Do you need to know, when is the best time to go to South Africa? Then you should take a look here, what weather you can expect there during the year.
The climate of South Africa is varied, but mostly semiarid. Along east coast you can expect subtropical weather with sunny days and cool nights. An important part of the interior of South Africa is at higher elevation, therefore temperatures are lower there, than you may expect. They may reach the freezing point at high altitude during winter. At the coastal temperatures are usually mild. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate.
When speaking about the usual weather in this state, the information is relevant for example for these popular places: Addo, Addo Elephant National Park, Agulhas National Park, Alexander Bay, Aliwal North, Amanzimtoti, Atlantic Seaboard, Augrabies, Augrabies Falls National Park, Badplaas, Ballito, Barberton, Barkly West, Bathurst, Battlefields, Baviaans, Belfast, Benoni, Bergville, Bitterfontein, Blaauwberg Coast, Bloemfontein, Bloubergstrand, Blyde River Canyon, Bontebok National Park, Boulders Beach, Breede River Valley, Camps Bay, Cape Karoo, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, Cape Vidal, Cape Winelands, Centurion, Cintsa, Clarens, Clifton, Coffee Bay, Colesberg, Cradle of Humankind, Cradock, Darling, Dassen Island, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Diamond Fields, Diving Aliwal Shoal, Diving Sodwana Bay, Diving in Durban, Diving in Hermanus, Diving in Port Elizabeth, Diving in South Africa, Diving inland in South Africa, Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay, Diving the Tsitsikamma, Dullstroom, Dundee, Durban, East London, Eastern Cape, Ekurhuleni, Elephant Coast, Eshowe, False Bay, Ficksburg, Fish Hoek, Franschhoek, Free State, Gansbaai, Garden Route, Gariep Dam, Gauteng, George, Giyani, Golden Gate Highlands Park, Gordon's Bay, Graaff Reinet, Grahamstown, Graskop, Green Kalahari, Haenertsburg, Haga Haga, Hankey, Hartebeespoort, Hazyview, Hermanus, Hluhluwe, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, Hoedspruit, Hogsback, Hout Bay, Howick, Humansdorp, ISimangaliso Wetland Park, Irene, Jansenville, Jeffreys Bay, Johannesburg, Kakamas, Kalahari, Kalk Bay, Karoo, Karoo Heartland, Karoo National Park, Kei Mouth, Kempton Park, Kenton on Sea, Khayelitsha, Kimberley, King William's Town, Kleinmond, Knysna, Komatipoort, Kommetjie, Koringberg, Kroonstad, Kruger National Park, Krugersdorp, Kuruman, KwaZulu Natal, Ladybrand, Ladysmith, Langebaan, Lejweleputswa, Limpopo, Little Karoo, Llandudno, Lydenburg, Machadodorp, Mahikeng, Malalane, Mapungubwe National Park, Marakele National Park, Margate, Mdumbi, Melkbos, Metsweding, Middelburg, Midlands, Milnerton, Montagu, Moorreesburg, Morgan's Bay, Mossel Bay, Motheo, Mountain Zebra National Park, Mpande, Mpumalanga, Mthatha, Muizenberg, Namakwa, Namaqua National Park, Nature's Valley, Nelspruit, Newcastle, Nieu Bethesda, Noordhoek, North Coast, North West Province, Northern Cape, Northern Free State, Norvalspont, Ohrigstad, Orania, Oudtshoorn, Overberg, Paarl, Parys, Patensie, Paternoster, Perdekop, Petrusville, Phalaborwa, Pietermaritzburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Pilgrim's Rest, Plettenberg Bay, Polokwane, Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Port St Johns, Pretoria, Prince Albert, Pringle Bay, Qolora, Queenstown, Riebeek Kasteel, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Robben Island, Rooi els, Royal Natal National Park, Rustenburg, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Sabie, Schoemanskloof, Scottburgh, Sea Park, Sedgefield, Sedibeng, Settler Country, Simon's Town, Sodwana Bay, Somerset West, Songimvelo Game Reserve, South Coast, Springbok, St Francis, St Lucia, Stellenbosch, Storms River, Strand, Sun City, Sunshine Coast, Sutherland, Swartland, Swellendam, Table Mountain National Park, Taung, Thabo Mofutsanyana, Tshwane, Tsitsikamma, Tsitsikamma National Park, Tulbagh, Tzaneen, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Umhlanga, Upington, Valley of 1000 Hills, Van Reenen, Vanderkloof, Vereeniging, Vredefort, Wartrail and New England, Waterberg Meander, Waterval Boven, West Coast, West Rand, Western Cape, White River, Wild Coast, Wilderness, Wilderness National Park, Witbank, Wolkberg Wilderness Area, Wupperthal, Xhariep, Xora, Yzerfontein, Zululand.
Let's look now what weather you can expect in the area around the capital and in many other cities. The warmest month here is February, the average maximum temperature is 26.4 ℃ (79.52 ℉). The average minimum temperature in this month is 16 ℃ (60.8 ℉). The coldest month here is July, the average maximum temperature is 17.7 ℃ (63.86 ℉). The average minimum temperature in this month is 7.3 ℃ (45.14 ℉). The most rainy month here is August, the average number of rainy days is 13.4. The least rainy month here is February, the average number of rainy days is 4.6. 
When travelling to some places in South Africa, always consider the altitude of the the place as well. The highest point here is Njesuthi (3408 m) and the lowest point is Atlantic Ocean (0 m). So there are huge differences in altitudes in this country and the weather is very different in them therefore. Keep in mind, that the temperature usually decreases by 1.2 - 1.9 ℃ (2.2 - 3.5 ℉) per 200 m (656 ft), depending on the other conditions. (And we should add, that in the very special condition named thermal inversion even the temperature may be higher in higher altitudes.)
Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in January is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in January is 26 ℃ (78.8 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 15.6 ℃ (60.08 ℉). At the beginning of January you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 25.3 ℃ (77.54 ℉). At the end of January you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 26.2 ℃ (79.16 ℉). The average number of rainy days in January is 5.6. The average rainfall is 15.4 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 14:22 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 14:09 and at the end of the month 13:47.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in February is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in February is 26.4 ℃ (79.52 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 16 ℃ (60.8 ℉). At the beginning of February you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 26.2 ℃ (79.16 ℉). At the end of February you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 25.9 ℃ (78.62 ℉). The average number of rainy days in February is 4.6. The average rainfall is 16.8 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 13:47 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 13:19 and at the end of the month 12:48.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in March is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in March is 25.4 ℃ (77.72 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 14.4 ℃ (57.92 ℉). At the beginning of March you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 25.9 ℃ (78.62 ℉). At the end of March you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 24.15 ℃ (75.47 ℉). The average number of rainy days in March is 4.7. The average rainfall is 19.6 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 12:48 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 12:17 and at the end of the month 11:45.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in April is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in April is 22.9 ℃ (73.22 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 12.2 ℃ (53.96 ℉). At the beginning of April you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 24.15 ℃ (75.47 ℉). At the end of April you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 21.6 ℃ (70.88 ℉). The average number of rainy days in April is 8.1. The average rainfall is 40.1 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 11:45 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 11:14 and at the end of the month 10:46.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.
Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in May is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in May is 20.3 ℃ (68.54 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 9.7 ℃ (49.46 ℉). At the beginning of May you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 21.6 ℃ (70.88 ℉). At the end of May you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 19.5 ℃ (67.1 ℉). The average number of rainy days in May is 11.2. The average rainfall is 68.7 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 10:46 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 10:21 and at the end of the month 10:03.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in June is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in June is 18.7 ℃ (65.66 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 7.8 ℃ (46.04 ℉). At the beginning of June you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 19.5 ℃ (67.1 ℉). At the end of June you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 18.2 ℃ (64.76 ℉). The average number of rainy days in June is 13.1. The average rainfall is 91 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 10:03 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 9:54 and at the end of the month 9:54.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in July is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in July is 17.7 ℃ (63.86 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 7.3 ℃ (45.14 ℉). At the beginning of July you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 18.2 ℃ (64.76 ℉). At the end of July you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 18 ℃ (64.4 ℉). The average number of rainy days in July is 11.5. The average rainfall is 83.3 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 9:54 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 10:04 and at the end of the month 10:23.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in August is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in August is 18.3 ℃ (64.94 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 7.8 ℃ (46.04 ℉). At the beginning of August you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 18 ℃ (64.4 ℉). At the end of August you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 18.85 ℃ (65.93 ℉). The average number of rainy days in August is 13.4. The average rainfall is 78 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 10:23 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 10:47 and at the end of the month 11:15.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in September is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in September is 19.4 ℃ (66.92 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 9 ℃ (48.2 ℉). At the beginning of September you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 18.85 ℃ (65.93 ℉). At the end of September you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 20.3 ℃ (68.54 ℉). The average number of rainy days in September is 10.4. The average rainfall is 41 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 11:15 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 11:45 and at the end of the month 12:17.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in October is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in October is 21.2 ℃ (70.16 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 11 ℃ (51.8 ℉). At the beginning of October you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 20.3 ℃ (68.54 ℉). At the end of October you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 22.55 ℃ (72.59 ℉). The average number of rainy days in October is 8.8. The average rainfall is 30.7 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 12:17 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 12:48 and at the end of the month 13:19.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in November is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in November is 23.9 ℃ (75.02 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 13.1 ℃ (55.58 ℉). At the beginning of November you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 22.55 ℃ (72.59 ℉). At the end of November you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 24.25 ℃ (75.65 ℉). The average number of rainy days in November is 4.8. The average rainfall is 13.7 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 13:19 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 13:46 and at the end of the month 14:08.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.Typical (usual) weather in South Africa in December is this: The average highest temperature in South Africa in December is 24.6 ℃ (76.28 ℉). The average lowest temperature is 15.4 ℃ (59.72 ℉). At the beginning of December you can expect lower temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 24.25 ℃ (75.65 ℉). At the end of December you can expect higher temperatures, the average highest temperature is around 25.3 ℃ (77.54 ℉). The average number of rainy days in December is 6.3. The average rainfall is 17.1 mm (look here, what this number means). When planning your travel, please, keep in mind, that actual weather may differ from these average values. The length of the day at the beginning of this month is approximately 14:08 (hours and minutes), in the middle of the month 14:22 and at the end of the month 14:24.These numbers above are valid primarily for the capital and the area around it. It is important to say, that the weather may differ significantly in different altitudes, especially in mountains.| Durban | temperature: - | highest temperature: 26.6 ℃ (79.88 ℉) | lowest temperature: 20.2 ℃ (68.36 ℉) | rainfall: 101.3mm | rainy days: 15.3 |
| Cape Town | temperature: - | highest temperature: 24.6 ℃ (76.28 ℉) | lowest temperature: 15.4 ℃ (59.72 ℉) | rainfall: 17.1mm | rainy days: 6.3 |
| Johannesburg | temperature: - | highest temperature: 25.6 ℃ (78.08 ℉) | lowest temperature: 14.2 ℃ (57.56 ℉) | rainfall: 103.6mm | rainy days: 14.9 |