... Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt and Insight guides to South Africa. December through February are very hot (the equivalent of summer for the Northern Hemisphere) and can be crowded since schools are on holiday. Spring drifts into summer: wildflowers in the Drakensberg, beach potential before the worst humidity hits KwaZulu-Natal, and all of the above in Cape Town and the Western Cape. The dry season in Southern Africa runs from about May to October. © 2021 Lonely Planet. The best times to visit Johannesburg are from March to May and September to November. School holidays run from late September to early October.Key events: Namakwa Wildflowers, Whale Watching, Jo’burg Festivals. September to November is another good time to visit Johannesburg. Wildlife rutting season runs until May.Key events: AfrikaBurn, Klein Karoo National Arts Festival. Days are still clear and warm, with colder nights. Month by month description of the best time to visit Zulu Nyala Game Reserve. "South African Coast Article, Marine Biodiversity Information." At this time of year, there is less foliage on the trees, making it easier to spot animals in the bush. Winter. This is also the ideal season to head out on safari. Have a look at Africa Odyssey in the media and information for journalists. C° (Highs) Rainy Days. Shark-diving mecca Aliwal Shoal offers baited shark dives all year round, but if you want to swim alongside a tiger shark, you'll need to time your trip to coincide with the influx of warm water from December to April. If sunbathing is your top priority, then summer (November to January) is undoubtedly the hottest time of year. All things considered, the weather in South Africa in September makes it a great time to visit and enjoy a variety of seasonal attractions such as South Africa wildlife and whale breaching. The weather tends to be good everywhere, and sights include frolicking newborn game and breaching whales. Scientific reports vol. 2017. Aug. 28° 1. The Best Time To Visit South Africa On Safari. May. Whale-watching is also best in winter and spring. Therefore, it's best to travel between November and March for the best safari sightings. 30° 3. A great month to visit, offering mostly sunny weather without the worst of the summer crowds and prices. Jan. Summer. The climate in South Africa is very mild throughout the entire year, with some regional variations. I toured Robben Island prison with Nelson Mandela's former guard and close friend, The cannabis tourist's guide to legal US states, The 10 best cannabis tours and experiences in the US. The best times to get great travel deals in South Africa Travel deals are designed to reduce the cost of travelling, knowing the best times to get these deals is very important. conclusion – best time to visit south africa: South Africa is a destination that can be visited any time of the year due to its different climates in various regions. Winter brings rain to the Cape and clouds to Table Mountain. At this time of year, the scenery is also mainly green and beautiful in the wake of the summer rains. Here's our guide to the best time to visit South Africa. Held on January 1 and continuing through the first week of the year, costumed minstrels parade through the streets of Cape Town, playing traditional jazz and music. In the southernmost part of the country, summers are the driest time of year. The best time to visit South Africa for a Kruger Park Safari, is during the dry winter months, as the vegetation begins to thin out, creating high visibility and ultimately, excellent game-viewing opportunities. Dec. 33° 7. Apr. For keen birders, the rules are reversed. Dry weather also means better road conditions for self-drive safaris at parks like Addo and Mkhuze, while the chill keeps mosquitoes at bay (a major plus for safaris in malarial areas of South Africa).. best time for safari in south africa The country is world-famous for providing tourists and locals with intimate and exclusive encounters with protected wildlife. Feb. 33° 6. 30° 1. 26° 0. However, June to August is Sardine Run season, offering the opportunity to witness one of the underwater world's most significant natural events. 7,1 2458. These are the driest months of the year which means there is less foliage to obstruct wildlife viewing and lots of animals congregate around water holes making it easier to view them all together in one place. It’s a true year-round destination, and any time is the best time to visit South Africa on safari. Best Time to Go to South Africa South Africa is a large and diverse country with a climate that varies from region to region. The northern areas like Karoo are a bit drier and sunnier during this time. Buy Travel Insurance. Low season is June to September, apart from the mid-June to mid-July school holidays.Key events: Oyster Festival, National Arts Festival, J-Bay Open. Summer continues, with smiles on the beaches, half-price cable cars up Table Mountain for sunset, and dramatic lightning storms in Jo'burg. Timings are difficult to get right because the rains dictate the bloom. South Africa is an incredible destination for adventurous travelers. The migration herds give birth in the southeast of the Serengeti, making January a busy but dramatic time to visit. With stories of 50 incredible hiking routes in 30 countries, from New Zealand to Peru, plus a further 150 suggestions, this book will inspire a lifetime of adventure on foot. Mar. The Best Time to Visit Scottburgh, South Africa for Weather, Safety, & Tourism. September is the best month to travel to South Africa if you'd like to experience a combination of regions and wildlife. This is the Dry season and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. For generally good weather for whatever you want to do, the best time to visit South Africa is May through October, during the southern hemisphere's winter. