Best time to visit South Africa

It’s peak season in South Africa and one of the hottest months of the year country-wise. The Cape is one of the driest parts of the country in January, with temperatures rising to around 29C, so it’s a lovely time of year to explore the city and the Garden Route – although a busy one as a result.

If you’re hoping to climb Table Mountain while you’re in Cape Town, it can be windy during January so it’s best to time your visit for the morning when it’s usually calmer – the ‘table cloth’ cloud which often sits above the flat-topped peak also tends to appear on windy afternoons, which hides the spectacular views out onto the water.

Wildlife

And while you won’t see whales of the Cape at this time of year, there are colonies of seals at Plettenberg Bay which you can snorkel with as well as hitting the beaches around Knysna as you explore the Garden Route. Or head to De Hoop Reserve where it’s a great month to see some of the 260 species of birds which live there. If you’re planning to venture further along the coast to explore Tsitsikamma National Park, it can be very wet during January, with day-long drizzle, heavier cloudbursts or misty days in the temperature rainforest though.

South Africa’s summer is also a good time to explore the Winelands. While it’s hotter there this month too, you’ll get to visit during the main grape harvest, although if you’re planning to cycle through the vineyards around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, it’s best to avoid the middle of the day.

Elsewhere across the country, it’s also hot but wetter. It’s not the best time to spot the Big Five at Kruger National Park which sees some tropical rainstorms this month, as does KwaZulu-Natal and Durban, where it’s one of the rainiest months of the year and humid. It’s a good time to escape to the beach to find some cooling sea breezes. And with 3,000km of coastline to enjoy, you won’t have any trouble finding a gloriously sunny stretch of golden sand, even if you have to share it with quite a few others.

January also marks the anniversaries of the Battle of Isandlwana and the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, so the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields can also be busier this month. Further north, the Drakensberg Mountains are cooler but you can expect regular thunderstorms this month so it’s not the best time to go hiking here.

Festivals: The Kaapse Klopse, or the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival to give it its official name, takes place on January 2 so it’s also affectionately known as the Second New Year. Dating back to the early 19th century, it was originally a day when enslaved people were allowed to celebrate the New Year – today you can expect parades with a jazz soundtrack, dancing and singing on the streets, along with bright costumes.

Best for: Sunshine, dry weather in Cape Town, the Garden Route, hitting the beach

February is one of the hottest months of the year at the Cape, and while it’s usually quieter than peak season, it’s often still busy here. It’s also the peak of the harvest season in the Winelands this month, so if you head to places like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, you’ll find extra events taking place, as well as seeing the vines heavy with fruit. There’s a tram to take you between estates around Franschhoek, or you can hop on a bike to cycle through the vineyards – best to avoid the middle of the day though when it can be searingly hot.

It’s a little less windy in Cape Town this month too; better if you’re hoping to enjoy the views from Table Mountain, but it can make it warm for sightseeing. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off, head out along the coast for a few sea breezes along the Garden Route which is slightly quieter this month too. If you’re hoping to see wildlife, the whales haven’t arrived here yet, but there’s birdlife galore at De Hoop Reserve plus colonies of seals at Plettenberg Bay, although it’s still quite wet at Tsitsikamma National Park with regular drizzle, heavier downpours and misty days in the temperate rainforest. Further east at Addo Elephant Park, it’s one of the rainiest months of the year too. Elsewhere, you can make the most of the dry days at the beaches around Knysna, although you won’t be short of places to sunbathe around the Cape.

It’s hot and wet at Kruger National Park, so not a great time to spot wildlife there, and still hot and humid around KwaZulu-Natal and Durban. The weather is milder further north in the Drakensburg Mountains but you can expect thunderstorms throughout the month, so it’s not a good time for hiking.

Festivals: Cape Town Pride is one of the biggest Pride events in the whole of Africa, taking place between late February and early March, with parades featuring colourful floats, events, exhibitions and thousands of people taking part.

