Which is the coldest month in South Africa?

July

July is typically the coldest month in South Africa, with lows dipping into the low 40s F. Days are normally sunny and pleasant with occasional cold snaps and windy spells. Travelers will need warm sleepwear, a windproof outer jacket, a fleece or heavy sweater, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Highs can reach into the lower 70s F but most likely will hover in the mid- to upper 60s F, so you will want layers that can be peeled off, depending on what the day brings. The rainy season continues in the Cape, so expect some days to be rainy and cloudy while others are sunny and warm.The climate in South Africa ranges from desert and semi-desert in the northwest to subtropical on the eastern coast. Rainfall generally occurs during summer (mid- to late September through April), although in the southwest around Cape Town, rainfall occurs in winter (April through early September). Temperatures are influenced by variations in elevation, terrain and ocean currents more than latitude.

Winter/Dry Season

During the dry winter months of April through early September, the days are warm, but the nights can become very cold! We will provide cozy comforters to keep you warm during your stay.

Many travelers assume that because they are traveling to Africa, it must always be warm. This is not the case during South Africa’s winter, however, particularly in May through September. You can expect days to be absolutely beautiful, temperate and sunny, but nights and early mornings will be chilly, possibly near freezing, so we recommend you bring warm layers you can peel off as it warms up through the day. A lightweight down jacket or fleece pullover is ideal. Gloves, hat, scarf and warm long pants are also essential at this time of year for early-morning wildlife drives.

Summer/Green Season

Mid- to late September through April is a much warmer period, and you will need fewer warm clothes, although you can still expect occasional rain showers. Late October is generally the hottest time of the year, with temperatures often reaching into the 100s° F.

Average Monthly Temperatures & Rainfall:

(In Fahrenheit and inches)

Climate in Cape Town

The number of hours of sunshine in Cape Town is among the most in the world. Winters are generally mild, although there is snow on the mountain ranges in the Cape Town and Natal areas during the winter months.

Winter/Dry Season

Cape Town and much of the Western Cape experiences the opposite in climate with a winter season that sees greater chances of rain. It is still intermittent with beautiful, crisp days.

Summer/Green Season

Cape Town, in opposition to the rest of South Africa, features less chance of rain and mostly temperate weather and sunny skies in the summer months. Truthfully, Cape Town’s weather can vary greatly any day of the year, so these norms should be used only as a guideline.