Weather in South Africa

With nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, South Africa’s warm climate will likely be a welcome adjustment for expats from colder countries. In fact, the pleasant weather in South Africa is one of the main reasons holidaymakers and expats are drawn to the country every year.

The best times of the year are arguably the brief transitional seasons. Autumn, reddening the trees from March to May, and spring, lasting from September to late November, offer pleasant temperatures with little rain across most of the country. These mild seasons are in contrast to summer in South Africa when temperatures of over 86°F (30°C) are common and can soar up to 104°F (40°C) in some hotter areas in the country.

Each region has its own distinct character, with varying average temperatures and rainfall. The warmest areas in winter are around the coast.

That said, KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast and the Western Cape maintain different climates and are influenced by the two oceans on opposite sides of the country. The Atlantic brings a Mediterranean climate to Cape Town and its surrounds, while the Indian Ocean’s warmer current creates a more tropical climate in Durban.

In summer, the interior of the country, which sits at a higher altitude, is not quite as humid as Durban but generally has more rainfall than South Africa’s coastal regions. Landlocked cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria enjoy frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Although many houses don’t have central heating or air conditioning, you will likely enjoy the South African climate, but you may want to purchase a fan and heater.