Best for: Sunshine, dry weather in Cape Town, the Garden Route, hitting the beach

The rain is starting to ease in the north this month and the temperatures are beginning to drop as summer ends in South Africa, although it’s neither as cool nor as dry as the winter months. If you’re planning a holiday in South Africa to spot animals, the bush at Kruger National Park is lush and thick while the rivers are full, so the scenery is at its best this month. It does make it harder to see the animals though, and you can expect afternoon downpours, although it’s a great temperature – warm and not too hot. It’s also rainy around Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant Park, as well as at Tsitsikamma National Park, so while safaris here are possible, it’s better to postpone them for drier weather.

It’s also a quieter month for a holiday in South Africa, apart from any crowds if Easter holidays fall during this month, so keep sightseeing in Cape Town on your wishlist. The city is still dry this month, but the temperature has dropped slightly to highs of around 27C, and it’s slightly cooler still if you’re planning to hike up (or down) Table Mountain. It’s also a perfect month to cycle through the vineyards of the Winelands, with more pleasant temperatures and fewer people at the different estates.

The Garden Route

And if you’re wondering when to go to South Africa to drive the Garden Route, March is easily one of the best times to do it. The crowds are thinner on the beaches if you’re hoping to relax by the coast, with a chance to go kayaking before relaxing on the white sand beaches around Knysna. Or try snorkelling with the colonies of seals at Plettenberg Bay, and enjoying the first of the autumn colours at De Hoop Reserve, where you’ll be able to spot some more of the country’s wildlife, especially birds.

It’s also the start of the surf season around Durban, with plenty of options for beginners and more experienced surfers – novices should head to the breaks and surf schools at Addington Beach and North Beach on the Golden Mile. It’s still best to postpone any hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains for drier days.

Festivals: The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees takes place in late March (or early April), one of the largest art festivals in South Africa. The Afrikaans language event includes visual arts and performances.

Best for: Driving the Garden Route, Cape Town, beaches on the Cape, surfing in Durban

It’s a warm dry month across most of the country in April, after the heat and rain of the summer but before the cooler days of winter begin – ideal if you’re hoping to see a lot of South Africa in one trip. It’s a great time to hike the Drakensberg Mountain Range, home to the country’s highest peak, as well as less challenging trails. The area is verdant and green, with full waterfalls after the rains of summer, and some fantastic views. Do be prepared for some rain and colder temperatures towards the end of the month.

Safari

It’s drier too if you’re planning a safari, with April marking the start of the dry season in Kruger National Park where it’s also mating season for impala, wildebeest and warthog. The lush undergrowth and plentiful water sources mean it can be tricky to see other animals here though, but the weather conditions are just right for a safari – not too hot, not too cold.

Wildlife

Or you can spot South Africa’s wildlife in the south too, with a safari in a private game reserve near Port Elizabeth, or watching the majestic herds of elephants at Addo Elephant Park. Head up into the treetops at Tsitsikamma National Park where it’s drier this month, for some spectacular views of the forest, along with a chance to discover the creatures living here. They’re all easy to combine with a drive along the Garden Route, stopping to snorkel with seals at Plettenberg Bay, kayaking off the beaches around Knysna and spotting the autumn colours at De Hoop Reserve.

As the rest of the country gets drier, Cape Town is starting to get rainier in April. It’s still limited to a few days this month so you can enjoy slightly cooler temperatures – though still pleasantly warm – as you sightsee, climb Table Mountain and try a few of South Africa’s famous vintages in the Winelands. Hop on the tram which links the estates at Franschhoek or cycle through the vineyards here and at Stellenbosch, enjoying the rolling hills, and rows of vines and tasting a glass of two of the area’s delicious wines. Time your trip right, and you could enjoy some cheese with your wine, with the South African Cheese Festival taking place in the area this month.

Over on the east coast, it’s less humid and hot in KwaZulu-Natal and a more pleasant time to explore Durban, where surf season is well underway, with conditions suitable for all skill levels along the coast, including the Golden Mile.

Festivals: Freedom Day on April 27 is a major public holiday and one of the most important days in the South African calendar, commemorating the anniversary of the country’s first non-racial election. Expect parades and parties, including some official events and plenty of smaller celebrations to mark the date.

