Best time to visit South Africa

Last updated July 6th, 2023.

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South Africa is one of the top countries for first time visits to mainland Africa. Even I find it hard to resist the continued allure of the country. Its range of attractions is massive. There are city sights of Cape Town and Gqeberha, the legacy of Nelson Mandela to explore, and an almost endless range of prime safari opportunities. Add to that a glorious climate and you perhaps have the perfect holiday destination. Here’s my guide to the best time to visit South Africa.

Seasons

South Africa enjoys a European-style four season climate. However, being in the southern hemisphere, these seasons are turned on the head. This means the summer actually peaks around Christmas, and the South African winter lies across the months of June to August. Likewise, but less importantly, spring and autumn are also reversed.

That said, South Africa is a year-round destination. Its climate is never terrible – particularly for someone used to the UK. The country’s size means there’s almost always somewhere to explore. But it’s better to think of the best time to visit South Africa in regard to regions rather than the country as a whole.

Best time to visit Cape Town

I recently got politely scolded for describing Cape Town’s climate as weird. What I really meant was that it was different from much of the rest of South Africa.

South Africa’s ‘mother city’ lies in Western Cape Province. It is blessed with an attractive climate similar to that in Mediterranean countries. The most trustworthy time to visit when considering the weather are the summer months of November to February.

At this time of year the skies are clear, and temperatures a pleasant 23-26°C (73-79F) pretty much every day. You shouldn’t have any problem with winds stopping the cable car up to Table Mountain (like they can in April). Or with the crossing to Mandela’s prison on Robben Island even if you’re not of seafaring stock.

Anyone who’s failed to confirm accommodation between November and February should instead consider the months either side. The weather is still normally excellent, and wildlife viewing no less impressive.

Whale watchers will instead want to head to Western Cape Province between July and August, and to the town of Hermanus. A short distance east along the coast from Cape Town, Hermanus is blest with whale and dolphin sightings from land and sea.

The most likely whale species you’ll encounter are Southern Right whales. The world’s only whale crier announces when whales have been spotted with an air horn.

It all culminates in Hermanus’ annual Whale Festival in September/October, although some individual animals linger on until mid-December.

Best time to visit South Africa for safaris

Cape Town sees the bulk of its rain between May and the end of August. You might want to avoid Cape Town during these months. However, head east to the kwaZulu-Natal city of Durban and you’ll be able to enjoy extraordinary beach weather when Capetonians have their brollies up.

Alternatively, head north to the inland provinces and you’ll see the lowest rainfall counts of the year between May and August. These months also experience cooler temperatures, of 25°C rather than 32°C (77-90F), which is a benefit both for human and animal life.

This makes May to August ideal for going on safari in the country’s plethora of national parks, reserves and conservancies. On the other hand, the best birding is probably between November and February.

Best time for all round holidays to South Africa

If the Western Cape is at its best in November to February, and the likes of Kruger National Park preferred from May to August, is it possible to combine the two? The short answer is yes, and it doesn’t take hours of careful planning to sort out either.

If you’re prepared, you can visit either destination at any time of year. September and October are probably the prime periods for a dual-destination tour. In these months the weather is good and safaris still sublime. The same can be said for April.

The best time to visit South Africa

Peak season stretches from November until the beginning of March. During this time accommodation in Cape Town and national parks books up quickly, sometimes months in advance. June to August are rainy in Cape Town and the Western Cape but fine elsewhere. The shoulder periods of September and April are good for all-round trips.