Four seasons in South Africa

Some weeks back I promised to write something about South Africa every week, and I will start with the weather:) As the country is very big with mountains and the Atlanti Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other side, the weather differs much from coast to inland, from west to east coast.

SPRING
Springtime is during months September, October , November. The changeover from winter to spring can be somewhat windy in the interior, until the rain starts. Day temperatures are on average between 25-30celsius. The nights are still rather cool ,so it is good to pack that sweater or fleece with for a visit during this time of year.

In Cape Town the springweather is pleasant,a good time to visit Cape Town.

In Mpumalanga, lowveld, and the Kwazulu Natal coastal region, with a tropic to subtropic climate, temperature changes between winter and spring is much smaller, spring weather still very pleasant, in comparison with the very hot summer weather.

Spring is a very good time to go for safari in the Mpumalanga area, as the summer rain has not started, and the nature is dry and the visibility good, animals cant hide as good as in summer when the bush is thick and green.

SUMMER

Summer season is during the months December, January and February. For most of the country this is the rainfall season. The interior of South Africa is dry , warm to hot, with heavy afternoon thunderstorm and temperatures between 25-35 celsius.

In the Mpumalanga, lowveld, Kwazulu Natal coastal area the humidity is high, temperatures sometimes up to 40celsius.

In Cape Town, with its Mediterrainean climate, there is very little to no rain during summer, and the easterly winds helps to keep the daytemperatures around 25-30celsius.

FALL

Fall is during the months March April and May. The grassy plains turn dry yellow, and brown, trees shed their leaves. This time of year offers probably the best weather overall, very little rain all over the country,and it is warm, but not hot. Nights are cool ,but not cold.

In the Mpumalanga, lowveld, and Kwazulu Natal coastal area hot and humid conditions slowly turn into very pleasant dry and warm winter weather that these areas are known for.

In Cape Town fall is wonderful, little wind,warm sunny days,and pleasant nights, also a great time to visit Cape Town.

WINTER

Winter season is during months June, July and August. The interior of the country has cloudless skies with no rain, cold nights with frost in the morning, even snow some years with temperatures under zero a few days. Day temperatures between 20-25 celsius and night temperatures between -5 to 10 celsius.

In the Mpumalanga, lowveld , and Kwazulu Natal coastal area , humidity has dropped close to zero, very little wind. Day and night temperatures are just perfect.

Cape Town area is a different story. With its mediterranean climate it gets most of its rainfall in the winter season, there is many rainy, grey, cloudy cold days. Maybe not the best time for us Scandinavian people that like sunshine and have a great summer at home this time of the year.

Hopefully this will give an idea when to travel to South Africa and helps understand that the weather differs much from place to place because of the size of the country.

Love,

Jannika