain days
• Giyani28 °C (82 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Gordon's Bay19 °C (66 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 7 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 7 rain days
• Graaff-Reinet22 °C (72 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 4 rain days
• Grahamstown19 °C (66 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 5 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 5 rain days
• Graskop20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 6 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 6 rain days
• Haenertsburg22 °C (72 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 4 rain days
• Haga Haga21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Hankey22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 3 rain days
• Hartebeespoort22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 2 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 2 rain days
• Hazyview25 °C (77 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 4 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 4 rain days
• Hermanus18 °C (64 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 3 rain days64 °F (18 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 3 rain days
• Hluhluwe22 °C (72 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 2 rain days
• Hoedspruit22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 5 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 5 rain days
• Hogsback18 °C (64 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 7 rain days64 °F (18 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 7 rain days
• Hout Bay20 °C (68 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 10 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 10 rain days
• Howick20 °C (68 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
• Humansdorp21 °C (70 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 5 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 5 rain days
• Irene21 °C (70 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 2 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 2 rain days
• Jansenville23 °C (73 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 4 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 4 rain days
• Jeffreys Bay22 °C (72 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 6 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 6 rain days
• Johannesburg19.6 °C (67 °F) / 7.6 °C (46 °F), 2 rain days67 °F (19.6 °C) / 46 °F (7.6 °C), 2 rain days
• Kalk Bay19 °C (66 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 8 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 8 rain days
• Kei Mouth22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
• Kenton-on-Sea22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
• Khayelitsha20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 3 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 3 rain days
• Kimberley24 °C (75 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 0 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 0 rain days
• King William's Town23 °C (73 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 5 rain days
• Kleinmond20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 8 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 8 rain days
• Klerksdorp28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 3 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 3 rain days
• Knysna21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Komatipoort24 °C (75 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 2 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 2 rain days
• Kommetjie20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 4 rain days
• Koringberg22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 7 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 7 rain days
• Kroonstad20 °C (68 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 4 rain days
• Krugersdorp20 °C (68 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 2 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 2 rain days
• Kuruman20 °C (68 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 2 rain days
• Ladybrand20 °C (68 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 4 rain days
• Ladysmith30 °C (86 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 5 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 5 rain days
• Langebaan20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 2 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 2 rain days
• Llandudno20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 9 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 9 rain days
• Lydenburg22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 4 rain days
• Machadodorp20 °C (68 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 6 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 6 rain days
• Mahikeng22 °C (72 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 3 rain days
• Malalane24 °C (75 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 4 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 4 rain days
• Malmesbury20 °C (68 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 3 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 3 rain days
• Margate, KwaZulu-Natal23 °C (73 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 3 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 3 rain days
• Mbombela24 °C (75 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 4 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 4 rain days
• Mdumbi21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Melkbos20 °C (68 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 5 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 5 rain days
• Middelburg, Eastern Cape19 °C (66 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 4 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 4 rain days
• Milnerton19 °C (66 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 5 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 5 rain days
• Montagu22 °C (72 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 2 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 2 rain days
• Moorreesburg23 °C (73 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 8 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 8 rain days
• Morgan's Bay23 °C (73 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 5 rain days
• Mossel Bay21 °C (70 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 7 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 7 rain days
• Mpande24 °C (75 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 5 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 5 rain days
• Mthatha23 °C (73 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 6 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 6 rain days
• Muizenberg21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 11 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 11 rain days
• Nature's Valley20 °C (68 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal23 °C (73 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 4 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 4 rain days
• Nieu‑Bethesda30 °C (86 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 1 rain days
• Noordhoek20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 3 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 3 rain days
• Norvalspont21 °C (70 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 4 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 4 rain days
• Ohrigstad23 °C (73 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 3 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 3 rain days
• Orania21 °C (70 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 1 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 1 rain days
• Oudtshoorn22 °C (72 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 5 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 5 rain days
• Paarl21 °C (70 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 11 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 11 rain days
• Parys21 °C (70 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 2 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 2 rain days
• Patensie22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
• Paternoster19 °C (66 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 8 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 8 rain days
• Perdekop20 °C (68 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 4 rain days
