South Africa is a fantastic safari destination. Home to all of Africa’s Big 5, enjoy some incredible game drives and walking safaris to experience a beautiful part of the continent.
Enjoy exciting safaris in protected areas to spot elephants, lions, rhino, giraffes and more. Choose from many private reserves and national parks, including the famous Kruger National Park in the country’s north.
South Africa also offers whale watching tours, the garden route for self-drive vacations, beautiful beaches, and fascinating cities.
Many of South Africa’s top visitor sights are regarded as all-year destinations. However, there are some differences between months and seasons that we will mention below. Some of the main differences result from South Africa crossing the world’s the tropics as you head north, such as by visiting the impressive Kruger National Park.
South Africa Temperature & Weather
The north of South Africa is within the world’s tropics and so has a different temperature and weather than the southern tip. It is here in the north that you find the famous Kruger National Park.
Mostly, South Africa is a sunny country no matter where you are. Some favorite areas towards the south also experience seasons. Although, as we’re in the southern hemisphere these may be opposite to what you’re used to. For example, December is midsummer and June and July are midwinter.
As South Africa crosses different latitudes, the best time of year to visit the country really depends on where and what you would like to do. But do note that rain can often be unpredictable, so it’s best to always be prepared for wet weather no matter when you visit.
To give you an idea of temperature over the summer months, here are some averages:
- Cape Town – 80°F (27°C)
- Kruger National Park – 90°F (32°C)
And over the winter months:
- Cape Town – 69°F (21°C)
- Durban – 77°F (25°C)
A Summary for Different Regions
Cape Town and the surrounding region has most of its rain between June and August. Other areas in South Africa such as Kruger National Park have their wet weather months between December and March. The Garden Route offers one of the world’s mildest climates, but has unpredictable wet weather.
The months between May and October are one of the best times for seeing African animals, as they’re often concentrated around fewer areas of terrestrial water. There is also less vegetation, which makes the animals easier to see.
The best time to visit Cape Town are the summer months between November and March.
The KwaZulu-Natal region is fortunate to have sunshine all year, which makes it a great destination to visit no matter when you travel..
South Africa’s Southern Seasons
To give you an approximate guide to seasons In the southern areas, the summer months are between December and March, Autumn is from April to May, winter is June to August, and spring is September to November.
Spring & Summer
As we get into Spring, this when many of South Africa’s plants are in bloom presenting visitors with a fantastic display of colorful flowers and lush vegetation. As with many temperate areas, South Africa’s Western Cape is busy with tourists over the summer months. This is an especially great time for beach vacations and nightlife.
Autumn & Winter
Winter in the southern half of South Africa is between June and August. This is also a fantastic time as it includes whale watching season.
The Best Time to Visit Cape Town
A favorite city to visit, Cape Town experiences its best weather between March and May. This is also a great time to enjoy the famous Garden Route.
The summer months are from November to February / March. And February is often the hottest month.
When to visit Cape Town • in/°F | mm/°C
The Best Time for a Safari in Kruger National Park
Although a great place to visit at any time of year, winter in the southern half of South Africa corresponds with a great time to spot South Africa’s safari animals in the fantastic Kruger National Park. The vegetation in Kruger is lower, so the animals become more easily seen. It’s also a good time to find deals for your safari.
The months from May to October are often regarded as the best time to see the iconic African animals. However, note that June to October is often the busiest time for a safari and it’s when lodges and tours get quickly booked. This is also when safaris can be more expensive. Alternatively, a great time for birding if often the rainy months from November to February.
When to visit Kruger • in/°F | mm/°C
The Jock Safari Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaThe Best Time to Visit the KwaZulu-Natal Region
In the famous KwaZulu-Natal, you can expect more of a subtropical climate. This means warmer days and nights.
The Best Time for Whale Watching
Between July and November is the best time to see whales off South Africa’s coast. The best whale watching month is often September.
When To Go To South Africa – A Monthly Guide
Here, we will provide a monthly guide for visiting some of the most popular areas of South Africa. Note that the country is a great place to visit year round, but there are some differences that you should know.
For example, places like the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth have a very mild climate with little change from month-to-month. Port Elizabeth in the south is a fantastic place to enjoy a luxury safari in the Shamwari Game Reserve. There are many different camps and lodges to choose from, such as Bayethe Tented Lodge or the Shamwari Explorer Camp.
