Best time to visit South Africa

Find the best time to visit South Africa and plan your perfect trip in 2023/2024. 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

Top South Africa destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular destinations 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]

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

  • 25°C maximum daytime temperature in January in South Africa (Cape Town)25
    Jan
  • 25°C maximum daytime temperature in February in South Africa (Cape Town)25
    Feb
  • 24°C maximum daytime temperature in March in South Africa (Cape Town)24
    Mar
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in April in South Africa (Cape Town)22
    Apr
  • 19°C maximum daytime temperature in May in South Africa (Cape Town)19
    May
  • 17°C maximum daytime temperature in June in South Africa (Cape Town)17
    Jun
  • 17°C maximum daytime temperature in July in South Africa (Cape Town)17
    Jul
  • 17°C maximum daytime temperature in August in South Africa (Cape Town)17
    Aug
  • 18°C maximum daytime temperature in September in South Africa (Cape Town)18
    Sep
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in October in South Africa (Cape Town)20
    Oct
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in November in South Africa (Cape Town)22
    Nov
  • 24°C maximum daytime temperature in December in South Africa (Cape Town)24
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

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Best time to visit

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)

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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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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