The vibrant rainbow nation of South Africa combines its distinctive history with a natural and demographic diversity which makes it one of the most fascinating places in the world. Take a trip up Table Mountain and gaze out over the beautiful harbour in Cape Town, or admire the bustling markets and gorgeous beaches of Durban. Visitors can also go vineyard hopping in the many wineries of the delightful Garden Route. And no trip to South Africa is complete without going on safari to Kruger or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park and trying to spot one of the ‘Big 5’ game animals in the astonishingly beautiful wild surrounds of the north of the country.
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South Africa
Holiday Highlights
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.
- 29℃
- 29℃
- 27℃
- 25℃
- 22℃
- 20℃
- 20℃
- 20℃
- 21℃
- 24℃
- 25℃
- 27℃
- 3
- 2
- 2
- 6
- 9
- 10
- 10
- 10
- 8
- 5
- 4
- 4
Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.
RAINFALL
When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
This is one of Cape Town’s busiest times but for good reason. Loads of sunshine and limited rainfall making it an ideal destination for the UK traveller to escape the winter. With hotels likely to be busy, you may find it difficult to bag a bargain if you’re travelling this month.
February
Like January, this is the most desirable time to travel for most due to the warm weather, low rainfall and social events.
The month’s biggest social event is the Cape Town Pride Festival which is aimed at the LGBT+ community but is one for all to attend with many parades, parties & competitions.
Cape Town Art Fair is held over three days annually and is hailed as one of the biggest art fairs in Africa.
March
March is the beginning of the shoulder season and the crowds will begin to subside which increases the likelihood of you bagging a good deal. It’s a great time to visit as the rainfall is still very low and you can expect plenty of warm sunshine.
Cape Town Jazz Festival is one of the highlights of the annual events calendar – a must if you love this kind of music.
Cape Town Carnival is held in March and is a street parade that showcases and celebrates the diversity of Cape Town and South Africa.
April
April will begin to see the weather become more unpredictable with slightly higher rainfall and cooler nights but it’s unlikely to affect your holiday with temperatures still capable of reaching the high 20’s. Hotels are likely to need your business so you may be able to secure a lower price than the earlier months.
The Cape Town Electronic Music festival is held this month and has gained the reputation as being one of the more forward thinking music festivals on the African calendar.
May
May is the end of the spring and the conditions will see cooler conditions but don’t worry, you can still expect weather up to 22degrees.
This is often the time of year when many of the restaurants bring out their winter specials so you can take advantage of some of the world class food at discount prices.
June
It’s the start of winter so this may be a time to avoid unless you have a specific reason for travelling.
Winter Wonderland festival is a family friendly event held this month with music, markets and a whole lot of merriment.
July
We’re in the middle of winter so this may be a time to avoid unless you have a specific reason for travelling.
The Cape Town Funny Festival is held this month and is a comedy highlight. Some of the best local and international acts will be in attendance.
July & August is peak whale watching season.
August
We’re coming towards the end of winter but this still may be a time to avoid unless you have a specific reason for travelling.
The Clanwillian Wildflower Show displays more than 400 species of wildflower, many of which can only be grown here and all under one roof if you’re visiting this time of year.
July & August is peak whale watching season.
September
The shoulder season has arrived and it’s officially the start of spring.. The rain will ease and conditions warm up. A good time to visit with crowds relatively low and prices acceptable if you’re looking for a bargain.
Sample some of the Cape’s finest wines in a festive, scenic setting at Franschhoek Uncorked this month.
Cape Town Fringe Festival celebrates some of the best art, music and theatre that the country has to offer.
Head to Hermanus this month for the annual Whale Festival as this will be your best bet at getting up close with these majestic mammals.
October
The weather will continue to warm up as we build towards the peak months but as we’re not there yet, you may be able to secure a great deal. Expect blooms taking over the vast fields and mountains with splashes of colour as a time famous for wildflowers.
November
This is the time when Cape Town begins to come to life again. Long balmy days with many events and festivals to check out.
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts begin this month and take place every Sunday between November-April. International acts as well as local bands take the stage in the shade of Table Mountain.
December
Summer begins with temperatures up to 28 degrees and hardly any rain. Prices are likely increase based on demand but if you travel earlier in the month, you may avoid the peak crowds of later in the month along with January and February.
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