The Bayethe Tented Lodge
Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Africa
Shamwari Explorer Camp
Port Elizabeth, South AfricaAreas like Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal cross into the world’s tropical zone and lose the distinct seasons of areas farther south. Here, there is simply a wet and dry season.
Areas such as Cape Town offer more distinct seasons with the usual Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter that you would expect.
January in South Africa
Across the country, January brings hot weather. This is Summer in Cape Town and the wet season in Kruger National Park. The wet season in the north is the hottest time of year with the temperature accompanied by tropical storms that create lush vegetation for wildlife.
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For Cape Town
January in Cape Town is warm with average high temperature of around 79°F (26°C) and nightly low of 61°F (16°C) with dry and sunny days. This is regarded as the dry season, at the end of the summer months, and is the perfect time for enjoying Cape Town’s beaches.
In addition to the perfect time for visiting beaches, expect more people & vibrant nightlife.
For Kruger National Park
At the end of Summer, January is a good time to visit Kruger National Park. This is the end of the high season for visitors and is the middle of the wet weather months. This mean the vegetation is lush and there is plenty of food for the animals.
Because of the lush vegetation the animals can more easily hide from view. However, this is a good time to see young animals and is an excellent time for birding.
You can expect higher temperature in combination with the higher chance of rain. Daily high temperature can get to around 90°F (32°C) with a low of 64°F (18°C) with around a 23% chance of showers.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
January in the KwaZulu-Natal region offers warm temperature with a daily high of around 81°F (27°C) and a low of 63°F (17°C). As this is the rainy season, you can expect a 45% chance of rain on any given day.
January is also the end of the sea turtle nesting season, which takes place in the north of the Zululand coast.
The Garden Route
If you’re planning on enjoying the Garden Route over January, this is one of the driest months. However, you should still expect a 30% chance of light rain on a daily basis.
Expect a maximum temperature of around 77°F (25°C) and a minimum temperature of about 61°F (16°C). Note that the Garden Route is particularly unpredictable but offers the mildest climate in South Africa.
For Port Elizabeth
The month of January in Port Elizabeth offers a warm temperature with a daily maximum of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 64°F (18°C). You can expect a 30% chance of light rain on a daily basis.
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February in South Africa
February is hot and warm across the country. This is right at the end of summer in Cape Town and is during the hot and humid wet season in Kruger National Park.
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For Cape Town
February is in the dry season at the end of the summer months and offers a great time for visiting the beaches around Cape Town. Enjoy average high temperature of around 79°F (26°C) and a nightly low temperature of around 61°F (16°C). February often experiences some of the hottest temperatures than other months.
In addition to the perfect time for visiting beaches, expect more people & vibrant nightlife. Note that hotels often book full.
For Kruger National Park
If you’re visiting Kruger National Park in February, you can expect wet weather as we’re now in the wet season. There is still high temperatures with a daily high of 90°F (32°C) and a low of 63°F (17°C).
Because this is the wet season, the vegetation is lush and tall. This means more food for the animals but there are also more places for wildlife to hide. However, it’s a good time to see young animals and is an excellent time for birding.
As this is still the high season, camps and safaris often get booked up, and you can expect to pay higher rates for accommodation.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
If visiting the KwaZulu-Natal region in February, note that this is still the wet season and you should expect a 40% chance of rain on any given day. The temperate is also hot with a daily high temperature of around 82°F (28°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C).
The Garden Route
If you’re planning to do South Africa’s famous Garden Route in February, you can expect maximum temperature of around 77°F (25°C) and a minimum temperature of about 61°F (16°C). February is one of the driest months but you can still expect a 30% chance of light wet weather.
For Port Elizabeth
If you’re traveling Port Elizabeth in February, you can expect warm days with a daily maximum of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 64°F (18°C). You can then expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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March in South Africa
March is often a favorite time to visit South Africa, as this is just as the rains have left Kruger National Park leaving them a brilliant green. This means the animals have plenty of food and you can enjoy stunning scenery. The temperature is hot or warm across the country.
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For Cape Town
March in Cape Town is when summer has just ended and it is the beginning of Autumn. You can still expect dry weather, but there will be a few more rainy days. Many people think this is the best time to visit Cape Town as the temperature is cooler and the streets and beaches are not as busy.