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Coastal and national-park accommodation book up months in advance and popular holiday spots see accommodation prices rise by 50% or more. Rain in the Lowveld. Nov. 32° 6. The best times to visit Scottburgh for ideal weather are. The hottest month in South Africa is February with an average temperature of about 23 degree celsius, while June is the coldest month with an average temperature of about 13 degree Celsius. Read below for more weather and travel details. Therefore, it’s never a bad time to visit this balmy region of South Africa, although those planning to visit in June or July are still advised to pack their wet weather gear! Autumn. Unlike many other African countries, South Africa does have four distinct seasons. It’s summertime in South Africa, and if you’re looking to visit during peak times, you’ve got to plan ahead. Sep. Spring. Shoulder season offers fewer crowds and more wildlife. Is it Safe to Travel to Cape West Coast? There is a 10-day South African school holiday at the beginning of the month. AFROPUNK, a massive international music concert that brings in artists from all over the world, kicks off in December. South Africa's wild gold rush road Cape Town: a wildlife lover's playground I toured Robben Island prison with Nelson Mandela's former guard and close friend. 1 day ago. This is the period between spring and summer when the weather has warmed up after the winter months. Good for walking and beach bumming in the Western Cape. RELATED: Can’t wait to get to Africa but don’t have plans to travel anytime soon? Retrieved February 24, 2021. All rights reserved. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. For generally good weather for whatever you want to do, the best time to visit South Africa is May through October, during the southern hemisphere's winter. Wildflower season runs from late August to early September. Discover South Africa's most adventurous destinations on this scenic road trip. Spring is when the peak wildflower bloom and whale migrations take place. From June to October, humpbacks and southern right whales can be seen passing close to shore on their annual migration to the breeding grounds off Mozambique. Ikeda, Takayoshi et al. If you’re planning on getting your adrenaline fix during your trip, make sure your travel insurance covers you for extreme sports activities! For something a little different, there’s the Up the Creek Festival. Predators Temperatures drop, and wildlife watching in the bushveld starts to look more attractive than beach bumming. By June and July South Africa is well into the dry season in the north and east of the country although take your brolly if you’re heading for Cape Town as well as the Garden Route. The Cape Town Cycle Tour in March brings in cycling enthusiasts from all over the globe. Among the top winter festivals is Knysna’s incredible 10-day oyster festival in July. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). However, it usually starts in the far north in late July or early August, moving slowly south until it fades in September. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. ... Now that you know what days are best to book flight tickets, it’s time to be privy to the days to avoid for booking domestic flights. There's a two-week school holiday around Easter, generally regarded as the beginning of autumn. The weather is pleasant, the crowds have not yet arrived, and you can find reasonable room rates. During the first half of September, more than 10,000 Zulu maidens in traditional dress head toward Zulu king’s KwaNyokeni Palace in KwaZulu-Natal Province as part of a. Winter brings lower prices and fewer crowds, but it is the rainy season in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today 10Best, Michelin Guide, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Jetsetter. Oct. Summer. In general, high temperatures range from around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter., The best time to go on safari is during the dry season. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories.This advisory was last updated on … Between March and May, the weather is still warm while the crowds have gone and prices come down, making this the best time to visit Johannesburg, South Africa. The hot, dry days pick up as summer officially gets cooking. Best month to visit South Africa. Game reserves near Cape Town are the exception to this rule. Updated: 09th December 2020. "Average Weather in Cape Town, South Africa, Year Round." Rock and surf fishermen can also experience world-class fishing on the Transkei coast during the annual Sardine Run. 27° 0. Winter mornings and nights are cold. Be warned though: If you're headed north to KwaZulu-Natal or Zululand, summer also means frequent thunderstorms and high humidity. When is the best time to go to South Africa? April 16th to September 30th. It’s summertime in South Africa, and if you’re looking to visit during peak times, you’ve got to plan ahead. From March to May, the weather is warm but not too hot, and the sun never stops. Winter starts giving way to spring. From a safari point of view the best months are the dry winter months, but there are other aspects you maybe interested in when visiting this part of South Africa. