Best time to visit South Africa

Clear skies, deep turquoise water, and the almost constant presence of the sun – February in Cape Town and surrounds is the ideal time for beach days, water sports, and wine farm visits. In contrast, you’ll have a wet safari upcountry in the Kruger region.

February is the last month of summer in South Africa. In Cape Town and the Western Cape, this is usually the hottest time of the year, while safari destinations continue to see a lot of rainfall, filling up watering holes in the wilderness. Migratory birds are still present in game reserves and national parks, and you may see baby animals poking their heads out of the lush vegetation.

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March ushers in autumn in South Africa; temperatures and rainfall start to drop in the Kruger region. With the wet weather tapering off, safaris become more enjoyable. The landscapes are still lush from the recent rains, and migratory bird species can continue to be spotted. This month can see a lot of tourists in game reserves and parks due to the local school holidays.

Cape Town is in a transition during this time of the year – it’s not uncommon to feel as if you’re experiencing all four seasons in one day! There are still hot days for beach days and water sports.

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April brings with it the end of the wet season and the beginning of milder temperatures across South Africa’s safari destinations. The landscapes are still thriving after the rainy months, so a safari during April will take you across lush environments and thick vegetation. This is the start of the best time to go on safari in South Africa!

In contrast, Cape Town begins to enter into its low season, with lower temperatures meaning beach days are few and far between. The cooler weather can make nature walks and hiking trails more enjoyable. There are generally fewer international tourists during this time of the year, but over the Easter holiday you’ll find many South African travellers on long weekend getaways.

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May is the start of the dry season across South Africa’s prime safari destinations. Rainfall has decreased, leading to vegetation and watering holes drying up. These conditions are ideal for wildlife viewing! During game drives across the plains, you’ll see animals more easily, especially gathering around the last remaining water sources.

Rain clouds have moved into Cape Town at this time of the year. You can expect regular rainfall and cold temperatures across the city and surrounding areas. While a few sunny days may occur, beach days are almost nonexistent – unless you’re a surfer. Waves along the coast are large and consistent from May to the end of winter.

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The dry season continues into June in Kruger National Park and surrounds. Reduced rainfall further dries out the land and reduces the amount of water sources, causing wildlife – from large herds of elephants to hyena packs – to congregate around the remaining waterholes.

As the vegetation turns from lush green to dry golden hues, animals are more easily seen as they traverse the vast plains in search of food and water. This is the time of the year when seeing the Big Five (in Big Five safari destinations) is often accomplished in just one or two days.

In Cape Town, temperatures continue to plummet and rainfall increases. Surfers will enjoy getting out into the ocean at coastal destinations, as big waves are consistent. June is also the start of whale-watching season in Hermanus.

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Imagine vast dry stretches of savannah, the golden grasslands rippling in the breeze. A lion hunkers down in the vegetation, its eyes fixed on the impala herd in front of it. You’re about to witness one of the most dramatic encounters in Africa…

July is in the middle of the dry season; the land has had a couple of months to dry out after the rainy season. Landscapes have thinned out and watering holes have decreased – this sets the stage for excellent wildlife viewing. Temperatures in Kruger and surrounds are cold during early morning and evening game drives, so wear warm clothing.

At the bottom of the country, in Cape Town, July brings some of the coldest temperatures and highest rainfall of the year. You can expect low-season prices, regular rainstorms, and fewer tourists. Hermanus’ whale-watching season is in full swing; watch these giants lobtailing and breaching from the shore and during marine safaris.

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Imagine relaxing on your own private patio overlooking a watering hole. With your cup of coffee in hand, you watch as a herd of elephants approach, dipping their trunks into the precious water, a rare resource in the dry month of August.

Winter progresses at this time of the year, continuing to thin out the vegetation and dry up smaller water sources. Mornings and nights are cold – during game drives, wrap up in jerseys and jackets.

In Cape Town, temperatures continue to be low and rainfall high. It’s the low season, so the city and wine routes see fewer travellers. Along the coastal towns like Hermanus, whale watching is in full swing.

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September is the start of spring in South Africa! Dry conditions still dominate across the top safari destinations – the dried-out bush is excellent for spotting wildlife. This is the end of the dry season, so temperatures and rainfall slowly start to increase. The slightly warmer conditions make morning and evening game drives less chilly.

In Cape Town, spring sees rainfall decreasing and temperatures increasing. The shift in rainfall and boost of sunshine cause a stunning array of wildflowers to bloom across Namaqualand. Whale watching at coastal destinations like Hermanus is still excellent.

September is the best month to combine a safari with a Cape Town holiday. The weather is great for wildlife viewing, and there are more sunny days in Cape Town. Tourist hotspots and safari lodges aren’t yet too crowded; you can have a more secluded holiday before the busy December-January period.

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Calling all birdwatchers! If you want your South African safari to be focused on spotting a range of brilliant bird species during game drives and walking safaris, October is the start of the ideal birding season.

The first rains of summer begin in October. The dry landscapes quench their thirst, turning the golden savannahs and arid plains greener and more vibrant. Watering holes start getting replenished, and grazing habitats increase, giving wildlife the chance to spread out.

Avian migrants from North Africa and Europe begin popping up in national parks and game reserves, creating ideal conditions for birdwatching safaris in South Africa. With the rain, the dust of the dry season settles, creating better backdrops for photography safaris, too.

In contrast, the rainfall in Cape Town and surrounding areas begins to subside. Temperatures also begin to rise as spring progresses, making beach and wine farm excursions more pleasant. This is also a perfect time to explore the flower route in Namaqualand and go whale watching along the coast.

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Imagine travelling across vibrant green grassland in an open safari vehicle. As the sun rises, you can feel the environment warm up. You stop for morning coffee; dew drops glisten on the greenery, and the sounds of birds are all around you. This is a green season safari in South Africa.

As the summer season progresses in the country’s iconic safari destinations, rainfall and temperatures increase. Watering holes and grazing lands are now plentiful, causing wildlife to disperse. While big game may be more difficult to spot, this is prime time for birders. European and North African avian migrants fly into game reserves and national parks, giving safari-goers a whole different perspective on the African wilderness.

In contrast, Cape Town continues to see rainfall decrease. Hot, sunny days are now the norm – ideal conditions for relaxing on the region’s Blue Flag beaches. This is also a perfect time of the year to explore the wine estates that dot the Western Cape – wine tasting and gourmet lunches in a serene wine farm setting is a beautiful way to spend time in this coastal city.

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The best time for an African safari depends on what you want your safari to include. If you want to combine lush wilderness landscapes with a Cape Town beach holiday, December is a great month.

South Africa in December is in the grip of the holiday season. Festivities coincide with school holidays, meaning tourism hotspots can get crowded. Summer’s wet conditions continue to permeate across Kruger and surrounds, welcoming migratory bird species to national parks and game reserves – this is the best time to visit South Africa for birding safaris. Evenings are warm, creating stunning environments for outdoor dinners and nighttime game drives.

The best time to visit Cape Town, South Africa, is December. Restaurants and wine farms are buzzing with activity – the sun is out, temperatures are warm, and there’s little to no rain, making al fresco wine tastings and dining must-dos. It’s an excellent time for going to the beach, participating in water sports, and taking on the hiking trails around the region.

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