For Kruger National Park
In the Kruger National Park, March is still during the wet season where you can expect a 19% chance of rain. Temperature is still hot with a daily high of 88°F (31°C) and a low of 66°F (19°C).
Towards the end of the wet weather months, although the rains are getting less intense, there is still a lot of vegetation. This means there is lots of food for animals, but the wildlife can be less easy to spot. Birding is still good at this time of year.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
March in Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region means the end of the wet season and you can expect an 40% chance of rain on any given day. In March, you can also expect a daily high temperature of 82°F (28°C) and a low of around 70°F (21°C).
The Garden Route
If visiting the Garden Route in March, you can expect a maximum temperature of around 77°F (25°C) and a minimum temperature of about 59°F (15°C). Note that the Garden Route offers one of the mildest climates in South Africa. However, weather can often be unpredictable. You can expect a 35% chance of light rain on any given day.
For Port Elizabeth
Over March, Port Elizabeth offers the usual warm days with a daily maximum temperature of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 64°F (18°C). You can expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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April in South Africa
The end of April is when the tourist season gets a little lower. Most of the country is warm during this time and it’s a great time to combine different areas.
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For Cape Town
April is Autumn in Cape Town, which is a fantastic time to visit and is at the end of the dry season. Enjoy cooler temperature compared to summer, dry weather, and see the changing leaves on the trees. This is still a great time to visit Cape Town’s nearby beaches with less crowds.
For Kruger National Park
If you’re visiting Kruger National Park in April, this is at the end of the wet season and so you can expect a 13% chance of rain. You can still expect high temperature with a daily high of around 84°F (29°C) and a low of 61°F (16°C).
As the rains are getting less, the vegetation is becoming shorter and less think, which makes it a little easier to see animals.
As this is at the end of the high season, you can expect fewer crowds. Rates on accommodation and safaris are also getting lower.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
April in the KwaZulu-Natal region is right at the end of the wet season when the weather is clearing up. You can still expect wet weather with a 28% chance of rain each day. The daily high temperature is 81°F (27°C) with a low of 64°F (18°C). As we’re right at the end of the wet season, you can expect the days to become drier towards the end of the month.
The Garden Route
If you’re planning to visit the Garden Route in April, maximum temperature is around 75°F (24°C) with a minimum nightly temperature of around 59°F (15°C). You can expect a 25% chance of light showers on any given day.
For Port Elizabeth
In April, Port Elizabeth experiences warm days with a day-to-day maximum temperature of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 61°F (16°C). You can expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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May in South Africa
May is right at the beginning of the dry season in Kruger National Park when the vegetation is getting a little lower, which makes it easier to see animals. The rest of the country experiences slightly lower temperatures and it’s starting to get colder in the evenings.
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For Cape Town
May is at the end of Autumn in Cape Town and the start of the wet season. This means there is more rain with around a 40% chance of wet weather on any given day. Temperature is also getting colder with an average daily high of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 50°F (10°C). This is one of the best times to enjoy the different walking tracks.
For Kruger National Park
In Kruger National Park, May is at the start of the dry season and beginning of the low season for visitors. With dry weather, you can expect a daily high temperature of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C).
There is now less vegetation and it isn’t as thick. This means it’s much easier to see different animals as there are less places for them to hide. As there are less pools of water, you can also see a higher concentration of animals gathering at fewer drinking holes.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
If you’re planning to visit Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region in May, this will be during the dry season. There will still be some wet weather and you can expect a 19% chance of rain on any given day. The days get drier towards the end of the month. You can expect a daily high temperature of around 77°F (25°C) and a low of 59°F (15°C).
This is also the start of the whale watching season when you can spot the migrating humpback and southern right whales on their way up to the waters of Mozambique from Antarctica to breed.
The Garden Route
The days are getting a little cooler in May along the Garden Route. You can expect a daily maximum temperature of 70°F (21°C) and a minimum of 52°F (11°C) with a 25% chance of light rain each day.
For Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth experiences slightly cooler days in May with a daily maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C). You can expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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June in South Africa
In June, you can expect lower temperature across the country. This is the dry season in Kruger National Park when the vegetation is lower and it’s easier to spot wildlife. In the south of the country, this is the beginning of winter.
