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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.
Weather in September
Daytime temperatures in Kruger National Park and surrounds can reach a high of 28 °C/82 °F and a low of 15 °C/59 °F, with slightly cold 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 19 °C/66 °F and a low of 9 °C/48 °F, with an average rainfall of 1.6 in.
Average Weather in September
Kruger and Surrounds
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 15℃ | 59℉ | 0.5 inches |
| Max | 28℃ | 82℉ | 1.1 inches |
Cape Town
| Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 9℃ | 48℉ | 0.8 inches |
| Max | 19℃ | 66℉ | 3.5 inches |
Destinations to Visit in South Africa in September
Addo Elephant Park
The months from May to September are the best time for a safari at Addo Elephant Park because of the concentrated wildlife sightings and cooler weather. As the name suggests, the highlight of Addo is their over 600 elephants, so you’ll see herds of these gentle giants while exploring the park.
Namaqualand
Namaqualand is a semi-desert region that sprawls across the Northern Cape; it’s famous for its display of wildflowers during spring. Namaqualand boasts a rich floral biodiversity – over 1,000 of its plant species are found nowhere else on earth. Nature lovers will enjoy the remote beaches and scenic hiking trails in this region.
Tswalu Kalahari Private Wildlife Reserve
This reserve can be explored via game drives, nature walks, horseback rides, and photographic safaris. Imagine a land of vast savannah, golden grasses rippling in the wind, and dunes extending into the horizon – this is where Tswalu is focusing on unhurried safari adventures, conservation, and nature-based tourism, best experienced during the dry months.
Activities to Do in September in South Africa
- Whale watching by boat and along the coast
- Exploring the flower route
- Game drives in national parks and game reserves
- Walking safaris and animal tracking
- Horseback riding safaris
- Stargazing
