Best time to visit South Africa
Climate and weather
Best time to travel & weather guide in South Africa
The best time to visit South Africa is during our summer months, where you’ll find cooler temperatures in the north which create fantastic wildlife-spotting opportunities. It is, however, a fantastic destination for year-round travel for families, with good weather throughout making it perfect for visiting during longer UK school holidays.
Winter school holidays in South Africa
South Africa is a great place to travel all year round, but December and January are the high season and brilliant for visiting during the UK winter holidays. Worth keeping in mind that South Africans enjoy their summer holidays during our winter, which often means that places get busy and booked up well in advance. Kruger National Park, Drakensberg and the Garden Route are particularly popular. Accommodation can fill up quickly during this period, so we recommend that you book in advance.
Our summer months
Aside from the busy months of December and January, our summer months (July and August) are also popular times for families to visit South Africa, especially with many European tourists travelling then. We recommend not waiting too long to plan your trip during this time. Keep in mind, though, that July and August are winter in South Africa. But don’t worry—this won’t take away from your African adventure! Just remember to pack an extra sweater, as the evenings can get chilly. A big bonus of travelling during this season is the chance to spot majestic whales, with whale-watching season running from July to November. Plus, winter is one of the best times for a family safari.
If you’re travelling with younger children and don’t need to consider school holidays, the best time to visit is September or October. While it’s often chilly during autumn in Europe, it’s spring in South Africa. Nature comes back to life, and the temperatures around the Western Cape are very pleasant, averaging around 22°C. It’s not too hot or too cold, and you can leave your rain gear at home.
Bear in mind that there are no guarantees when it comes to the weather—there might be an off day. So, it’s a good idea to pack a light sweater or jacket for the kids (and yourself).
