The best time to visit South Africa

In general, summer weather lasts from October to April, with much of the country being warm and sunny. During this time, South Africa experiences its high season and temperatures rise. However, travel during the South African school holidays in December is best to be avoided as many of the wildlife parks can get very crowded.

From May to September South Africa experiences its winter. Temperatures are generally still mild, although it can get cold in the night and early mornings. However as this is the low season for tourism, the parks are wonderfully uncrowded. There’s also little to no rain and fewer mosquitos to contend with.

From June to August, Cape Town experiences its winter rainfall. Therefore the best time to visit for a holiday is during the city’s dry summer months. Between December to February Cape Town’s temperatures reach their peak and this popular time sees busy beaches and buzzing nightlife. The fierce south-easterly wind also blows hard during this time, but usually subsides by February.

So if you’re looking to spend some time on the beach, aim to hit the sands from late January to late April. You can expect less-crowded beaches, calmer breezes and better rates. Whales arrive in the waters around Cape Town from July onwards, with the city being the best place in the world to view Southern Right whales from the coastline.

Kruger National Park is generally considered a year-round destination, however South Africa’s two seasons offer different wildlife viewing experiences. During the dry winter months from May to September, game viewing is fantastic as the vegetation is sparse and animals are much easier to spot.

From November to April, Kruger is then transformed into a lush green landscape with the arrival of the summer rains. This ‘green season’ makes for excellent photography and is the best season for bird watching. Many animals also give birth during these months, so you can be sure to spot some cute newborns.

South Africa’s famous Garden Route also boasts a year-round climate, however rains can be experienced at any time of year. November to April sees the hottest temperatures, with the coastline getting particularly busy during the Christmas school holidays. Therefore the best time to hit the beaches is from February to April.

The winter months also see much excitement along the Garden Route with the arrival of whale watching season from July to October. Winter is also a great time for hiking here.

The world's largest timed cycling event has been held in Cape Town since 1978, attracting some 35,000 cyclists from around the globe including some of the Tour de France greats. The 109km route follows the beautiful Cape Peninsula with road closures in Cape Town during the day.

Representing the full spectrum of the Cape's wine producers with the region's finest wineries gathering to entice visitors alongside a variety of gourmet delicacies including South Africa's finest cheeses.

Each year in September the Zulu heads and thousands of Zulu people congregate in the town of KwaDukuza to play homage to King Shaka and celebrate Zulu traditions. Attendees dress in full Zulu costume with speeches made by the current king.

Taking inspiration from America's Burning Man Festival, this festival in Tankwa features a temporary city of art, theme camps, costume, music and dance performances and offers the chance for organisations and individuals to question connection within communities and larger society.