Are you planning your first (or next) safari and have chosen South Africa as your destination? Awesome choice! You did well!
But what is the best time to spot the most beautiful animal species and enjoy the right weather?
We’ll tell you in this article, so keep reading!
What you need to know about South Africa’s climate for safaris and much more
The climate in South Africa: general information
Overall, South Africa is a dry and sunny country. Good news, right?
When it gets cold, you really feel it, because everything is geared toward good weather. Midwinter in the Southern Hemisphere falls in June and July, when temperatures can drop below freezing in some areas.
Expect average lows of 4°C in Johannesburg, 7°C in Cape Town, and 11°C in Durban. At the other end of the spectrum, peak summer falls in December and January, when the country closes for its annual holidays and popular coastal and inland destinations fill up quickly.
But that’s not all.
When deciding when to go to South Africa, you also need to take into account the country’s different climate zones.
In Cape Town and along the Garden Route coastline, summers tend to be warm, mild, and unpredictable. However, rain can fall at any time of year, and winter days can be cold and damp. Subtropical KwaZulu-Natal has warm, sunny winters and mild seas. Like the highlands of Lesotho, the Drakensberg mountain range in the province experiences misty summer days and mountain snow in winter.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are located on the Highveld plateau and enjoy an almost perfect climate.
Summer days are warm and often interrupted by heavy thunderstorms, while winters are dry and nights are cold. East of Johannesburg, the Lowveld, which includes Kruger and much of Eswatini, experiences summer and winter rainfall patterns similar to those of the Highveld. However, its much lower altitude means significantly higher extreme temperatures.
Read also: When should you visit the Serengeti? The best times of year
The best time to go on safari in South Africa
A safari in South Africa is an incredible experience at any time of year.
The long southern African winter (from April to October) is probably the best time to visit South Africa for a safari, and it’s popular for good reason.
The same natural phenomena, such as reduced vegetation and wildlife gathering around waterholes, which create peak safari seasons in neighboring Botswana and Zimbabwe, also come into play here.
Wildlife viewing in the private concessions of Sabi Sands and the adjacent Greater Kruger National Park is excellent all year round, but it is almost unmatched during the winter months. Species that are notoriously difficult to spot elsewhere, such as the leopard, almost seem to enjoy being seen here.
Cooler weather and the very low chance of rain make safari activities even more enjoyable. Warm days are followed by cool evenings, perfect for sitting around the fire.
If you’ve spent the day walking in the Waterberg or encountering wildlife in the arid Kalahari, the starry nights will be the highlight for sharing safari stories with guides and fellow travelers.
The only climatic exception is the south of the country, where winter rainfall follows a Mediterranean pattern. For this reason, the best time to visit Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Garden Route is during summer.
A safari at this time comes with its own delights, such as migratory birds, lush vegetation, and thrilling summer thunderstorms. Add beautiful beach weather to all that, and you have the makings of a perfect and varied beach-and-bush escape.
However, if you want to enjoy a winter safari, the endless sandy beaches of warm Maputaland (famous for its spectacular diving) are a natural addition to time spent in the Greater Kruger at any time of year.
The best time to visit Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town is between October and April. You can enjoy warm, sunny days, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 32°C in January, the hottest month in South Africa.
March, on the other hand, is the best month to visit the city thanks to smaller crowds.
June and July are generally the coldest months in Cape Town. They are marked by shorter days, seasonal rain, and wind, but this time of year will surprise you with a quieter city. These winter months also mark the start of whale season in Cape Town.
In September, when spring makes its grand entrance, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to go in search of the best waves. It’s also the perfect time to take a trip outside the city to see the wildflowers.
From December to February, expect dry, sunny days, often accompanied by tropical thunderstorms. Although it can get very hot during these months, it is also the best time to visit Cape Town for lively beaches and year-end celebrations.
Read also: Vaccines before a trip to India: everything you need to know
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve looked at the best time to go on safari in South Africa and, while we were at it, we also gave you some general tips about the country’s climate and the ideal months to visit Cape Town.
So, if you’re looking for the best way to enjoy the unique experience of a safari, take a look at this link and discover all the advantages of an organized trip to South Africa with Sto Gran Tour!
