Best Time to Visit South Africa
If you want to know when to visit South Africa, then you've come to the right place! The beauty of this country is there's plenty going on throughout the year, but depending on what you want to experience, there's a time and place for everything. From the weather to what's happening every month, here's the best time to visit South Africa.
Best Month to Travel
It's summer in South Africa, and Cape Town is an ideal place to see in the New Year with flair. If a beachside getaway isn't your thing, head across the rolling plains for a wildlife safari!
View AdventuresCome February, it's harvest time in the vineyards, and that means many wine estates like to celebrate with tasting days and special prices! Hop on a wine tour to discover this exciting time in South Africa.
View AdventuresAccording to the locals, the warm and sunny days in March makes it one of the best times to visit South Africa. You'll find great conditions for wildlife safaris and beach holidays.
View AdventuresIf you love to hang ten and ride waves, April offers some wonderful surfing opportunities. And while it's a great time to sip cocktails by the beach, it's not a bad time to opt for a wildlife safari either.
View AdventuresGood surfing conditions persist throughout May, and as the dry season is about to begin, it's the perfect time to go on that safari holiday you've been dreaming of.
View AdventuresJune is the time to visit the Lowveld region for a safari! If that doesn't float your boat, head to Hermanus, for a once in a lifetime opportunity to see hundreds of southern right whales meet and mate.
View AdventuresFrom safaris in the Lowveld to whale watching in the coastal town of Hermanus, July gives visitors another chance to experience plenty of adventures!
View AdventuresAlong with ideal conditions for a wildlife safari, August offers visitors a chance to see some of the most incredible bouquets of wildflowers in the world. Drive up Western Cape's west coast for this incredible sight.
View AdventuresEnjoy the sights without the crowds! September is a great time to visit for deals and mild weather. It's also when the vineyards begin to bloom, so make sure you book a wine tasting tour.
View AdventuresOctober is one for the best months for wine lovers as vineyards will be full of grapes growing. Birding season also kicks off in this month.
View AdventuresAs summer comes to South Africa, November is a great time to snag a travel deal before the prices rise in December. See the last of the whales in Hermanus, head to the vineyards or hit the beach.
View AdventuresIt's peak season in South Africa, and for good reason! If you can manage it, December is prime for Christmas festivities, birdwatching and vacation bliss.
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Find the best time for your adventure
Best time for a safari
Between December and March, although hot, the rain falls in short bursts. The landscape becomes lush and green and the bird watching is remarkable. The bonus of taking a safari during this season is that it's when many animals give birth, so you have a rare chance to spot baby animals on game drives! If you can tear yourself away from the wilderness of the rolling plains, the coast has another treat in store for wildlife enthusiasts. From mid-June to November you can observe southern right whales along the South African coast.
To see the Big Five, it's best to visit during the dry season (April to October). Check out some Big Five safaris in South Africa.
To see birds, visit from mid-October to February. From November onwards, many migratory birds arrive in the region and the bird watching is spectacular.
To see whales the best time is from mid-June to November. In June and July, you can catch a sight of whale calves!
Best time for wine-tasting
Best time for a beach escape
November, February, and March: These months are ideal for travellers on a budget! Expect good deals and beach weather.
December and January: This is the peak season for travel to South Africa and prices rise due to Christmas and New Year.
Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park
Although Kruger National Park is a clear favourite for safari enthusiasts keen to lay their eyes on the Big Five animals, Addo and Limpopo offer unique wildlife experiences with some of South Africa's most intriguing wildlife.
The best time to visit Kruger National Park is from May to September. For more detailed information about when to go, check out the following guide: Kruger National Park.
See All AdventuresThe best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park is from June to September - the driest months, but wildlife viewing is good throughout the year.
See All AdventuresThe best time to visit Limpopo is during March and April when the weather is mild, but September or October are great for game viewing in the nature reserves.
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...or make your own decision
South Africa: Climate, Temperatures & Rainfall
In the table below you'll find average temperatures from month to month, day and night for Kruger National Park. However, bear in mind that the weather for Cape Town will be very different from this, so just use this as an overview for your safari trip.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High°C Day | 32° C | 32° C | 31° C | 29° C | 28° C | 26° C | 26° C | 27° C | 29° C | 30° C | 30° C | 32° C |
| Min °C Night | 21° C | 20° C | 19° C | 16° C | 11° C | 6° C | 7° C | 9° C | 13° C | 16° C | 18° C | 20° C |
| Max °F Day | 90°F | 90°F | 88°F | 84°F | 82°F | 79°F | 79°F | 81°F | 84°F | 86°F | 86°F | 90°F |
| Min °F Night | 70°F | 68°F | 66°F | 61°F | 52°F | 43°F | 45°F | 48°F | 55°F | 61°F | 64°F | 68°F |
| Chances of rain | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
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