• Petrusville21 °C (70 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 2 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 2 rain days
• Phalaborwa27 °C (81 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 2 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 2 rain days
• Pietermaritzburg20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 6 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 6 rain days
• Pilgrim's Rest22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
• Plettenberg Bay21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Polokwane22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 4 rain days
• Port Alfred21 °C (70 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 3 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 3 rain days
• Port Elizabeth22 °C (72 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 7 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 7 rain days
• Port St Johns23 °C (73 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 6 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 6 rain days
• Potchefstroom22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 2 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 2 rain days
• Pretoria23 °C (73 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 3 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 3 rain days
• Prince Albert22 °C (72 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 3 rain days
• Qolora23 °C (73 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 6 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 6 rain days
• Queenstown, Eastern Cape20 °C (68 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 4 rain days
• Richards Bay23 °C (73 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 5 rain days
• Riebeek-Kasteel22 °C (72 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 9 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 9 rain days
• Rooiels19 °C (66 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 10 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 10 rain days
• Rustenburg23 °C (73 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 2 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 2 rain days
• Sabie22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 5 rain days
• Saldanha19 °C (66 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 7 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 7 rain days
• Schoemanskloof25 °C (77 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 4 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 4 rain days
• Scottburgh24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Secunda20 °C (68 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 6 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 6 rain days
• Simon's Town21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 9 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 9 rain days
• Sodwana Bay24 °C (75 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• Somerset East22 °C (72 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 5 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 5 rain days
• Somerset West19 °C (66 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 6 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 6 rain days
• Springbok26 °C (79 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 1 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 1 rain days
• St Francis22 °C (72 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 6 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 6 rain days
• St Lucia24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 6 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 6 rain days
• Stellenbosch21 °C (70 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 9 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 9 rain days
• Storms River21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Strand20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 7 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 7 rain days
• Sun City22 °C (72 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 2 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 2 rain days
• Sutherland19 °C (66 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 4 rain days66 °F (19 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 4 rain days
• Swellendam21 °C (70 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 9 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 9 rain days
• Taung23 °C (73 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 2 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 2 rain days
• Thohoyandou25 °C (77 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 3 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 3 rain days
• Tsitsikamma21 °C (70 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 8 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 8 rain days
• Tulbagh21 °C (70 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 9 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 9 rain days
• Tzaneen22 °C (72 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
• Umhlanga23 °C (73 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Upington20 °C (68 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 5 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 5 rain days
• Vanderkloof23 °C (73 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 2 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 2 rain days
• Ventersburg21 °C (70 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 3 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 3 rain days
• Vereeniging23 °C (73 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 3 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 3 rain days
• Vredefort21 °C (70 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 3 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 3 rain days
• Vryburg23 °C (73 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 2 rain days73 °F (23 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 2 rain days
• Vryheid22 °C (72 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 3 rain days
• Wartrail and New England20 °C (68 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 4 rain days
• Waterval Boven21 °C (70 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 4 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 4 rain days
• Welkom30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 4 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 4 rain days
• White River30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 61 °F (16 °C), 4 rain days
• Wilderness20 °C (68 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 4 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 4 rain days
• Witbank22 °C (72 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 3 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 3 rain days
• Worcester24 °C (75 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 2 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 2 rain days
• Wupperthal21 °C (70 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 7 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 7 rain days
• Xora22 °C (72 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 5 rain days
• Yzerfontein20 °C (68 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 3 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 3 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.

• Workers' Day

  1 May

  Public holiday.

Crowds · South Africa

Low

Prices · South Africa

Low

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

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Kruger and the Lowveld

  Best weather of the year (Kruger, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Panorama Route)

• Highveld

  Best weather of the year (Johannesburg, Pretoria)

• KwaZulu-Natal coast

  Best weather of the year (Durban, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwe)

• Drakensberg

  Best weather of the year (uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, Golden Gate)

• Cape Town

  Cooler; quiet, with the first rains.

• Aberdeen

  Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

• Alexander Bay

  Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

• Amandawe

  Best months: Apr–Sep (dry, mild)

• Amanzimtoti

  Best months: Apr–Oct

• Augrabies

  Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Oct

• Badplaas

  Best months: Apr–Sep (dry, mild)

• Ballito

  Best months: May–Oct (warm, lower rain, good surf)