South Africa is a year-round destination. The best time to visit South Africa generally comes down to what you’d like to see and do. Whether you’re after a wildlife safari, a beach holiday, or a bit of everything, the ideal time to travel will depend on your choice of activities.
So, when is the best month to visit South Africa? For a range of diverse activities and fewer crowds, many travellers opt for a South African vacation package in September or October. But there’s more to it than that.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the best times to visit based on the climate in South Africa, key events, and travel plans, as well as your proposed budget. By the end, you should be able to determine the best time to visit South Africa based on your travel and holiday needs.
Thinking about travelling to South Africa? We’ve got good news, no matter when you go, you’ll be able to find a great experience. With a variety of landscapes and microclimates, this is a place that continues to offer something exciting all year long, from long days at the beach to great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Want to go wine tasting, hiking, see animals, or just want to go when the weather is optimal, we break down what each season has to offer to help you plan your perfect adventure.
The key is to educate yourself about the different seasons in South Africa. For instance, when is summer or winter in South Africa? When is the rainy season in South Africa?
Whether you’re looking for the best places to visit in South Africa by month or by experience type, read on to find out where to go in South Africa depending on the month and your style of travel.
January – March: summer adventures
Summer is sunny and warm, making it an ideal time for a beach vacation to the coast or a long weekend in Cape Town. South Africa weather in March is pleasant as it prepares to slowly transition into autumn. Just know that summer is the peak season in South Africa, so you’ll be facing higher prices and more tourists.
April – May: autumn serenity
In autumn, the South Africa weather in May and April is milder, and the crowds have left. This is a great time for hiking and wine tasting in the Cape Winelands. The changing colours and flowers in bloom look stunning, and the weather is pleasant.
June – August: winter wildlife
These are the best months for game viewing in Kruger National Park or other game reserves. The South Africa weather in August, July and June represents dry winter months, making the wildlife easier to see and animals congregate around water holes. Just be sure to pack warm clothes for early morning game drives.
September – November: spring awakening
Spring in South Africa is characterised by blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures. Whales are arriving on the coast to calve, with Hermanus being a great spot to see them. The South Africa weather in October, November, and September is fantastic for exploring different regions.
December: holiday festivities
December is summer in South Africa, and kids are on break from school. A lot of families travel in December, so be prepared for high accommodation prices and crowded resorts.
Best time to go on safari: dry season vs lush green season
Winter is the best time to go on safari in South Africa. This period is in the dry winter months of May to September, when there is little to no rainfall. This ensures that the vegetation is minimal and wild animals tend to congregate around waterholes, making it much easier to spot wildlife. The cooler temperatures make for pleasant game drives, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons when wildlife is at its most active.
This is especially true for Kruger National Park and private reserves, where the typical savannah grassland isn’t dense and therefore visibility is excellent. No wonder this is the best time to visit Kruger National Park for first-time safari-goers wanting to see the Big Five. While winter offers some of the best game spotting conditions, it can also be very busy with visitors, making availability at the popular lodges hard to come by, particularly for the lodges that are within the park itself.
The summer months of October to March tend to be wetter and are characterised by lush greenery and playful skies that make for great photography. While it is more challenging to spot wildlife in the thick vegetation, there are other ways to enjoy your safari. This time offers great photographic opportunities, too. During this period, expect the landscape to come alive with thunderstorms and amazing cloud formations. Best of all, expect great deals on safaris with lower travel and accommodation rates.
Cape town’s best seasons: sunshine, surf, and scenery
Cape Town is stunning no matter what time of year you plan to visit. As a city with a Mediterranean-type climate, Cape Town sees hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
The best time to visit Cape Town is in the in-between seasons, March to May and September to November, when there are fewer crowds and the weather is decent, with warm days and scattered rain, not to mention lower rates.
Cape Town in February is a fantastic beach city and a festival city, with plenty of long, sunny days and festive events. However, prices are high and crowds are abundant. Cape Town in November is when summer is making its headway, but the crowds haven’t set in yet. Cape Town in December is a popular spot for holidaymakers, and with at least 13 hours of sunshine on the summer solstice, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy outdoor events.
