Weather in South Africa

Located in the Western Cape, South Africa's capital city has a Mediterranean climate. The weather in Cape Town during the summer is warm and sunny, with comfortable daytime temperatures thanks to an ocean breeze.

Winters are mild, but temps can drop to near freezing, feeling even colder with sharp winds. Unlike the country's subtropical regions, which get the most rain in the summer, winter is the wettest season in Cape Town with most of the annual rainfall occurring in June. We recommend packing a wind-proof jacket and beanie for winter trips to Cape Town (June-August).

Located on the east coast in the KwaZulu-Natal province, the weather in Durban is subtropical with a distinct wet and dry season. Summers are long, hot and muggy, with an average high of 29°C. January-March are the wettest months and thunderstorms are common.

Durban is known for its dry, mild winters, with days that are warm enough to sit outside in a t-shirt and ocean temps that linger at a pleasant 22 to 26°C throughout the year.

Weather in Johannesburg is cooler than the other provinces in South Africa due to its altitude and position on the eastern plateau, or Highveld. Summer is the rainy season and lasts from October to April, but usually takes the form of an afternoon thunderstorm, leaving the rest of the day clear and bright.

While winter temperatures may occasionally drop close to freezing, the days are sunny and dry, so you can leave the umbrella at home. Outside of the summer, it's a good idea to pack a mix of warm and cold weather gear.

Kruger National Park has a subtropical climate with a wet and dry season. The steamy summer months between October and April are hot and sweaty, with an average high of 32°C, though it's not rare for it to top 40°C. The humidity can also make the heat more intense. Mornings are usually dry, with showers and heavy downpours in the afternoons.

Winters are dry and warm, but it can drop below 10°C at night so make sure you pack a warm jacket, beanie and long pants for morning and evening game drives.