The climate

The climate in South Africa

South Africa is located at the extreme south of the African continent. Situated in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed from those of Europe. Winters are mild and summers are hot and can be very hot and dry in the centre and north western areas.

The climate in the different regions of South Africa

The climate along the coast is more complex as it varies a lot. On the west coast the best season to visit is definitely the summer being dry and sunny, not too hot, with cool nights. However, the ocean water remains fairly cool and does not exceed 20°C. In winter, from May to July, the temperatures remain mild, the nights are cooler and there is more rainfall.

After Port Elizabeth, along the kwa-Zulu Natal coastline the climate is much more favourable for swimming in the sea. The water remains around 20°C in winter and around 24°C in summer. Spring and autumn are often more favourable because the winters are cool and the summers very rainy.

The urban area of ​​Johannesburg and Pretoria has a mild climate in both summer and winter. Rain is frequent in the summer and the nights are cold in winter.

Temperatures in South Africa

In summary:

Situated below the equator means that the seasons are reversed to those in Europe, although the climate is quite mediterranean with lots of sunshine.

The east of the country in Kwa-Zulu Natal has a heavy summer rainfall.

Even in winter, the weather is mild!