Africa · Climate guide
Best time to visit South Africa
The best time to visit South Africa is Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Feb, Jun–Aug, Dec are also good.
South Africa weather by month
Mild everywhere; safari is best Jun–Sep.
- Jan: Not ideal
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Ideal
- Apr: Ideal
- May: Ideal
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Good
- Sep: Ideal
- Oct: Ideal
- Nov: Ideal
- Dec: Good
| Month | Weather | Ideal elsewhere |
|---|---|---|
| January | Not ideal | 62 countries |
| February | Good | 67 countries |
| March | Ideal | 64 countries |
| April | Ideal | 62 countries |
| May | Ideal | 83 countries |
| June | Good | 85 countries |
| July | Good | 51 countries |
| August | Good | 52 countries |
| September | Ideal | 84 countries |
| October | Ideal | 53 countries |
| November | Ideal | 50 countries |
| December | Good | 51 countries |
Free route planner
Build a route around South Africa
The planner puts South Africa in its best stretch (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) and fills the rest of your trip with places that are in spring-like weather at the same time.
Cost of a month in South Africa
Budget-friendly. A rough guide for one person staying a month: $1,200–$1,800 for rent, food and getting around. Book the best months early; prices climb with the weather.
Nearby places with great weather at the same time
Planning more than one stop?
Pro plans your whole year around South Africa’s best months, with backups, a budget and a packing list.
March · free
Marrakech, Morocco
Orange blossoms, mild days, and snow still on the Atlas peaks. March is often its rainiest month, so expect some showers.
11 more months, 3 backups each, and what to skip
Unlock the full route · $19The rest of the 12-month route is part of Spring All Year Pro.
Questions about visiting South Africa
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
The best time to visit South Africa for weather is Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Mild everywhere; safari is best Jun–Sep.
Which months should I avoid in South Africa?
Jan are the least comfortable months in South Africa, usually because of heat, heavy rain, storms or cold. Prices can be lower then, so it depends on what you care about most.
Is it worth visiting South Africa outside the best months?
Often, yes. Feb, Jun–Aug, Dec are still good months in South Africa, with a little more rain or heat but usually fewer crowds and better prices.
How much does a month in South Africa cost?
South Africa is budget-friendly for long stays. A rough guide for one person living there for a month is $1,200–$1,800, including rent, food and getting around. Your style matters more than the country.
Where else has great weather at the same time as South Africa?
Nearby countries with ideal weather in the same months include Lesotho, Morocco, Algeria, Cabo Verde.
General guidance based on typical seasonal weather, not a forecast. Big countries have several climates. Always check current travel advisories and entry rules before you book.