Best time to visit

Best time to visit South Africa

Reversed seasons from the northern hemisphere. Cape Town shines October–March. Safari is best June–October during the dry winter when animals gather at waterholes.

Best monthsMay–October (safari), October–March (Cape Town)

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Month-by-month overview

South Africa at a glance

GreatGoodOkayAvoid

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Verdict	good	good	great	great	great	great	great	great	great	great	good	good
Temp (°C)	28° 16°	28° 16°	27° 14°	23° 12°	20° 9°	18° 7°	17° 7°	18° 8°	20° 10°	23° 12°	25° 14°	27° 15°
Rain (mm)	50	30	40	50	70	80	85	70	40	30	35	45
Crowds	high	high	medium	medium	low	medium	medium	medium	medium	medium	medium	high
Price	$$$	$$$	$$	$$	$	$$	$$	$$	$$	$$	$$	$$$
Notes	Peak summer in Cape Town	—	—	Autumn colours in winelands	Safari dry season begins	Best safari conditions start	Peak whale watching	Wildflowers in Namaqualand	Spring; safari excellent	—	—	—

Festivals & events

Cape Town Jazz Festival

Mar

Africa’s biggest jazz festival featuring local and international artists.

Hermanus Whale Festival

Sep–Oct

Southern right whales celebrate their arrival with eco-focused festivities.

AfrikaBurn

Apr–May

South Africa’s Burning Man-style art event in the Karoo desert.

Book your South Africa trip for May–October (safari), October–March (Cape Town)

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