When is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?
Published on: July 24th, 2017
Last updated: January 31st, 2025
South Africa is great to visit at any time of the year, the best time depends on where you’re going and what you want to do. We typically advise that the best time to visit South Africa is during the dry period from May to October. These cooler months bring an average temperature of 16°C (60.8°F) and little rainfall, which are the perfect conditions for exploring and going on safari.
South Africa’s incredibly diverse climates range from subtropical coastlines to dry inland deserts, and the four distinct seasons can bring significantly different weather conditions to each part of the country.
Winter (June–August) is cool and dry in most wildlife areas, making it the peak season for safaris, while Cape Town experiences cooler temperatures and some rainfall. Summer (December–February) is lovely on the Western Cape but hot and stormy elsewhere, while spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) bring ideal conditions for certain activities, from wine harvests to whale watching.
The best time to visit South Africa for safari
The best time to go on safari in South Africa is the dry season between May to September. Our favourite safari areas such as Sabi Sands Private Reserve, The Kruger National Park and the malaria-free Madikwe are cool and dry with warm midday temperatures of around 25°C (77°F), with chilly, clear mornings and evenings.
These dry conditions are optimal for safaris because the undergrowth is sparse making it easier to see animals. Little rain means that water sources become scarce causing high densities of wildlife to congregate together when they do find water.
South Africa month-by-month weather guide
We’ve put together this detailed monthly guide to help you choose the best time to go to South Africa based on your plans and preferences. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect across the country during each month of the year.
January in South Africa
January is the peak of summer (December to February) in South Africa and one of the best times of year to visit Cape Town, where the weather is warm and dry with highs around 29ºC (84ºF). It’s the green season in the Kruger and other parks, so visibility is low and there’s always a chance of thunderstorms.
February in South Africa
February is the final month of South Africa’s summer, which means it can be very hot in some places; the Winelands sometimes exceed 30ºC (86ºF). This is a great time to head to the coast, where it’s warm and breezy. Wildlife areas are still rainy and lush thanks to afternoon showers.
March in South Africa
March is a transitional month between summer and autumn, with temperatures remaining fairly high and rainfall still possible in most game reserves. The weather is wonderful on the Garden Route, with highs in the low 20sºC (low 70ºsF), and harvest season is starting in the Winelands.
April in South Africa
By April, autumn is in full swing, with little rainfall and warm – but usually not too hot – weather throughout South Africa. Highs in Cape Town hover around 25ºC (77ºF), while the Kruger and the Kalahari reach the upper 20sºC (79–84ºF). This is a great month for multi-region trips.
May in South Africa
May is the last month of autumn in South Africa and the first month of the peak safari season. By this time the foliage has thinned out and visibility is high in most game viewing areas. The chance of rain increases in the Western Cape but decreases in most other regions.
June in South Africa
June heralds the start of winter (June–August), which is relatively mild in South Africa. Some of the lowest temperatures can be found in the Drakensberg Mountains, where highs average around 15ºC (59ºC). This is also the start of whale watching season on the Whale Coast.
July in South Africa
July is the coldest month of the year in South Africa. Cape Town is chilly and rainy, with highs around 17ºC (63ºF), while popular safari areas are wonderfully cool and dry. Because it’s peak safari season, we suggest visiting lesser-known spots like Madikwe Game Reserve.
August in South Africa
Temperatures stay low across South Africa in August, while blooming wildflowers hint that warmer days are ahead. Rain is still likely in Cape Town and the Table Mountain cable car might be closed for maintenance, but it’s an ideal month for both safaris and whale watching.
September in South Africa
September is one of the best months to visit South Africa if you want to visit multiple regions, as the weather is warm and dry in most destinations. Cape Town sees highs of around 20ºC (68ºF) while the Kruger can reach 29ºC (84ºF) and the chance of rain is fairly low everywhere.
October in South Africa
October brings lovely spring weather to South Africa. Temperatures are beginning to rise but not quite peaking yet, and it’s still a great time for safaris, whale watching and wildflowers. Summer rains might start towards the end of the month, but you can expect mainly sunny skies.
November in South Africa
Marking the transition from spring to summer, November is one of the best months to enjoy South Africa’s stunning beaches before they fill up with visitors. Temperatures in Cape Town climb to the mid-20sºC (upper 70ºsF) and wildlife areas in the north can reach 30ºC (86ºF).
December in South Africa
December is the first month of South Africa’s summer, with hot temperatures setting in across the country. This is the start of the rainy season in most parks and reserves, but it’s a fantastic time to visit Cape Town and its surrounding areas – though it can get busy towards the holidays.
The top things to do in South Africa
South Africa has a lot to offer visitors, beyond simply being one of the best safari destinations in the world. You can go from city to beach life in the blink of an eye, tour vineyards today and be whale watching tomorrow. Here’s when to visit South Africa to enjoy your favourite activities.
The best time to visit Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town is between October and April. You get to enjoy warm and sunny days, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 32°C (60.8°F to 89.6°F) in January – the hottest month in South Africa. March is the best time to visit for fewer crowds.
