Weather, Wonders, and What to Pack: Planning Your Trip to South Africa

Lying between the Tropic of Capricorn and Antarctica, the climate of South Africa is considerably diversified due to its large territorial extension, varied topography, proximity to the sea, and distinct coastal profiles. The subtropical latitude and significant maritime influences result in a climate similar to the Mediterranean, particularly in the southern part of the country, where temperatures are generally mild and annual precipitation exceeds 600 mm. Winter rainfall is linked to Antarctic-origin depressions and cold fronts that move northwards, while most of southern Africa in the same period is under high pressure, preventing humid air masses from the neighboring oceans.

Conversely, in summer, when low pressure conditions prevail, humid air masses from the Indian Ocean—driven by the southeast trade winds—impact the eastern coasts and the Great Escarpment, resulting in significant rainfall (up to 1000-1500 mm). Specifically, Natal experiences a hot, humid climate, making it an ideal area for tropical agriculture.

As you move inland, rainfall decreases: on the highlands, it ranges between 500-800 mm annually, sharply dropping as you move west, reaching just 60 mm at Poth Nollot on the Atlantic. Temperature variations are more noticeable in the highlands compared to the coastal areas.

In general, the rainy season occurs in summer in the northern part of the country, while it is in winter in the southern part. Remember, in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to those in the north.

Climatological Peculiarities of Representative Locations:

Durban (Southeast Coast – 14m asl)

• Average maximum temperatures range from 22.0°C in July to 28.0°C in February (a limited annual range).
• Average minimum temperatures range from 10.5°C in July to 21.5°C in January and February.
• Absolute minimum values occasionally drop below 3.0°C (historical record 2.6°C), while during heat waves, they can exceed 40°C (record 41.9°C).
• Average annual precipitation: 813 mm, with peaks in January (135 mm over 10 days) and March (125 mm over 9 days); driest months are October (10 mm in 5 days), November (12 mm in 5 days), and June (25 mm in 3 days).
• Thunderstorm activity is very high from December to February.

Cape Town (Southwest Coast – 42m asl)

• Average maximum temperatures range from 17.5°C in July to 26.3°C in February (higher annual range compared to the southeast coast).
• Average minimum temperatures range from 7.0°C in July to 16.0°C in January.
• Absolute minimum values can occasionally drop below 0°C (historical record -2.2°C), while during heat waves, they can exceed 40°C (record 41.3°C).
• Average annual precipitation: 474 mm, with maximums in June (92 mm over 10 days) and July (82 mm over 8 days); driest months are November (2 mm in 2 days), October (3 mm in 5 days), and January (14 mm in 3 days).
• Thunderstorm activity peaks from May to August.

Johannesburg (Northeast Mountain Area – 1694m)

• Average maximum temperatures range from 16.0°C in June to 25.5°C in February.
• Average minimum temperatures range from 4.0°C in June and July to 14.9°C in January.
• Absolute minimum values can drop below -5.0°C (historical record -8.2°C), while heat waves can see temperatures exceeding 35.0°C (record 35.4°C).
• Average annual precipitation: 532 mm, with peaks in January (122 mm over 13 days) and December (100 mm over 10 days); driest months are July (3 mm in 1 day), August (5 mm in 1 day), and October (10 mm in 6 days).
• Thunderstorm activity is highest from December to March.

Bloemfontein (Central Mountain Area – 1354m asl)

• Average maximum temperatures range from 16.5°C in June to 30.0°C in January (very high annual range).
• Average minimum temperatures range from -3.0°C in July to 15.0°C in January.
• Absolute minimum values can drop below -10.0°C (historical record -12.2°C), while heat waves can see temperatures reaching 40.0°C (record 39.3°C).
• Average annual precipitation: 480 mm, with peaks in February (110 mm over 8 days) and January (80 mm over 7 days); driest months are October (6 mm in 3 days), November (7 mm in 5 days), and July (10 mm in 2 days).
• Thunderstorm activity is highest from December to March.

What to Pack

For South Africa’s summer (November to February), light clothing is recommended. In winter, especially in the evenings, a jacket or windbreaker is useful, while in interior and mountainous areas, heavy clothing is essential. In national parks, especially during the wet season, long-sleeved shirts and trousers are advised to protect against mosquitoes. During game drives, neutral-colored clothing is best to blend with the surroundings. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes for hiking, and binoculars for spotting wildlife.