The South African Cheese Festival takes place this month in the Stellenbosch wine region, with activities including cooking demos and live music, as well as plenty of tastings, including cheeses from local artisans and international brands. All accompanied by a glass of local wine.

Best for: Exploring the whole of South Africa, surfing in Durban, the Garden Route, Cape Town

The peak season crowds are long gone as South Africa’s winter looms, but it’s still a great time to visit if you’re planning a safari and looking for pleasantly warm days rather than the heat of summer. It’s arguably the best time to visit South Africa if you’re heading to Kruger National Park or neighbouring reserves such as Sabi Sands, as animals start congregating around water holes, the vegetation is starting to thin out so it’s easier to spot the Big Five, and you can even see elephants migrating. Expect sunny clear days with fewer people driving the routes through the reserve, although it’s chilly in the early mornings so wrap up warm for game drives at dawn, and once the sun sets in the evening.

South

It’s similarly warm and generally dry further south at Addo Elephant Park, while you can ensure you avoid the crowds on safari by heading to a private game reserve near Port Elizabeth. Easy to combine with a drive along the Garden Route, Bryde’s whales also start arriving around Hermanus from this month and you can also spot Southern Right Whales at De Hoop Reserve where they come close to the shoreline to mate and give birth. You can also see humpback whales around Plettenberg Bay, along with the year-round colonies of seals.

Save some time to zoom through the treetops at Tsitsikamma National Park for unbeatable views over the forest canopy, as well as sightseeing in Cape Town. Don’t be surprised if Table Mountain is covered in a blanket of fog in the mornings, but the weather is ideal if you’re planning to hike rather than take the cable car – you may even want some extra layers against the cooler temperatures. It’s not too cold for a cycle ride through the vineyards at Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, more pleasant than the searing heat of summer and quieter than the peak harvest months, but with plenty of tastings still on offer.

North

Further north, it’s also another perfect month for hiking in the Drakensberg, although if you’re taking the trails to higher peaks, you might even encounter snow this month. Otherwise, it’s dry and sunny, if cool. If you’re looking for beaches, head to Durban where it’s warm and dry this month, with plenty of surfing along the Golden Mile and even more places to relax and enjoy the sunshine in between exploring the city and surroundings.

Festivals: The Cape Town Jazz Festival is one of the key events in South Africa’s music scene, now taking place in May (originally in March). With international artists on the bill alongside local performers, there are also free concerts if you weren’t quick enough to snap up tickets for the main shows.

Best for: Exploring the whole country, safari, hiking in the Drakensberg, surfing in Durban

It’s midwinter in South Africa in June, so while it’s rarely as cold as much of the northern hemisphere during its winter, you can expect much cooler days, with chilly mornings and evenings, and even snow in the mountains and peaks. Wrap up warm for those sunrise game drives and sundowners, although it’s still a fantastic month for spotting South Africa’s wildlife; the drier weather means you’ll see more of the Big Five clustered around water holes, while there’s also less vegetation so you’ll spy animals more easily there too.

Take a drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park and you can stop at Hoedspruit Private Game Reserve as well, for even more animal-spotting. Neighbouring reserves such as Sabi Sands are also a great option, along with Addo Elephant Park further south, and some of the reserves on the eastern Cape, with the chance to visit a private game reserve near Port Elizabeth too. Elsewhere along the Garden Route, whale-watching season is well underway. Southern Right whales are arriving at Hermanus to calve, while you can also spot them at De Hoop Reserve along with humpback whales around Plettenberg Bay, and more species along the coast.

Back at Cape Town, it’s the rainiest month of the year, with some distinctly cool days, so if you’re planning to hit the beaches, climb Table Mountain or head out to Robben Island, it’s not the best weather to enjoy the area. The same goes for the Winelands, where you might be more likely to sip a glass of red by a log fire than taste one of South Africa’s white wines in the sunshine.

