The Cape
Cape Town has a Mediterranean-type climate, influenced by winds blowing in from the South Atlantic, which can result in changeable weather in the winter. However, it's often mild in winter and low-season prices are attractive. From November to April, the weather is hot and sunny, though there can be showers.
The low season is an increasingly popular time to visit the Cape. It is not always hot enough to laze on the beach, but it is usually mild and pleasant enough for touring – air fares are lower and there are very good rates for accommodation.
August can be pretty wet, but late August brings the first flush of spring, with wonderful flowers in bloom. September and October are changeable – you can expect a mixture of really sunny days and overcast ones.
KwaZulu Natal
South Africa is mainly sunny throughout the year. Seasons are the reverse of those in the UK, with midwinter in June and July and midsummer in December and January. Climate varies considerably between regions.
KwaZulu Natal enjoys a subtropical climate, with plenty of sunshine year round. Summers are hot and can be humid, with sudden downpours. You may prefer to avoid high summer for a touring holiday. Winter is sunny, dry and sometimes cold at night. Game viewing is particularly good between May and September, when the water shortage encourages animals to gather at waterholes, and the low vegetation makes it easier to spot animals in the bush.
The Drakensberg can be quite misty in high summer as a result of low cloud. In the winter months they look their best, but it is cold at that altitude, the peaks have a sprinkling of snow. Aim for March to May for best conditions, or otherwise September through to early November.
Kruger area
On the east side – including the Kruger Park area – there is sunshine year round. Summers are hot, with short, heavy rains; winters sunny, dry and sometimes cold at night. Game viewing is particularly good between May and September, when the water shortage encourages animals to gather at waterholes, and the low vegetation makes it easier to spot them in the bush.
