Climate in South Africa

Climate
As South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. South Africa usually experiences a moderate climate throughout the year with no severe fluctuations between the seasons, but some nights can be very cold during the winter.

Summer
The summer months range from September to April, and winter ranges from June to November. The Cape tends to be quite windy from December till April, but this breeze makes the hot summers more bearable. In the North Eastern part of country you can expect rain at this time of year. The sun intensity is very strong in South Africa and I recommend sun block throughout the year, even if you are travelling in winter. In summer, a hat and sunglasses is strongly recommended and I would recommend not being in the full sun from midday till 2pm. (suggestion: have a lovely lazy lunch in the shade…).

As the mountains in Cape Town dominate the city’s climate, you sometimes will experience different climates in one day. The temperature can drop easily by 5 degrees if you go to the other side of the mountain or you could be sitting under a hanging cloud at a picnic concert at Kirstenbosch. I strongly suggest, that you take something warmer with you all the time, just in case.

Winter
The winter months range from May to September when you will experience moderate daytime temperatures but cool evenings, and from July to September the coldest days and nights are experienced. In winter, snow occurs along their mountain ranges, but does not usually reach the towns and cities.

In the winter season in the Western Cape, you can expect a lot of rain, but in the North Eastern part of the Country it will be mainly dry that time of the year. Although the temperature during the night can be below zero, during the day you can have hot spells. The temperature easily can rise into the twenties. This is the best Game viewing season around Kruger.

Average Minimum & Maximum Temperatures (C°)