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For Cape Town
If traveling in June, you can expect wetter weather and colder winter temperatures with around a 45% chance of rain on any given day. The daily high temperature is around 64°F (18°C) and the low is 45°F (7°C).
This is a great time to enjoy indoor markets, cozy restaurants with a fireplace, and is when the whale watching season begins. The humpback and southern right whales have started making their annual migration from Antarctica to the Cape to rear their young.
For Kruger National Park
June in Kruger is towards the middle of the dry season and is in the low season for visitors. Temperature is cooler with a daily high of 79°F (26°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C).
This is one of the best times for wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park, as the vegetation isn’t as thick which means the animals are less able to hide from view. There is also less water, which means animals are at higher concentrations around fewer drinking holes.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
June in the KwaZulu-Natal region is in the middle of the dry season and is the region’s driest month. You can expect a daily high temperature of around 73°F (23°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C).
We’re now in the whale watching season and so you can head out on tours to spot the humpback and southern right whales on their migration from Antarctica. The whales make their annual migration to Africa’s warmer waters to breed.
The Garden Route
If you’re planning to enjoy the Garden Route in June, you can expect slightly cooler temperature. The daily maximum is around 70°F (21°C) and the minimum is about 52°F (11°C). As with other months, you can expect a 25% chance of light rain each day.
June is the start of the whale watching season along the southern coast. This is when you can head out on whale watching tours to see the humpbacks and southern right whales as they migrate up to Africa to breed from their feeding ground in Antarctica.
For Port Elizabeth
June in Port Elizabeth means slightly cooler days with a daily maximum temperature of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C). You can expect a 20% chance of light rain each day.
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July in South Africa
Whale watching season starts in July, which is where you can see the southern right whales as they travel from Antarctica to the warmer waters of South Africa. Some great places for spotting the whales from the coast are Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus. The season then comes to an end in November.
If you’re also planning to head farther north to Kruger, July is the dry season when you can see many different animals gathered around the water holes.
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For Cape Town
July in Cape Town means whale watching is now in full swing and you can enjoy fantastic tours to see the southern right whales and humpbacks on their annual migration from Antarctica.
You can expect colder days with a daily high of around 63°F (17°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C) with a 45% chance of rain.
For Kruger National Park
July is one of the best times to visit Kruger National Park. This is the middle of the dry season when the vegetation is low so it’s much easier to see the iconic African animals. There are also less bodies of water, so the animals concentrate around the remaining water holes.
You can expect a daily high temperature of around 79°F (26°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C). This is the low visitor season, so you can expect less crowds
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
July in the KwaZulu-Natal & Durban region brings the start of wetter weather. You can expect a 12% chance of rain on a day-to-day basis getting higher towards the end of the month. The temperature in July is getting slightly cooler with a daily maximum of around 73°F (23°C) and a low of around 54°F (12°C).
July is during the whale watching months when you have a chance to see the southern right whales and humpbacks on their journey from Antarctica to the warm waters of Mozambique where they go to breed. You can catch them on their journey off the coast on whale watching tours.
The Garden Route
July along the Garden Route offers a slightly cooler temperature with a daily maximum of around 70°F (21°C) and a low of 50°F (10°C). You can expect a 25% chance of light showers.
This is also when the humpback whales and southern right whales are appearing along the southern coast, as they migrate towards the warmer waters of Africa to breed from Antactical. There are several points along the Garden Route to head out on whale watching tours. However, you can see them from land by visiting the town of Witsand.
July is also when you can enjoy the Oyster Festival in Knysna. A great place if you like seafood, different restaurants and stands compete for the best oysters. There are also many different activities, live music, and even sporting events.
As part of this event, you can also enjoy the annual Knysna Wine Festival. This is where you can sample wines from some of South Africa’s best wine producers.
For Port Elizabeth
If you’re planning to visit Port Elizabeth in July, you can expect slightly cooler days with a daily maximum temperature of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C). You can then expect a 30% chance of light showers each day.
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August in South Africa
The most notable feature of August is that this is the start of Spring on the Western Cape and when the area starts to bloom. It’s an excellent time to see different flowers and colorful scenery. August is also the dry season in Kruger when the wildlife is more easily seen.