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. Book accommodation and transport well in advance. In summer, heavy rains are frequent in the north of the country (although the range's many waterfalls are at their most spectacular). Best time to visit South Africa for Safaris. A luxury safari to South Africa’s Cape Town, Winelands, and Sabi Sands is one of the most popular and very best trips we sell. Be aware, though, that this time of year coincides with the busiest period for tourism in South Africa and you'll need to book accommodations and game drives in advance. Although it is an incredible holiday destination to visit round the year, but the time from March to May and September to November is best to explore. The rainy season brings an influx of insects and fills up the rivers and lakes, attracting a host of migratory birds from Europe and Asia. Summer in Europe means winter has arrived in South Africa. Every year, the arrival of spring sparks the start of an incredible natural phenomenon in the Northern Cape. It's also the ideal time to visit Durban, in the north, where the climate can be muggy at other times of the years. Hopefield Fynbos Show takes place every August and September, celebrating this dramatic flower with food stalls, tractor races, and more. Including the best months, pros/cons, high/low seasons and the best/worst weather! Weather Spark. Generally, South Africa’s summer lasts from about December to March before winter takes over from June to August. The best time of year to visit South Africa is also influenced by your interests. Northern areas experience fresh, sunny days and clear night skies. South Africa's twin coastlines extend for more than 1,700 miles (2,500 kilometers) and offer an unlimited array of activities. The best time to visit depends mostly on what you want to do. The Winelands of Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch are extraordinarily beautiful in fall when the weather is cooler, and the trees start to change color, and the season is also optimal for hiking throughout the country. The ideal time to visit South Africa depends on what you want to do, but the months of best weather in South Africa is between April – May, September – October, when the temperature is really pleasant, and perfect for outdoor activities. No matter when you decide to travel, there's always something amazing going on—from whale migrations and prime game-viewing in winter; to blissful sunshine and Christmas festivities in summer. Though you can visit Cape Town anytime of the year, but to decide what is the best time to explore this beautiful city also depends on what type of holiday you’re planning or what are the things you are to do over here. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn present the best conditions overall when travelling to South Africa, with some of the most enjoyable weather and ideal temperatures across most of the country. Season. For keen hikers, the Drakensberg Mountains are one of South Africa's top attractions. The new year kicks off with a bang thanks to the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, or the "Kaapse Klopse" in Afrikaans. South Africa is a vast country, with a mix of desert, tropical coastlines, temperate woodlands, and snow-capped mountains. May through September is typically the drier season, covering winter and a shorter spring season, and making it ideal for game drives and other outdoor activities. Wildlife viewing is best in the winter, whereas if you’re looking out for a beach holiday it’s best to go during the peak of summer. The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The Cape Town has the dry and warm weather between November and February but if you want to spot the whales, you must consider your trip between July and November. Temperatures are starting to get warmer, there’s not a lot of rain, flowers are still in bloom on the West Coast, whales can still be spotted on their migration north from Antarctica… Yep, October is considered a best time to visit South Africa. But if you’re willing to spend the money, there are a host of festivals and events to enjoy like the Cape Town Street Parade (Cape Minstrel Carnival), a colorful new-year celebration that includes floats, routines and troupes. The lack of available water draws wildlife to dams and waterholes, which is where you'll get some of your best sightings. High season begins.Key events: Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, Cherry Festival. The best time to visit South Africa’s parks is from May to September. High season for accommodation is November to March.Key event: Cape Town Street Parade (Cape Town Minstrel Carnival). South Africans descend on tourist areas, including the coast and major parks, during summer school holidays (early December to mid-January). Billed as the second-longest outdoor music festival in South Africa, Up the Creek takes place on the banks of the Breede River. If you want to meet the big five, then this is the best time to travel. If you're interested in discovering South Africa's best surf spots, winter brings big swells and consequently, the best waves. Best Time to visit South Africa. Don’t forget your floaties. April and May are the best months to visit South Africa in terms of temperatures and game viewing as well as ideal conditions for hiking in the Drakensberg. South Africa is the ultimate year-round destination. Read our, Your Trip to South Africa: The Complete Guide, "Average Weather in Cape Town, South Africa, Year Round. Best time for wildlife and whale watching. 31° 4. You can jump off the highest commercial bungee in the world, go on epic multi-day hikes through the Drakensberg or paraglide off Lion’s Head in Cape Town..