Best Time to Visit South Africa
By Tully Luxury Travel | 08-01-2024 |
Thanks to the varying regional climates and ample wildlife-viewing opportunities, South Africa is a year-round destination. And while a luxury safari in South Africa will no doubt include Kruger National Park in the northeast – with big numbers of the Big Five – there are many other regions to consider adding to your agenda.
See South Africa during the cooler winter months
In all, May to September are the best months to visit South Africa – after the heat of the summer has dissipated and the crowds have thinned. These months provide a multitude of excellent conditions for viewing big game – the best time for a safari adventure.
In May, the summer crowds have died down and the weather is not so hot. The days are warm and dry, with the evenings a bit chilly. Safari opportunities at this time are superb. June is still beautifully mild when the sun is out – average temperatures are about 65º F. Be aware that weather conditions on the Eastern Cape and Western Cape are less predictable.
July is the beginning of whale-watching season along the coast of the Western Cape. This is also a good month to visit the wineries and to join in on the many festivals associated with the season. Truthfully, though, the wineries are a great bet year-round. Warmer temps in the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape make July a great time for game viewing, as the animals congregate around the water sources in the early mornings. August in South Africa brings spring flowers. KwaZulu-Natal in the east is great for visiting at this time of the year, as it is warmer.
June to August is considered high or peak season, bringing the highest rates and the need to book well in advance. The conditions for photography are at their highest and the animals are easy to spot.
September in particular is a good month to visit in order to experience a combination of regions and wildlife – temperatures in South Africa in September are generally pleasant across the whole country. Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Phinda Game Reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Kruger offer some of the finest game viewing in all of Africa.
Luxury vacations to South Africa in September yield a carpet of wildflower color, with many animals giving birth, and whales still being spotted along the coasts.
Visiting South Africa in the green season
If birding is a prime reason for your visit, many enthusiasts choose from November to February – the rainy season in South Africa – in order to time their arrival with the wet weather.
November through April is considered low or green season, with the lowest rates and the fewest people. The hot and occasionally wet weather makes for more lush landscapes, and as such, the larger animals are harder to spot.
Whatever time of year you end up travelling to South Africa, the experts at Tully Luxury Travel are well-versed in custom-creating the best itineraries across South Africa. Get in touch today to start turning this dream into a reality.