Support
closeOur WhatsApp number is a chat only number. One stop solution for all your queries!
The best time to visit South Africa is May – September. South Africa is a country which has something for everyone, from amazing safaris to beaches and cosmopolitan urban areas. Since this country is located in the southern hemisphere, the winter months are in the middle of the year. It is the dry season with temperatures ranging from 8°C – 25°C.
Read along to learn about different climates to visit South Africa and the best experiences in each season.
Knowing the details of each season of the country you’re visiting makes trip planning much easier. Follow the details below to plan your trip to South Africa:
| Month | Average Temperature | Description |
| September-November (Spring Season) | 13 to 20 degrees Celsius | In South Africa, spring is marked by longer days and sporadic cold mornings and evenings. As the month goes on, bright, calm days become more frequent. Popular events during this time: Hilton Arts Festival, The Darling WildFlower Show, and Spring Fest Under18 Music Festival. |
| December-February (Summer Season) | 16 to 29 degrees Celsius | Summertime in most of South Africa is defined by warm, bright days that frequently include afternoon thunderstorms that pass fast and leave the air smelling earthy and pleasant. Popular events during this time: Limpopo Marula Festival, Rocking The Daisies, and Habitat Festival. |
| March-May (Autumn Season) | 12 to 30 degrees Celsius | Heavy clouds and light precipitation mark autumn in many parts of South Africa. Even while the days are generally pleasant, the temperature might drop significantly at night during autumn. Popular events during this time: Cape Town International Jazz Festival, AFRIKABURN, and Cape Town Walk. |
| June-August (Winter Season) | 8 to 25 degrees Celsius | The winter months in South Africa are often pleasant, sunny, and cloudless, with clear blue skies, occasionally broken up by a few days of cold fronts. It gets chilly at night. Popular events during this time: Durban July Cultural Festival, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, and We Love Food Market. |
Spring in South Africa offers diverse experiences, whether you're into nature, adventure, culture, or simply relaxing in beautiful surroundings.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to South Africa:
| Weather | Pleasant |
| Temperature | 13°C to 20°C |
| Season | Moderate |
| Season for Localities | Hilton Arts Festival, The Darling Wildflower Show, Spring Fest Under18 Music Festival |
| Key Highlights |
|
Summer in South Africa is a vibrant time filled with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and opportunities to explore the country's natural beauty and diverse attractions.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to South Africa:
| Weather | Warm and sunny |
| Temperature | 16°C to 29°C |
| Season | Peak |
| Season for Localities | Limpopo Marula Festival, Rocking The Daisies, Habitat Festival |
| Key Highlights |
|
Autumn in South Africa is delightful for outdoor activities, relaxation, and cultural exploration. It is an ideal time to visit and experience the country's natural beauty and rich heritage.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to South Africa:
| Weather | Mild |
| Temperature | 12°C to 30°C |
| Season | Moderate |
| Season for Localities | Cape Town International Jazz Festival, AFRIKABURN, Cape Town Walk |
| Key Highlights |
|
South Africa's winter offers diverse activities, from wildlife adventures to cultural experiences and relaxation, making it a rewarding time to explore this beautiful country.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to South Africa:
| Weather | Windy and chilly |
| Temperature | 8°C to 25°C |
| Season | Off |
| Season for Localities | Durban July Cultural Festival, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, We Love Food Market |
| Key Highlights |
|
South Africa can be visited at any time of the year. The weather is pleasant mostly throughout the year, making it possible to go sightseeing anytime. However, there is one time in the year when tourists can avoid visiting South Africa:
| Months to Avoid | Reason |
| December-February (Summer Season) |
|
Travelling to South Africa from India can vary in affordability depending on the time of year. Here's a general overview of how costs for flights and hotels can differ across different months or seasons:
| Season | Average Flight Cost | Average Hotel Cost per Night | Description |
