When is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?
Published on: July 24th, 2017
Last updated: September 11th, 2024
The best time to go on safari in South Africa is during the dry season from May to October. These cooler months bring an average temperature of 16°C (60.8°F). Dry weather conditions, shorter grass and fewer watering holes mean better visibility for wildlife viewing.
These months are perfect to check off sightings of the Big Five at the multiple safari camps and game reserves across South Africa including the fantastic Sabi Sands, widely regarded as Africa’s premier game reserve and world renowned for the abundance of game (particularly leopards).
There is also the iconic Kruger National Park, best known for being one of the oldest and largest wildlife reserves in the world. Our pick of the local lodges is Singita Lebombo, an intimate, upscale property with a spacious deck area from which you can enjoy stunning views of Singita’s Kruger Concession.
South Africa hides some best-kept secrets as well, places that are yet to be discovered by the masses. One of these jewels is The Madikwe Game Reserve, bordering the Kalahari Desert and Botswana in South Africa’s north west corner. There’s no risk of malaria here, making the location great for families.
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.
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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What is the best season to visit South Africa?
The best time to visit South Africa is between May and October which bring perfect weather conditions for wildlife viewing. From November to February, expect some rain and plenty of opportunities for birding. The best time to visit South Africa for surfing is March to September.
Visiting in South African spring: September - November
Visiting South Africa in spring, between September and November means warm and sunny days. As this is the end of the rainy season, the Northern Cape experiences occasional showers. With lower grass and better visibility, September is great for safaris in the Kruger, Sabi Sands and Madikwe Game Reserve. During this period, temperatures range from 16°C to 25°C (60.8°F – 80.6°F).
Visiting during South African summer: December - February
Summer in South Africa lasts from December to February. In areas like Cape Town and the Western Cape, you get to enjoy dry and sunny days. Tropical thunderstorms are expected throughout the rest of the country. With fuller waterholes, lush vegetation and new-born animals, this is a good time to go on safari.
Visiting during South Africa’s autumn: March - May
Visiting South Africa between March and May is a good time to explore Cape Town and the Winelands. These months bring shorter days, crisp air and cooler temperatures at night. Surfing conditions on the KwaZulu-Natal coast are also great during this season.
Visiting during the South African winter: June - August
Winter in South Africa lasts from June to August. Temperatures drop as low as 4.1°C (39.4°F) in areas like Johannesburg and it snows in the mountains. These drier months are perfect for safaris as there is better visibility for big cats. August is also the best month for whale watching.
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