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For Cape Town
As the start of Spring, this is a great time to see flowers in bloom. August in Cape Town is when the days are getting a bit warmer with a daily high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 46°F (8°C). This is towards the end of the wet weather months and you can expect a 45% chance of rain on any given day.
This is in the middle of the whale migration and it’s a great time for whale watching tours to spot the humpbacks and southern right whales.
Note that August is when the cable car to Table Mountain is closed for maintenance.
For Kruger National Park
August in Kruger National Park is in the middle of the dry season. This is a great time for wildlife spotting as there is less vegetation where the animals can hide. There are also less water holes, which means animals concentrate around the remaining water sources.
You can expect temperatures of about 77°F (25°C) for a daily maximum and a low temperatuof 46°F (8°C). This is over the low season, so you can enjoy a little more privacy with less crowds and lower rates for a safari and accommodation.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
If you’re heading to the KwaZulu-Natal region in August, you can expect wetter weather as this is the start of the wet season. This gets more intense towards the end of the month, but you can expect a 20% chance of rain on a daily basis. As the days are also getting warmer, you can expect a daily maximum temperature of around 73°F (23°C) and a low of around 54°F (12°C).
This is the whale watching season where you can see the humpbacks and southern right whales on their way to the warmer waters of Africa from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to breed.
The Garden Route
Over August, if you’re planning to enjoy the Garden Route you can expect cooler temperatures. The daily maximum temperature is about 70°F (21°C) with a minimum of around 50°F (10°C). There is then a 30% chance of light rain each day.
August is in the middle of the whale watching season and there are different points along the Garden Route to enjoy whale watching tours to see the southern right whales and humpbacks.
For Port Elizabeth
August in Port Elizabeth is slightly cooler than previous months with a daily maximum temperature of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C). Over August, you can still expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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September in South Africa
September is a great time to see different flowers and colorful scenery on the Western Cape. This is also the dry season in Kruger National Park when wildlife is more easily seen.
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For Cape Town
If visiting Cape Town in September, you can enjoy slightly drier days with around a 40% chance of rain. This is towards the end of the wet weather months and is when the daily temperature is increasing.
The daily high temperature is around 66°F (19°C) with a low of 48°F (9°C). As we’re now in Spring, this is a great time to see different flowering plants.
This is at the end of the whale watching season and you can still head out to spot the humpback and southern right whales before they head back to Antarctica with their calves.
For Kruger National Park
If you’re visiting Kruger National Park in September, this is the end of the dry season. You can expect a few more rainy days towards the end of the month with a 6% chance of rain day-to-day
The temperature is getting warmer with a daily high of around 84°F (29°C) and a low of 55°F (13°C). The vegetation is still low, which means better wildlife viewing as the animals have less areas to hide.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
September in the KwaZulu-Natal region brings more wet weather with a 30% chance of rain on a daily basis. Note that the days experience more rain towards the end of the month. You can expect a daily maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and a low of around 54°F (12°C).
September is during the whale watching season where you can see humpbacks and southern right whales on their journey from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Mozambique. The make the journey from their feeding grounds to the warmer waters of Africa to breed. However, note that September is also when the water can be more choppy.
The Garden Route
Along the Garden Route in September, you can expect a daily maximum temperature of around 70°F (21°C) and a low of 50°F (10°C). You can also expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
This is the whale watching season when the whales are busy migrating from Antarctica up to the warmer waters off of Africa to their breeding grounds. There are different places along the Garden Route to enjoy whale watching tours. You can even see them from shore near the town of Witsand.
For Port Elizabeth
If you’re planning to visit Port Elizabeth in September, you can expect a daily maximum temperature of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C). You can still expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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October in South Africa
October is just before the rains in Kruger National Park and the entire country is now warming up. Much of the countryside in the south is still in bloom.
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For Cape Town
October in Cape Town is the start of the drier months with a 30% chance of rain. Temperature is also increasing with the daily high of 70°F (21°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C).
We’re now in Spring and the flowers are still in bloom all around the Cape. This is a great month to enjoy different walks and see the different colors.
For Kruger National Park
October in Kruger National Park is at the start of the wet weather months with each day having around a 16% chance of showers. The days are continuing to heat up with a daily high of around 86°F (30°C) and a low of 61°F (16°C).
