Best time to visit
Best time to visit South Africa
Our pick: April and NovemberBest valueChecked 22 October 2026
Best value: Apr–May, Aug–Nov. Busy and pricier: Dec–Mar. Quiet: Jun–Jul.
- Best value
- Busy and pricier
- Quiet
RatingBest value
Cape Town's summer, from December to March, is dry and sunny. Its winter, from June to August, is cool and rainy, but that's the best time for safari in Kruger, when the bush is dry and animals gather at water.
Month by month in Cape Town
- J20°
- F20°
- M19°
- A18°
- M16°
- J15°
- J14°
- A14°
- S15°
- O16°
- N17°
- D19°
Best valueBusy and pricierQuiet
Average temperature each month (NASA POWER, 2001 to 2025), coloured by season.
Before you go
- Whales gather off Hermanus from about July to November.
Stay and do
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Questions people ask
When is the best time for a safari in South Africa?
The dry winter from June to September, when vegetation thins and animals are easier to spot.
What is the warmest month in Cape Town?
January, averaging 20°C. The coolest is July, at 14°C.
When is peak season in South Africa?
Dec–Mar, when prices are highest. For better value, try Apr–May, Aug–Nov.