It’s getting positively chilly in the Drakensberg Mountains where you may find snow on the peaks. If you’re prepared for the cold temperatures, the days are dry and clear with some fabulous scenery. Or for warmth and beaches, hit the east coast around Durban where temperatures hover in the mid-20Cs, and there’s surfing to enjoy off the Golden Mile, as well as the history of KwaZulu-Natal to discover nearby.

Best for: Safari, whale-watching, beaches in Durban

Winter is firmly underway, with cool, rainy days along the Cape but warmer, drier weather further north which is perfect for a holiday in South Africa if you’re planning a safari. As the dry season continues, the Big Five and the country’s other wildlife are all easier to spot, with animals more visible in the dry undergrowth and many clustering around water holes. Kruger National Park is one of the best places to visit in July, along with neighbouring private reserves such as Sabi Sands and Hoedspruit, although there’s usually more to see in the south of the park in July. Temperatures can be surprisingly chilly in the early mornings and evenings, but daytimes are usually pleasantly warm.

Wildlife

But you can still spot wildlife further south. Addo Elephant Park is dry, and similarly cool outside the warmth of the day, with a nearby private game reserve near Port Elizabeth making a fabulous combination. A safari near the Cape is ideal if you’re also hoping to see whales along the coast, as Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters around South Africa. Head to Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay and De Hoop Reserve to see them, often coming close to shore to give birth this month.

Much of the Garden Route is cool and rainy this month, so it’s not the best time to enjoy the beaches and forests along the coast, while Cape Town itself is also cooler and wet this month. The Winelands are also colder, although there’s never a bad time to try some of South Africa’s famous wines, even if the vineyards themselves aren’t at their best in midwinter.

The east coast is much sunnier, with temperatures hovering around the mid-20Cs in Durban, and fewer people on the beaches. If you’re a keen surfer or looking to learn, it’s a great time to make the most of the breaks along the Golden Mile and elsewhere on the beaches near the city.

Festivals: The annual Knysna Oyster Festival adds some sparkle to winter on the Garden Route, with a chance to make the most of the town’s fantastic seafood and scenery by the lagoon. As well as trying some of South Africa’s best oysters, you can also enjoy cooking demos, live music, wine tastings and a whole string of other activities.

The 11-day National Arts Festival in Makhanda is another of Africa’s biggest art events, with everything from art installations to street performers, comedy, theatre and all manner of creative arts on the line-up.

Best for: Safaris in Kruger National Park, whale-watching, beaches in Durban

 

Spring is finally arriving in South Africa, with flowers blooming across the Cape, where the months of cool wet weather have resulted in colourful blooms in the west and north in particular. Namaqualand in the Northern Cape is famous for its spring flowers, usually flowering from mid-month, although you can also start to see blossom on the trees in the Winelands. If the sun is shining, why not cycle through the vineyards for some tastings around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and to see the trees in their glory? Cape Town itself is still cool and wet, but there’s another fabulous floral display at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden too. It’s worth knowing that the cable car for Table Mountain usually closes at some point during August for maintenance – anything from a week to the entire month – if you’re planning to brave the colder weather at the peak.

The Garden Route

Venture further along the Garden Route and it’s still a fantastic time for whale-watching, with Southern Right Whales migrating from Antarctica to mate and calve in the warmer waters around South Africa. In Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, they’ll often come close to shore to give birth, while you can also see them from De Hoop Reserve and on whale-watching boat tours, along with seals and dolphins.

Wildlife

There’s more wildlife on dry land too, including Addo Elephant Park and safaris on the Eastern Cape, including a private game reserve near Port Elizabeth. For drier weather, head further north through to Kruger National Park and the nearby private reserves, with warm days (though cool nights), few mosquitos and plenty of animals to spot around water holes – the southern part of Kruger National Park is best at this time of year.

For sunshine, head to KwaZulu-Natal. Durban is having one of its coolest months in August, but you can still expect temperatures to hit 24-25C during the day, so it’s warm enough to hit the beaches and go surfing, as well as sightseeing and exploring the wider area.

