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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.
Weather in August
Daytime temperatures in Kruger National Park and surrounds can reach a high of 26 °C/79 °F and a low of 13 °C/55 °F, with very chilly conditions in the early mornings and evenings. The dry weather opens up more opportunities to explore the wilderness, such as horseback riding safaris and walking safaris. Cape Town’s temperatures can reach a high of 18 °C/64 °F and a low of 8 °C/46 °F, with an average rainfall of 3.1 in.
Average Weather in August
Kruger and Surrounds
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 13℃ | 55℉ | 0.15 inches |
| Max | 26℃ | 79℉ | 0.5 inches |
Cape Town
| Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 8℃ | 46℉ | 2.4 inches |
| Max | 18℃ | 64℉ | 4.6 inches |
Destinations to Visit in South Africa in August
Phinda Private Game Reserve
If you want to witness the grace of a cheetah crossing the African plains while on safari, Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is the perfect choice. This lush wildlife haven is famous for its regular sightings of cheetahs during their exclusive game driving experiences, especially during the dry season. Go from woodlands, grasslands, and forests to rivers and mountain ranges to see a range of wildlife.
Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands fosters an ecosystem that allows big game to thrive. Stylish, luxury lodges dot the reserve, ensuring that you can immerse yourself in the African wilderness in the most exclusive way possible. May to September is the best time to visit Sabi Sands – the minimal rainfall creates ideal game viewing conditions.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Enjoy the clear skies of the winter season in Timbavati. Large herds of antelope species, which serve as prey for the region’s predators, can be spotted here; keep a watch out for big cats lurking on the edges of these herds. Safari vehicles in Timbavati are able to go off-road for closer sightings, so you’re able to go deeper into the savannah during your safari here.
Activities to Do in August in South Africa
- Whale watching by boat and along the coast
- Game drives in national parks and game reserves
- Walking safaris and animal tracking
- Horseback riding safaris
- Stargazing
