Best Time to Travel to South Africa

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When Are the Best Months to Visit South Africa?

Are you looking to visit South Africa this year, but unsure on the best months to travel? We’re here to help!

Famed for exceptional safari experiences, white sand beaches, and outstanding wine, South Africa is a dream destination for many. You’ll want to travel when the weather is at its best!

At a Glance: The Best Time of Year to Travel to South Africa

Before we explore when to visit South Africa in detail, here’s a quick guide to help you understand the optimal months to travel for different activities.

Best time to visit South Africa for a safari: May to September
When to travel to South Africa for a beach holiday: November to March
Best months for whale-watching in South Africa: June to November
When to visit the Cape Winelands: Year-round destination

If you’re keen to explore both Cape Town and Kruger National Park in the same trip, we recommend visiting South Africa in either September or October. These are the shoulder seasons, and the majority of the country experiences pleasant weather.

Climate of South Africa

South Africa is split into two climatic zones. In the northern, central, and eastern regions, which includes Kruger National Park, Maputo, and Johannesburg, the driest weather is between the months of May and September.

Whilst this period is technically classed as the winter, temperatures rarely drop below 17 degrees Celsius during the daytime. Make sure to pack warm clothes, though. It can get bitterly cold during the night!

This region experiences hot, wet summers between October and April. Temperatures can soar to up to almost 40 degrees Celsius during the day.

The south, including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and the famous Garden Route, experiences changeable winter conditions from May to September. There are a mix of crisp, sunny days as well as wet and windy ones. Temperatures range from the mid-to-low-teens up to approximately 20 degrees Celsius. The wettest month is June, averaging approximately 100 mm of rainfall.

From October to April, the southern region of South Africa enjoys warm, dry summers. Expect blue skies, long days, and plenty of outdoor events. It’s one of the best times to visit Cape Town, and enjoy the beaches along the Garden Route. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!

Park ranger admiring a giraffe in Kruger National Park

When to Visit South Africa for a Safari

In our opinion, the best time to travel to South Africa for a safari is in the winter, between May and September.

During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as there is less vegetation. The drier weather also means that animals tend to gather around streams, rivers, and waterholes.

You have a much higher chance of seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) at this time. We recommend visiting Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, or Sabi Sand Nature Reserve for a safari in South Africa.

The nearest major airport to Kruger, Madikwe and Sabi Sand is Johannesburg (JNB). From here, regional flights with AirLink or FlySafair will take you to Nelspruit Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, a short distance from nature reserves.

Best Time to Travel to Cape Town & The Garden Route

If you’re a fan of warm and sunny weather, we recommend visiting Cape Town and the Garden Route between October and April.

The climate is perfect for water sports, exploring the coastline’s beaches, and city exploration. We'd recommend visiting Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Keurboomstrand. Don't miss Boulders Beach, either. Here, you can walk and swim with penguins!

As this is peak season, expect accommodation and flights to South Africa to be pricier during these months. The best airport to fly to if you're visiting Cape Town and the Garden Route is Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

Best Months for Whale-Watching in South Africa

Whale-watching season in South Africa generally runs between June and December. It is possible to see whales outside of these months, but the chances of spotting them is lower.

The best places to spot whales are Hermanus, only a two-hour drive from Cape Town, and Plettenberg Bay on the Western Cape. Hermanus is known as the whale watching capital of South Africa, and holds an annual whale festival in September.

Here, you can spot humpback whales, Southern Right whales, and Bryde's whales. The winter migration of humpback whales coincides with the yearly sardine run in June, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

Book flights to South Africa with Alternative Airlines

It couldn’t be easier to book a flight to South Africa using Alternative Airlines! We offer 40+ payment options, including the South African Rand.

Rather than paying for your flights upfront, you can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments. South African residents can take advantage of PayJustNow and split payments into three parts. The service charges no interest and no fees, provided payments are made on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy flights to South Africa with cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can! With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights to South Africa using over 100 cryptocurrencies. This includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Ripple (XRP), among many other altcoins.

When is the rainy season in South Africa?

In the northern region, the rainy season in South Africa occurs in the summer, between October and April. In the south, around Cape Town and the Western Cape, the highest rainfall is recorded during the summer months, between May and September.

Is South Africa cheap or expensive to visit?

South Africa is generally an affordable country to visit. With the exception of a safari, it is cheapest to visit South Africa during the winter months (May to September).

Do I need vaccinations to go to South Africa?

Yes, there are some vaccines that are recommended for travellers to South Africa. The WHO advises these vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.

What's the general advice for travelling to South Africa?

There are many things to consider before travelling to South Africa, such as travel visas, safety concerns, vaccinations and more. You can find out more information through our South Africa Travel Advice guide right here at Alternative Airlines.