Best for: Safaris in Kruger National Park, spring flowers, whale-watching, surfing in Durban

Temperatures begin to rise again across the country this month as spring starts to arrive in earnest, with plenty to tempt you to visit if you’re wondering when to go to South Africa. Spring flowers are at their peak, especially around the Cape at Namaqualand and in the winelands – enjoy the blossoms here on a bike ride through the vineyards – while on Table Mountain, fynbos (the shrubland unique to South Africa) is flourishing too.

Wildlife

It’s also a fantastic month to go on safari with many baby animals born this month. Head north to Kruger National Park, where the months of dry weather mean it’s easy to spot the Big Five in the dry undergrowth, as well as around the water holes. There are a string of other private reserves nearby too, including Sabi Sands and Hoedspruit which you could combine with the national park.

It’s still peak whale-watching season off the south coast as well, with Southern Right Whales coming close to the shore near Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, plus a chance to see whales elsewhere along the Garden Route at De Hoop Reserve. This month also sees the annual Hermanus Whale Festival to raise awareness about these gentle giants, so it can be busy here while the events are taking place. There’s more animal-spotting on land here too, although it’s a little rainier here than in the reserves of the north, including the Addo Elephant Park and private reserves on the Eastern Cape, near Port Elizabeth.

Elsewhere, you could fly through the forest canopy at Tsitsikamma National Park or go kayaking before relaxing on the white sand beaches around Knysna – the weather can still be unpredictable but it’s often warm and dry now. And it’s getting drier and warmer in Cape Town as well, with temperatures at around 21C, which are pleasant for sight-seeing even if it’s not beach weather yet.

For sunbathing, head east to Durban where temperatures hover around 25C and you can enjoy the last of the drier months before rain starts to set in – the best surfing is now over for the year though. Or for a more active adventure, the sun is warming up the Drakensberg Mountains once more, with clear sunny days to tackle the trails through the range, home to South Africa’s highest peak.

Festivals: Heritage Day takes place on September 24, celebrating South Africa’s diversity. The public holiday was previously known as Shaka Day, named for the Zulu king, with a focus on everything from music to language, food and traditions.

The Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the Southern Right Whales who migrate to the country every year, with music, parades, arts and crafts and other activities taking place over a weekend in late September.

Best for: Exploring the whole country, safari, hiking in the Drakensberg, Garden Route, beaches in Durban, whale-watching

October is the last of the dry months in the north, with rain starting to sweep in towards the end of October, but with plenty of warm spring sunshine before the wetter weather arrives. Flowers are still blooming, with blankets of wildflowers across the country, as well as in the botanical gardens and Namaqualand, where the carpet of flowers lasts until early October. There are also plenty of chances to go fruit-picking too and it’s increasingly tempting to get outdoors.

Wildlife

If you’re hoping to go on safari in South Africa, you can spot baby animals at Kruger National Park this month but the wet season is also beginning so expect daily rainstorms, usually in the late afternoon and evening, and humid conditions during the day. It’s still possible to head out early and see the wildlife, but you may have more disrupted days, with more lush vegetation hiding the animals later in the month. Another option is to head to the Eastern Cape to Addo Elephant Park or the private game reserve near Port Elizabeth where it’s not as hot, although conditions are getting rainier here as well.

The Garden Route

It’s a great month to drive the Garden Route, before the crowds of the busier summer months arrive, but with only a few spring showers to dodge. You can spot whales off the coast this month too, especially around Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay and De Hoop Reserve, with Southern Right Whales coming close to shore to calve – one of the last months before they begin their migration back to Antarctica once more. Dodge the showers and you can fly through the treetops at Tsitsikamma National Park or relax on the white sand beaches around Knysna after some sea kayaking too.

As the north gets wetter, Cape Town begins to get warmer and drier, and this is a fantastic month to explore the city with temperatures heading towards the mid-20s. Flowers are blooming on the slopes of Table Mountain, where it’s pleasant enough to hike up as an alternative to taking the cable car. The weather in the Winelands is similarly tempting, a perfect time for a bike ride through the vineyards around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

It’s warmer around Durban and across Kwa-Zulu Natal, but not yet too humid if you’re planning to explore. There’s more rain here, but still plenty of sunny days to hit the beach. And it’s sunny in the Drakensberg Mountains as well, without being too hot or wet if you’re tackling the trails through the peaks.

