South Africa Weather

South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with warm sunny days most of the year. Let us not forget that South Africa is famous for her sunshine after all.

Summer runs from December to February, when most of the country is characterised by warm to hot weather. Winter runs from June to August, when most of the country has mild days and cool to cold evenings.

As with the rest of the World, South Africa's weather has become rather unpredictable with climate change; it is always best to be prepared when travelling around the country.

Cape Town Weather

Cape Town has a more Mediterranean based climate, with hot and dry summer and cool and wet winters.

Summers in and around Cape Town offer long hot days with temperatures sitting anywhere between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius while evenings are balmy. Summer and Autumn are the most popular seasons for travel here.

Cape Town traditionally is a winter rainfall region; it is during this time that cold fronts blast past the Cape with high winds and heavy rain. The days before and after the cold fronts are very pleasant with little to no clouds and very little wind, temperatures over these days are generally in the late teens and early twenties.

Kruger National Park Weather

Summer in the Kruger National Park is characterised by hot, humid and sunny days that are often broken by late afternoon thunderstorms. It is not uncommon for daytime temperatures to go over the 40 degree Celsius mark.

Summer offers the best for birding and viewing all the newborn wildlife.

Winter is without question the most popular season for travelling in and around the Kruger National Park, days are warm and the evenings are on the coolish side but nothing extreme.

Winter offers better chances of seeing wildlife as they tend to gather around water while the bush thins out due to lack of rain.

Madikwe Game Reserve Weather

Madikwe has a similar weather pattern as to that of the Kruger National Park albeit dryer and with a slightly higher average temperature.

Summer days can be sweltering while the nights remain rather balmy, afternoon thunderstorms quite often break the heat of the day. Summer is best for birdlife and general wildlife sightings.

Winters in the Madikwe offer up rather pleasant daytime temperatures while nights can get down to just above freezing. Warm clothing is a must when travelling here in winter.

Madikwe winters are the best for wildlife sightings and the best months being May through to September.

South Africa Weather Websites

The following websites offer the latest in news updates and are updated every few minutes;

South Africa Weather Apps

The following Apps are available for both Android and IOS; these are in our opinion the best. These Apps feature African countries and cities.

WeatherBug

Yahoo! Weather

AccuWeather

Best Spas in the Kruger

Kruger Family Friendly Lodges

Romantic Kruger Park Lodges

Sabi Sand Lodges

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the legendary Greater Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve is a jewel of the African wilderness. This pristine sanctuary is not only renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for hosting some of Africa's most exclusive and luxurious safari lodges. Famed for its exceptionally high density of wildlife and intimate, up-close animal encounters, the Sabi Sand is particularly renowned for its leopard sightings.

Iconic safari names like Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, Londolozi, and Singita call this reserve home, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences, particularly for the elusive leopard, thanks to years of careful conservation and habituation. These lodges blend seamlessly into the landscape, providing guests with world-class service, exquisite dining, and intimate encounters with the Big Five, making every safari an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild.
Sabi Sand Lodges
Timbavati Lodges

Nestled in the heart of South Africa's bushveld, within the greater Kruger National Park area, Timbavati Private Game Reserve offers a safari experience like no other. The reserve is not just a destination; it's a vibrant, breathing canvas where the wild roams free and nature unfolds in its timeless rhythm. Safari lodges and camps within Timbavati are more than mere accommodations; they are gateways to an immersive adventure into the wilderness.

The allure of staying at a safari lodge or camp in Timbavati lies in the unparalleled access to some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles. Guests wake up to the sounds of nature, with mornings greeted by birdcalls and evenings underscored by the distant roar of lions. These establishments are committed to conservation and responsible tourism, ensuring that every safari drive, guided walk, or night under the stars contributes to preserving this untouched ecosystem for future generations.

Timbavati Lodges
Cape Town Game Reserves

Experience the thrill of a "Big 5" safari near Cape Town! With the magnificent Karoo as a backdrop and the unique Fynbos biome, the Western Cape province offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers.

Visitors can spot elephants, rhinos, lions, Buffalo and leopards amongst other wildlife along with some pretty amazing birdlife.

There are several Malaria-free game reserves within a 2-3 hours' drive from Cape Town offering luxury accommodation options with private air charters available at some reserves.
Cape Town Game Reserves
MalaMala Lodges

MalaMala is more than just a game reserve; it's the blueprint for luxury photographic safaris in South Africa. Established in 1927, it's considered one of the best reserves in Africa, consistently offering incredible wildlife viewing. This vast, thriving wilderness covers an impressive 13,300 hectares, providing an unspoiled habitat for a diverse range of species.

Bordered by the Sabie River, a permanent water source, this area attracts an incredible concentration of animals, including the "Big Five." Its unique location offers exciting and exclusive wildlife encounters, without the usual crowds. Within the reserve are four exceptional camps, designed to blend with the natural environment while providing top-tier comfort, service, and immersive safari adventures.
MalaMala Lodges
Shamwari lodges

Shamwari Game Reserve is a premier wildlife and safari destination in the Eastern Cape, home to the famous "Big Five" and numerous other plains game and bird species; this malaria-free game reserve has been recognized for its incredible conservation efforts and luxury lodges.

With miles of untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife, the Shamwari Game Reserve offers visitors an unforgettable experience that will surely be cherished for years to come.

Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Shamwari provides something extraordinary that can not be found anywhere else.
Shamwari lodges
Singita Lodges

For decades, the Singita lodges within this exquisite portfolio have unquestionably epitomized the absolute pinnacle of luxury safari, consistently setting unrivaled standards in accommodation, conservation, and impeccable, personalized service. Each lodge is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment while offering world-class amenities.

If your quest is for the finest, most unforgettable experience imaginable—the very best that the safari industry offers—then your search culminates magnificently with any one of these extraordinary Singita lodges. Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park, they promise an unparalleled journey into the heart of the wild.
Singita Lodges