As one of our favourite places to visit in South Africa, we encourage you to visit all year, there’s always something exciting to see or do. June and July are generally the coldest months in Cape Town. They come with shorter days, seasonal rain and wind but this period will surprise you with a quieter city. These winter months also mark the beginning of the whale season in Cape Town.
Come September, as spring makes its grand entrance, you have plenty of opportunities to scout for the best waves. This is also when you’ll want to take a trip out of the city to spot wild flowers.
From December to February, you can expect dry and sunny days, often with tropical thunderstorms. While it can get really hot during these months, it is also the best time to visit Cape Town for the vibrant beaches and end-of-year celebrations.
The best time to visit the Winelands
The best time to visit South Africa for the Winelands is during the months of February and March when the vines are heavy with grapes. This is also the autumn harvesting season in South Africa. These months bring crisp air and clear blue skies.
During the autumn harvest, many vineyards organise festivals which allow wine enthusiasts to stomp on grapes and challenge friends to barrel-rolling races. The month of May also sees multiple wine festivals around Cape Town and its neighbouring towns.
If you are traveling between June and August, keep in mind that these are the winter months in South Africa. You will need to be prepared for temperatures as low as 6°C (42.8°F) in areas like Stellenbosch.
With longer days and warm temperatures, the summer months of December and January are also popular for visits to the Winelands as this marks the peak season in South Africa.
The best time to visit South Africa to see wild flowers
The best time to visit South Africa for wild flowers is between the end of August and September. During this period, temperatures range from 16°C to 25°C (60.8°F – 80.6°F). This is a great time to combine whale watching, safaris and multi-region trips.
These months mark the beginning of the spring season in South Africa and temperatures start to rise. Keep in mind that mornings and late evenings can still be chilly. September also sees the end of the rainy season in South Africa.
During this season, wild flowers spread across South Africa’s west coast. Close to Cape Town you can get a teaser in West Coast National Park and Namaqualand, but it’s as you head further up the N7 that nature really begins to show off. Springbok, Kamieskroon, Port Nolloth and Garies are transformed by multitudes of bright flowers that blanket the ground.
When to visit South Africa for beaches and surfing
November is the best time to visit South Africa for its beaches. This is the end of spring in South Africa. Temperatures start to increase significantly, days are brighter and longer. March is when you are likely to find good surfing conditions in South Africa.
If you’re just wanting to spend time lazing on the sand in Cape Town, you have up to March to head for the shores and enjoy perfect weather conditions. This is a great time to visit if you’re looking for a sun-drenched holiday. Keep in mind that these are the hottest months in South Africa. As this is summer, you will have to prepare for a few hours of tropical rain as well.
Along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the weather is generally sunny all year long, so even the winter months between June and August are great for beach days.
There are also loads of world-class surfing spots, and you’ll find the best surf from March to September. From Jeffrey’s Bay and Muizenberg, to the Wildcoast, Big Bay and everything in between, there are a variety of waves to choose from depending on your skill or adventure levels.
The East African current makes for a warmer surfing experience, but you’ll definitely want to pack your wetsuit if you have your sights set on surfing around Cape Town at any time of the year.
The best time to visit for whale watching
The best time to visit South Africa for whale watching begins from June. The best month to visit South Africa during the whale season is August. During these winter months, whales migrate from Antarctica to South Africa for calving.
A short 1.5-hour drive from Cape Town brings you to the town of Hermanus, along the Whale Coast. It’s one of the best land-based whale watching experiences in the world. Between late September and early October, you can also catch the Hermanus Whale Festival where visitors can enjoy live music, food stalls and craft markets.
The best time to visit the Kruger
The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry season between May and October. During this period, the weather conditions are ideal, the bush thins out and with fewer waterholes, animals will congregate. This is the perfect time for wildlife viewing.
May to September is winter in South Africa. This is when you can enjoy cooler temperatures in the Kruger. In fact, early morning game drives in open vehicles can get quite cold so we always recommend bringing layers. These months usually bring bright sunny skies with little to no rain. Since it is the dry season, wildlife gathers around water and the grass is lower, making viewing much easier.
The wet summer season in South Africa lasts between October and May. During these months, the scenery at the Kruger turns green. This is the best time to visit the Kruger for birding. Keep in mind that during this season, it gets hot and humid and you will want to consider malaria prevention.
The best time to visit for exploring the whole country
The best time to visit multiple regions across South Africa is between September and October. This is a great time to combine activities such as beach time, safaris, wildflower viewing, surfing and whale watching. Temperatures range from 16°C to 25°C (60.8°F – 80.6°F).
South Africa is a large and diverse country so the climate differs from region to region. For this reason, choosing the best time to visit South Africa for a multi-region trip will largely depend on what you want to see and do.
Between late September and early October, this is where you can catch the Hermanus Whale Festival. September is also the best time to visit for safaris in areas like the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands. This period brings dry weather conditions, making it ideal to spot the Big Five.
While the best time to visit the Winelands is during the autumn harvest season of February and March, the area remains enjoyable all year round. Along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the weather is generally sunny all year long, so September and October are also great for beach days.
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