Best & Worst Times to Visit South Africa for Safaris, Beaches…

South Africa, a country synonymous with staggering landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich wildlife, offers an unfathomable array of attractions for any traveller. With its alternating climatic zones and seasonal variations, pinpointing the best time to visit can be challenging.

This guide aims to help distinguish between South Africa’s seasonal offerings, and highlight the best times to engage in various activities such as safaris, whale watching, and beach vacations.

Content Table:

Quick Facts about South Africa’s Weather and Climate

South Africa is a country with a diverse climate, largely impacted by two key ocean currents: the cold Benguela Current on the west coast and the warm Agulhas Current on the east coast.

The country experiences a temperate climate, rarely going to extremes. Winters are typically cool and dry, while summers can range from warm to hot and often feature plentiful rainfall.

Summer: November to March
Winter: June to August
Rainy season in Cape Town: May to September
Rainy season in Kruger: November to April
High season in Kruger: July to October

Best Times for a Safari

The choice of when to go on safari largely depends on your wildlife interests. The dry winter months from May to September are often considered best for game viewing. At these times, animals gather around watering holes and scarce rivers, making sightings more predictable.

Plus, the sparse vegetation increases visibility. However, if birding is a priority, the wet summer, running from October to April, brings a wealth of migratory birds.

Best Times for Whale Watching

For whale watching enthusiasts, the absolute best time to visit is between June and November. During these months, Southern Right Whales migrate along the coastline providing an amazing spectacle.

Hermanus, in particular, is renowned as one of the world’s best whale-watching locations.

Best Times for Beach Holidays

South African coastlines are perfect for a beach holiday, particularly between November and February, which is summer in South Africa.

The warm Indian Ocean waters of Durban and the Eastern Cape are particularly enticing, but don’t discount the chillier Atlantic waters of Cape Town, which are refreshing during hot summer days.

Best Times for Smaller Crowds and Pleasant Weather

To avoid the major tourist crowd and enjoy pleasantly mild weather, consider visiting South Africa either in the autumn months (April and May) or the spring months (September and October).

During these periods, the weather remains comfortable, attractions are less crowded, and prices are slightly lower than in peak season.

Worst Times to Visit South Africa

South Africa doesn’t truly have a ‘worst’ time to visit; however, certain activities might be less enjoyable at certain times of the year. The peak local holiday times, particularly between mid-December and mid-January, see heavy domestic tourism, and popular sites can get very crowded.

Additionally, the rainy summer months (October to April) might not be the best time for safaris due to thick vegetation and unpredictable animal sightings.

South Africa Travel Tips by Month

January-March: Weather is warm; good for beach holidays. Not optimal for safaris due to thick vegetation.
April-May: Autumn is setting in with milder temperatures. Good for avoiding crowds.
June-August: Ideal for game viewing and whale watching. Cooler weather throughout the country.
September-October: Spring brings pleasant weather and blooming flowers. A great time for safaris and outdoor activities.
November-December: Start of summer with increasing temperatures. Favorable for beach holidays, but it’s also the start of the rainy season in safari areas.

Weather in South Africa Tourism Areas

Cape Town

Mediterranean-style climate with dry summers (November–March) and wet winters (June–August). Average summer highs range from 24-26˚C.

Johannesburg

Year-round mild climate, though winter nights (May–July) can get quite cold. Summer thundershowers are common between November and February.

Durban

Subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (October–March) and mild, dry winters (June–August). Average summer highs are around 28˚C.

Kruger National Park

Temperatures can reach up to 40˚C in summer (October–March) with rainfall, while winters (May–August) can get as low as 5˚C during nights with very little rainfall.

Culture to Know