Which is the hottest month in South Africa?

The hottest time of year in Cape Town, South Africa is normally February. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 25°C with low heat and humidity.

Best time to visit South Africa

Q: When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa (Cape Town) is January, February, November and December based on the following average weather conditions. Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C. Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more.

Q: Which month has the most rain in South Africa?

In terms of rainfall, June is usually the wettest month in Cape Town, South Africa with 189mm on average. There are normally 13 days in June with some rain.

Q: When is it sunniest in South Africa?

The sunniest time of year in Cape Town, South Africa is normally February with bright sunshine on average for 77% of daylight hours; that's 10 hours of sunshine per day.

Q: When is the sea warmest in South Africa?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Cape Town, South Africa in February when the water temperature reaches 20°C.

Find the best time to visit South Africa and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

South Africa by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Top South Africa destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in South Africa. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All South Africa destinations

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa (Cape Town) is January, February, November and December based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

5
Jan
5
Feb
4.5
Mar
4
Apr
2.5
May
1.5
Jun
1.5
Jul
1.5
Aug
2.5
Sep
4
Oct
5
Nov
5
Dec

Change criteria

Max Day Temperature (°C)

25
Jan
25
Feb
24
Mar
22
Apr
19
May
17
Jun
17
Jul
17
Aug
18
Sep
20
Oct
22
Nov
24
Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

11
Jan
10
Feb
9
Mar
7
Apr
6
May
5
Jun
6
Jul
7
Aug
7
Sep
9
Oct
10
Nov
11
Dec

Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

The weather guide for South Africa (Cape Town) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

South Africa overview

A pleasant climate is a major asset in South Africa's drive to distance itself from past controversy and place itself firmly on the world tourism map.

If travelling to South Africa, remember that, because it lies south of the equator, its seasons are the opposite to those of North America and Europe.

Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa © Derejeb - Fotolia.com

Only the low-lying areas in the north, along the borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have a tropical climate with related high temperatures and humidity.

In the south, the coastal lowlands around Cape Town have a Mediterranean climate with hot summers (September to May) and warm, rainy winters.

The eastern coastlands and the low veld of Durban and Natal have a subtropical climate with most rainfall falling between October and April, which is also the period of highest temperatures and humidity.

The western coastal strip has a cold sea current which keeps temperatures cool and generates plenty of low cloud and fog but almost no rain.

In the eastern interior or high veld (where Johannesburg and Pretoria are situated), summers are rainy and warm and winter days are mild although temperatures can drop dramatically at night.

The low humidity and high number of sunshine hours produce a pleasant and healthy climate all year.

The western interior is mostly desert or semi-desert and has a hot, sunny climate. What rain there is falls between November and April.

What to pack for South Africa weather

Take light clothing and be prepared for rain if visiting between September and May. Pack warmer wear if travelling during their winter.

More about South Africa

Explore our complete guide to South Africa with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for South Africa.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
Travel health
Travel features
Top travel deals
FAQs

South Africa travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to South Africa with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

South Africa - quick facts
Flight time^✝	11 to 12 hours
Time difference	UK +2 hours
Language(s)	Zulu, Xhosa, English
Currency	South African Rand
Electricity	C + M + N plug (230V)
Driving side	Left

Why visit South Africa?

Considering a holiday to the South Africa? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

Beaches
Culture
Nature

South Africa tourist information

South African Tourism

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.

Travelling to South Africa?
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South Africa travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting South Africa from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

UK traveller advice for South Africa - UK FCDO
Irish traveller advice for South Africa - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
Canadian travel advice for South Africa - Government of Canada
US travel advisories for South Africa - US Department of State
Safe travel advisories for South Africa - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
Smarter traveller advice for South Africa - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around South Africa.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

South Africa travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to South Africa with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Vaccines & medicines for South Africa - CDC
Health & vaccinations for South Africa - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in South Africa - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in South Africa, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

South Africa travel features

Do you want to learn more about South Africa? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in South Africa.

South Africa FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to South Africa including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which month has the most rain in South Africa?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Cape Town, South Africa with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in South Africa?

The sunniest time of year in Cape Town, South Africa is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in South Africa?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Cape Town, South Africa in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

What is the flight time to South Africa from the UK?

The flight time to South Africa from the UK is typically 11 to 12 hours.

What is the time difference between South Africa and the UK?

The time difference between South Africa and the UK is UK time+2 hours.

What is the main language spoken in South Africa?

The main languages spoken in South Africa are Zulu, Xhosa and English.

Learn a language for South Africa with Rosetta Stone^*, Busuu^* and Rocket Languages^*.

What is the currency in South Africa?

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Send money to South Africa with Wise.com^*, World Remit^* and XE Money Transfers^*.

Which plugs are used in South Africa?

South Africa uses electrical plug type C + M + N (230 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in South Africa?

They drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.

Find out more about driving in South Africa with International Drivers Association^*.

South Africa travel deals

Holidays to South Africa

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to South Africa in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.