Any wine lover should try to book a trip to Cape Town between February and April. This is the time when the Cape Winelands come to life with the grape-picking season. You’ll enjoy visiting the vineyards, especially on sunny, warm days. Wildlife lovers should check out Cape Town during the months of July to November.
July to November is whale-watching season, focusing on the coast. The best time for whale sightings is in Hermanus. No matter the season, Cape Town has an ample amount of things to do; enjoy the best of both worlds: ocean and city by experiencing the best of nature, adventure, and culture.
Cage diving, whale watching, and wild coast hikes: seasonal highlights
For adrenaline junkies and nature nuts alike, South Africa offers plenty of excitement, you just need to know the right time to go. Among the most heart-pounding adventures are cage dives with great white sharks.
The best time to go cage diving in South Africa is during peak season from May to September. The water is chilliest this time of year, which attracts the most activity, particularly around Gansbaai, where you’re all but guaranteed to score some finned photo ops.
Should you prefer a friendlier encounter with ocean-dwellers, the whale watching season extends from June to November along the southern coast areas near Hermanus and De Hoop. Southern right whales migrate here to breed, and they often enjoy a rambunctious welcome, slapping their tails and launching their tandem 30-ton bulk up into aerial displays.
Landlubbers who love lake views won’t want to miss South Africa’s multiday trails, like the Garden Route or Drakensberg Mountains. The forest, sea, and mountains offer a feast for the senses, but plan your trek between April and October, when the summer rainy season wanes and the winter dry season sets in, unless you want to wade knee deep in trail-destroying mud slides.
And remember that temperatures vary wildly by region. Coastal areas may stay mild while inland regions like the Karoo can swing from hot days to freezing nights. From wildlife to wild hikes, there’s no shortage of adventure, just choose your season wisely to make the most of nature’s drama.
When to visit south africa on a budget: shoulder season savings
If you’re keen to discover South Africa without blowing all your savings, the cheapest time to go to South Africa is during the shoulder seasons, i.e., May to June and late September. You get all the perks, without any pesky downsides: cheaper rates, fewer crowds, and better value-for-money.
While travelling during the shoulder seasons, you should expect fewer people at game reserves, museums, and wineries; and in general, this means fewer people to deal with and a more leisurely experience.
Forget any previous plans: this is your chance to see and do everything this country has in store for you, whether it’s an impromptu safari, a spontaneous coastal road trip, or a random wine-tasting experience in Stellenbosch.
And let’s face it, shoulder seasons are indeed the best time for wildlife watching, hiking, and urban explorations. Here you’ll also encounter breathtaking scenes, exceptional engagements, and warm smiles alike, only you won’t have to fork out the extra cash.
When not to go: heatwaves, high prices and holiday crowds
If you’re hoping to avoid high prices and packed attractions, December and January are generally considered the worst times to visit South Africa, at least from a cost and crowd perspective.
These months coincide with the South African summer holidays, so popular destinations like Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Kruger National Park tend to be bustling with both local and international tourists. Accommodation rates and flight prices often spike, and you’ll need to book well in advance.
In terms of weather, some regions can be less than ideal. The Northern Cape, for example, can experience extreme heat, making outdoor adventures uncomfortable or even unsafe. Additionally, summer also marks the rainy season in parts of the country, especially in the northeast, which can impact safari visibility and trail conditions.
If your priorities include peace, better value, and comfortable weather, it’s best to steer clear of the festive season and plan your trip for the shoulder months instead.
Choose your perfect season: South Africa is always a good idea
There’s never a bad time to head for South Africa; the country’s diverse regions and climates offer year-round appeal, meaning the best time to visit South Africa is any time. Whether you’re into wildlife, beaches, wine, or all of the above, the trick is to decide what interests you most and plan your visit accordingly. Match the activities you love most with the most suitable season and remember to look at all the fine print that each option offers, whether you’re in search of dry conditions in winter for wildlife watching and game drives, or warmer weather in summer for visiting coastal spots or South African festivals.
One of the best ways to experience the country in all its glory is to let those in the know plan your visit. Discover South Africa with an organised group trip that takes you from top cities and park highlights, like Cape Town and Kruger National Park, to every hidden gem in between.
Led by local guides, you’ll see the real South Africa and experience the country’s wildlife, landscapes, people, and culture without a worry in the world. No matter where and when you choose to go, there’s never a best time of year to visit South Africa.