Festivals: The International Kite Festival in Cape Town takes place in the Zandvlei Nature Reserve on the last weekend in October, with hundreds of kites flying over Muizenberg as part of Africa’s biggest kite festival. Raising awareness and money for mental health, there are also kite-making workshops, displays, music and lots of food.

Best for: Whale-watching, exploring the whole country, safari, hiking in the Drakensberg, Garden Route, beaches in Durban

As summer approaches, temperatures continue to rise and the rain sweeps in across KwaZulu-Natal as well as over Kruger National Park, cutting through the rising humidity but making it a less tempting time for a holiday in South Africa’s north and east. It’s getting too hot to hike in the Drakensberg now, with heavy rain also hitting the mountains.

But down at the Cape, the weather is sunny and drier, and it’s also the last month of the whale-watching season. Take a drive along the Garden Route from Cape Town, stopping to spot Southern Right Whales at Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay or from De Hoop Reserve, which has some fantastic birdwatching too, before discovering some of the other highlights of one of the world’s great driving routes. Head up into the canopy of the temperate rainforest at Tsitsikamma National Park, zip-wiring through the treetops and discovering some of the wildlife found in the forest here. Or kayak on the ocean and relax on the white sand beaches around Knysna, quieter this month than in the upcoming peak season.

Wildlife

While safaris in Kruger aren’t the best option this month, thanks to the heavy rainfall and the difficulty spotting animals in the increasingly thick vegetation, you could head to the Eastern Cape to see the huge herds at Addo Elephant Park or more animals in the private game reserve near Port Elizabeth. It’s one of the rainiest months of the year here as well but if you’re determined to spy some of South Africa’s wildlife, conditions are still better than further north.

It’s a lovely time to explore the Winelands while you’re in Cape Town too, with some warm and sunny days to discover Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Why not cycle through the vineyards to soak in the scenery before a few tastings at wineries?

Best for: Driving the Garden Route, whale-watching, Cape Town, the Winelands

Peak season starts this month, with the country’s main tourist spots getting busier and booked up well in advance – this is not when to go to South Africa if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds. The start of the month is quieter before school holidays begin and before the festive season gets underway, with the Cape topping the list of best places for a holiday in South Africa in December.

Further north, it’s rainy in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Durban, as well as Kruger National Park and around Johannesburg, so it’s not the best time for a safari or time by the Indian Ocean beaches. The Drakensberg mountains are also too wet and hot for good trekking this month.

The main whale-watching season is also over, although you might spot a few humpback whales along the coast from Hermanus, and you’ll see plenty of seals at Plettenberg Bay if you’re driving along the Garden Route. There’s great bird-watching at De Hoop Reserve too, and the eastern Cape isn’t as wet as the reserves further north if you’re hoping to combine sun and safari. Head to Addo Elephant Park or stay at a private game reserve near Port Elizabeth, although the lush vegetation can make it harder to spot the wildlife. If you’re happy to risk the rainy days, you could also discover the temperate rainforest at Tsitsikamma National Park, while there are beaches galore to relax on along the coast – many will be busy this month, but the white sand beaches around Knysna are well worth sharing.

Save time for Cape Town this month too, where temperatures are spiking up to around 27C this month. While it’s one of the busiest times to visit, there’s an added buzz to the colourful city in December. If you’re planning to climb Table Mountain, set out early to avoid the heat and the crowds, while it will also be hotter and busy in the Winelands – if you’re thinking of taking a bike ride through the vineyards, it’s best to avoid the middle of the day, and relax somewhere shady with a glass of wine instead.

Festivals: December 25 and 26 are both public holidays with shops closing for Christmas, and a mix of northern hemisphere traditions, such as flaming plum pudding, with a South African twist, such as a braai, or barbecue, for Christmas dinner.

Some will also close early on December 31, with fireworks to usher in the New Year. Cape Town has some of the most spectacular, lighting up the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront at midnight.

Best for: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route