Climate, temperature & best time to visit South Africa
A road trip in South Africa is high on the list for many travelers – and for good reason! Did you know that the seasons in South Africa are exactly reversed from those in Europe? When it's winter here, it's summer in South Africa. In this blog, we'll tell you all about the climate and the best times to visit.
Top tips from our team
- Travel during the transitional seasons for the perfect temperature in South Africa
- Pack smart: light clothing for the day, warm layers for the evenings
- Book your road trip in South Africa outside of peak season
- Spot whales between June and November
- The country is vast, check the climate in South Africa by region
Climate in South Africa
South Africa is big – really big. The climate in South Africa varies greatly by region. In the northwest, you'll find the Kalahari Desert with extreme temperatures and little rainfall. The Karoo, the central plateau, experiences dry summers and cold winters. On the east coast around Durban, there's a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers. The southwest near Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures and winter rains.
And then there's the south coast with the famous Garden Route – here you'll find the most pleasant climate in the country, with mild temperatures all year round. It's no wonder our South Africa Nomads trips focus on this beautiful coastal route. You’ll discover the perfect mix: not too hot, not too cold, and always green enough for spectacular nature experiences.
The seasons in South Africa
The seasons in South Africa are exactly the opposite of those in Europe. When we are in summer here, it's winter there. This means a very different temperature rhythm in South Africa than you might be used to.
Winter (June to September)
The South African winter is characterized by warm, dry days (20-25°C) and cool nights (5-15°C). It's the driest season in most of the country, with low humidity and usually clear blue skies.
Spring (October to November)
Spring brings pleasant temperatures between 20-28°C. Nature awakens with bursts of color from the many wildflowers. This period falls right between two peak seasons, which means: pleasant temperatures in South Africa and few other tourists. Perfect for a road trip in South Africa!
Summer (December to March)
The summer months are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C on the coast to 35°C inland. It's peak season, and the climate in South Africa is most varied during this time: some regions receive refreshing rain showers, while others are very dry.
Autumn (April to May)
Autumn offers mild temperatures between 20-25°C and stable weather. The summer heat gives way to pleasant days and still warm evenings. It's one of the most reliable seasons in terms of weather, ideal for a tour with South Africa Nomads.
Best travel time by region
In South Africa, each region has its own ideal travel time. If you're planning a road trip in South Africa, it's smart to keep this in mind.
The West Coast & Cape Town
The attractions in Cape Town are at their best between October and April. During these months, there’s little rain, and temperatures in this area are pleasantly between 20-28°C. December and January are peak season, which means: crowds and higher prices.
Addo & the East Coast
The region around Addo Elephant Park is 5-8 degrees warmer than Cape Town. In the summer (December-February), temperatures can reach up to 35°C, with a chance of tropical showers. The best travel time for this region is from April to November, when the temperatures are more pleasant (23-30°C) and it’s drier. Animals are also more active and easier to spot during this time.
Kruger & the North
The famous Kruger Park is best visited between May and September. This is the dry season, which causes animals to gather near water sources. Daytime temperatures are comfortable (around 25°C), but it can get quite chilly at night. Avoid the period from December to February, as it’s not only very hot (35°C+), but also very humid.
The Karoo & the Interior
The central plateau experiences extreme temperature differences. In the summer, it can reach over 35°C during the day, while in winter, it can freeze at night. Spring (September-November) offers the most pleasant temperatures and transforms the otherwise dry Karoo into a colorful sea of flowers.
Temperature along the Garden Route
Not only the climate, but also the temperature in South Africa varies greatly by region. During your road trip with South Africa Nomads, you'll drive through different climate zones. In Cape Town, there's a Mediterranean climate, perfect for the world-famous vineyards and a refreshing dip in the ocean. As you head east along the Garden Route, the climate becomes increasingly subtropical. At Addo Elephant National Park, where you can drive among the elephants, it’s already much warmer and more humid than in Cape Town. The temperature in Addo can sometimes be up to 10 degrees higher than in Cape Town.
- Summer (December-February):
- Cape Town: average 25-27°C
- Addo: average 30-35°C
- Winter (June-August):
- Cape Town: average 18-20°C
- Addo: average 23-25°C
The South African spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to explore the country. During these times, temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. The weather is perfect, and it's wonderfully quiet since the major tourist flows haven’t yet begun. Whether you're whale watching in Hermanus or going on safari in Addo Elephant National Park – everything feels just a bit more relaxed during these periods.