| September-November (Spring Season) | ₹24,000 - ₹38,000 | ₹2,000 - ₹3,500 | High to moderate prices; the season experiences warm and bright temperatures. Tourists can go to experience the colourful wildflowers and safaris. |
| December-February (Summer Season) | ₹26,000 - ₹38,000 | ₹3,000 - ₹4,000 | Highest prices; the season experiences high tourist influx. People come to go for the safaris, and prices for everything are high. |
| March-May (Autumn Season) | ₹24,000 - ₹32,000 | ₹2,000 - ₹3,000 | Moderate prices; the season starts to become cold as winter sets in. The landscape becomes bright and sunny. |
| June-August (Winter Season) | ₹22,000 - ₹26,000 | ₹2,000 - ₹3,000 | Low prices due to the chilly weather. Outdoor activities like skiing are popular. Tourists retreat to hot springs to relax. |
South Africa is a fascinating country to visit. However, there are some things you should know and prepare beforehand to make your experience pleasant. Some of them are:
Safety in South Africa is a concern among many, and crime is not uncommon. However, this shouldn't stop you from visiting this beautiful country. Visit with awareness and caution. Some useful tips for your trip to South Africa are:
South Africa is a diverse, multicultural and heterogeneous country. There are 11 official languages, the three major ones being: Zulu (22.7%), Xhosa (16%) and Afrikaans (13.5%). The language spoken depends upon the region. Here are some phrases which would be useful during your South Africa trip:
| English | Zulu/Xhosa/Afrikaans |
| Good Afternoon | Zulu – Sakubona, Xhosa – Molo, Afrikaans – Goeie middag |
| My name is… | Zulu – Igama lam ngu…, Xhosa – Igama lam ngu …, Afrikaans – My naam is |
| Thank you | Zulu – Niyabonga, Xhosa – Enkosi, Afrikaans – Dankie |
| What is your name? | Zulu – Igama lakho ngubani?, Xhosa – Ungubani igama lakho?, Afrikaans – Wat is jou naam? |
| Show me the way to… | Zulu – Ungangibonisa umgaco oya e…, Xhosa – Ungangibonisa umgaco oya e…, Afrikaans – Kan u my die pad beduie na… |
| Where is a garage? | Zulu – Likuphi igaraji elikufilphi?, Xhosa – Iphi igaraji ekufuphi apha?, Afrikaans – Waar is die naaste garage? |
| Yes | Zulu – Yebo, Xhosa – Ewe, Afrikaans – Ja |
| No | Zulu – Hayi, Xhosa – Hayi, Afrikaans – Nee |
| I am sick | Zulu – Ngiyafa, Xhosa – Ndiyagula, Afrikaans – Ek is siek |
| …the nearest hotel? | Zulu – Likuphi ihotele elikufuphi?, Xhosa – Iphi ihoteli ekufuphi apha?, Afrikaans – Waar is die naaste hotel? |
| Water | Zulu - amanzi, Xhosa - amanzi, Afrikaans - water |
| Go | Zulu - hamba, Xhosa - hamba, Afrikaans - gaan |
| Stop | Zulu - Ima, Xhosa - yeka, Afrikaans - stop |
| Turn right | Zulu - Jikela ngakwesokudla, Xhosa - Jika ekunene, Afrikaans - draai regs |
| Turn left | Zulu - Jika ngakwesokunxele, Xhosa - Jike eKhohlo, Afrikaans - draai links |
| Wine | Zulu - iwayini, Xhosa - isiselo somdiliy, Afrikaans - wyn |
| 0 | Zulu - uziro, Xhosa - unothi, Afrikaans - nul |
| 1 | Zulu - eyodwa, Xhosa - Nye, Afrikaans - een |
| 2 | Zulu - ezimbili, Xhosa - Mbini, Afrikaans - twee |
| 3 | Zulu - ezintathu, Xhosa - Ntathu, Afrikaans - drie |
| 4 | Zulu - ezine, Xhosa - ezine, Afrikaans - vier |
| 5 | Zulu - amahlanu, Xhosa - Ntlanu, Afrikaans - vyf |
| 6 | Zulu - eziyisithupha, Xhosa - Ntandathu, Afrikaans - ses |
| 7 | Zulu - Isikhombisa, Xhosa - Sixhengxe, Afrikaans - sewe |
| 8 | Zulu - ayisishiyagalombili, Xhosa - Sibhozo, Afrikaans - agt |
| 9 | Zulu - ayisishiyagalolunye, Xhosa - Thoba, |
| Afrikaans- nege | |
| 10 | Zulu - eziyishumi, Xhosa - Shumi, Afrikaans - tien |
During your tour to South Africa, you need not worry when visiting urban regions. People there can understand and speak Basic English. However, knowing a few basic phrases is appreciated. Keep in mind that Afrikaans may be considered offensive in some regions. If you are not sure of which language to use, then it is best to stick to English.
Now that you know the best time to visit South Africa, you can plan your trip more easily and have the best experience. First, however, make sure to get a travel insurance plan before your trip. Then, in case of any unforeseen situations such as health-related issues, injuries, luggage misplacement or loss, flight delays and cancellations, etc., it will cover your expenses.
Please try one more time!
Disclaimer -
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
The information mentioned here about the countries, visa fees and others is taken from different sources. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, buy a travel policy or make any other decision.
Get Visa for Popular Countries from India
Get 10+ Exclusive Features only on Digit App
closeRead More
Rated App
Rated App
Scan to Download
