South Africa Weather

Regional weather - weather extremes - rainy season - snow?

The South Africa Weather is something most people around the world can only dream about: Abundant sunshine and deep blue skies for most days of the year are a major attraction. The weather, however, can be quite unpredictable sometimes as well and we all can feel the climate change and its effects, as we are experiencing to drier and hotter periods as well as hail and rainstorms as extreme weather phenomena. Water saving measures are in place in many towns and cities around the country and weather extremes need to be prepared for.

On this page you will find information on:

• what to know about seasons, regions and temperatures
• which regions are known for windy, hot or balmy conditions
• where you have to be prepared for weather extremes
• what to pack for your South African holiday or your stay
• which seasons are best for your travels
• which South African weather sites we recommend

South Africa Seasons

South Africa is a great place to travel to and travel around all year round. To make most of your holiday experience, it is advised to check some important weather facts before you go. Remember, if you pack the right clothes for the right weather, you will enjoy your trip, whether hot or cold temperatures are predominant in the season!

In most regions in South Africa seasons are distinct in the sense that you will have weather changes according to the four seasons:

• Spring: September to November
• Summer: December to February
• Autumn: March to May
• Winter: June to August

However, as the country lies in different climatic zones, the weather conditions during the seasons vary according to the regions and the layout of the land. See the various climatic regions on the map.

In the high veld region which is the high plateau in the centre, north and west of the country, the winters are usually dry with cold nights, where as the winters along the coast are usually humid with plenty of rain especially at the Western Cape. The summers will get very hot in the desert region and hot and humid in the north eastern and eastern parts of the country where a subtropical climate prevails.

The rainy season in most of the regions in South Africa is in summer. The Western Cape however is a winter-rainfall area. Read more about the Cape Town seasons here.

South Africa Temperatures

The temperatures range in South Africa from mild to hot in summer, the rainy season is mainly during summer with the exception of the Cape region and in general, the South African climate invites to a great outdoors lifestyle. Here some average temperatures at a glance. 

South Africa Weather: Windy conditions?

Along the South African coastline, you can experience an especially mild South Africa weather with quite a lot of wind.

Cape Town and Port Elizabeth are known as the windy cities! Surfers and kiters appreciate the constant breeze along the Cape coasts and Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape as well as Langebaan Lagoon on the West Coast are referred to as 'surfers' mecca' by the surfing community.

Cape Point which lies on the Cape peninsula south of Cape Town, is the windiest place in South Africa and you have to keep this in mind when planning a trip to the southernmost point of the Cape peninsula. The southernmost point in Africa, Cape Agulhas, a three hours drive east of Cape Town, is equally breezy most of the year! 

Also trips up Table Mountain with the cable car is not always possible when there are strong winds. Check for opening times and Table Mountain webcam here.

South Africa Seasons | Extreme Weather Facts

South Africa weather extremes are recorded in various places. Here are just some of the most interesting weather facts:

• Coldest Place: Buffelsfontein near Molteno in the Eastern Cape
• Hottest Place: Letaba in Limpopo
• Driest Place: Alexander Bay in the Northern Cape
• Wettest Place: Matiwa in Limpopo
• Windiest Place: Cape Point in the Western Cape
• Skiresort? Yes! Tiffindell in the Eastern Cape

Best seasons to travel?

Here are our favourite getaways for the seasons. But as mentioned above, South Africa is great in every season, just know which weather to expect and you will enjoy your stay in South Africa any time of the year!

• Spring: Spring flower season in the Namaqualand and the Northern Cape, Rafting on the Orange River, Hiking in the Drakensberg, Wildlife viewing in the national parks such as the Kgalagadi, Kruger Park
• Summer: Especially all coastal Regions along the Western and Eastern Cape are great for the stunning beaches. The inland regions can become very hot. The 'Gardenroute' between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay can become quite busy, so book early, especially during school holidays!
• Autumn: Cape Winelands, KwaZulu Natal and the northern and eastern parts of the country after the summer rain. Diving along the north eastern coastline.
• Winter: KwaZulu Natal coast and Durban. 'Whale watching season' along the Western Cape coast. Actually the South Africa weather in winter is great for any city break. Also the northern and eastern parts of the country now are stunning with blue skies during the day due to their dry weather conditions in winter. But be prepared for cold nights!

Best South Africa Weather Sites

Many weather sites can be found online, however not all forecasts really hit home forecasting or even describing the current weather conditions. Well, try for yourself and see. Our favourite weather sites for the South African weather are:

• africaweather is very comprehensive and this site has various pages and functions informing about storms and giving pretty accurate warnings, a very good 'activities' page telling you to better 'get out there' or to 'better stay at home';) . It also has a variety of maps and graphs to support their forecasts.
• weathersa is recommended for its variety of forecasts. The official website of the South African Weather Service gives you the information also the local broadcasters rely upon. Besides pretty reliable forecasting, there is advise on the best activities for the weather conditions similar to the africaweather site, where you will find out which sports can be enjoyed best with the prevailing weather conditions or which activities might be better avoided or postponed on that day.
• wavescape is enjoyed by many for its more fun approach to describing the weather and ocean conditions. The site has a really good surf and ocean watch to give you the best forecasts for conditions along the South African coastlines. The site tells you the sea temperature, list ocean swell, wind force and tides as well.

Photo Credits for South Africa Weather: Shutterstock.com and own images

Return from South Africa Weather to Expat Cape Town

Popular Pages