The vegetation in Kruger is still low but growing. Vegetation is higher at the end of the month. Animals are more easily seen and wildlife concentrates around the fewer drinking holes.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
October in the KwaZulu-Natal region is mid wet season and you can expect a 45% chance of rain on any given day. Temperature at this time of year is heating up and you can expect a daily maximum of 75°F (24°C) and a minimum of 63°F (17°C).
This is still the whale watching where you can head out on whale watching tours to see humpbacks and southern right whales on their journey to Mozambique from Antarctica.
The Garden Route
During the month of October on the Garden Route, the days and nights are warming up a little. You can expect a daily maximum temperature of around 72°F (22°C) and a minimum temperature of 57°F (14°C). As with other months, you should still expect a 35% chance of light rain each day.
October is in the middle of the whale watching season when you can head out on whale watching tours to spot the migrating humpback and southern right whales on their way from Antarctica to the warmer waters off Africa.
For Port Elizabeth
October in Port Elizabeth is similar to previous months with a daily maximum temperature of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C). You can then expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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November in South Africa
This is at the end of the whale watching months and is when the Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal are at the start of the wet season. Much of the country is also warming up.
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For Cape Town
Summer begins towards the middle of November in Cape Town with a daily high temperature of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 55°F (13°C). From now until April, you can expect drier weather. The days in November have only a 20% chance of rain.
For Kruger National Park
If you’re visiting Kruger National Park in November, you are visiting at the start of the wet season. This is when the vegetation is growing, which means it can be harder to spot different animals. However, this is also when the young animals are being born which makes a fantastic time to visit.
Temperature is reaching its hottest over the national park with a daily high of 86°F (30°C) and a low of 64°F (18°C). As it’s the start of the wet season, you will have a 23% chance of rain each day. This is also just before the high season officially starts.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
If you’re visiting the KwaZulu-Natal region in November, note that this is the wet season when you can expect a 60% chance of wet weather each day. Temperature is also warm with a daily maximum of 77°F (25°C) and a minimum of 66°F (19°C).
This is at the end of the whale watching, but you can still head out on whale watching tours to see the humpbacks and southern right whales just before their journey back to their feeding ground in Antarctica.
The Garden Route
If you’re planning on enjoying the Garden Route over November, you can expect slightly warmer temperature than previous months. Expect a daily maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and a minimum temperature of around 59°F (15°C). You should still expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
November is nearing the end of the whale watching season. However, you can still head out on whale watching tours to spot humpback and southern right whales on their way between their feeding grounds in Antarctica and the warmer waters off Africa where they breed.
For Port Elizabeth
November means that Port Elizabeth is warming up with a daily maximum temperature of 72°F (22°C) and a low of 59°F (15°C). You can still expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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December in South Africa
December is the wet season in the north, so expect hot weather and tropical storms. This provides rain for the vegetation, which is getting lush and provides food for the wildlife. This is also summer in the south when you can expect warmer temperatures.
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For Cape Town
December in Cape Town means Summer and offers a warm temperature with a daily high of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 55°F (13°C). These are the dry season months, so wet weather is less likely with only a 20% chance of rain.
This is a great time to enjoy Cape Town’s nearby beaches and the more people mean better nightlife.
For Kruger National Park
In Kruger National Park, the wet season is now in full swing and it’s the start of the high season. You can expect a daily high temperature of around 90°F (32°C) with a low of 64°F (18°C) with a 25% chance of showers each day.
The vegetation is now high and lush, which means animals have plenty of food and it can be harder to spot wildlife. However, this is an excellent time for birding.
As this is the high season, you can expect lodges, camps and safaris to be quickly booked full and you can expect higher rates.
For KwaZulu-Natal & Durban
In December the KwaZulu-Natal region is in the middle of the wet season. This means that you can expect an 45% chance chance of rain on a day-to-day. The temperature of a day reaches a maximum of 45°F (27°C) with a minimum nightly temperature of 68°F (20°C).
The Garden Route
December on the Garden Route offers slightly warmer temperatures with a daily maximum of around 73°F (23°C) and a minimum temperature of 59°F (15°C). As with other months, you should still expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
For Port Elizabeth
If you’re planning to visit Port Elizabeth in December, you can expect slightly warmer days with a daily maximum temperature of around 75°F (24°C) and a low of 61°F (16°C). You can still expect a 30% chance of light rain each day.
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