When is the best time to visit South Africa? This is a question that I get asked quite often on Instagram, and my response is: “It all depends on the region you want to visit and the activities you are planning on doing.”
But I will summarise for you when to visit each area and also my opinion on when to visit South Africa if you are planning on visiting more than one region.
One thing to note is that December and January is peak season in South Africa, no matter the region you are planning on visiting, it will be extremely busy.
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Cape Town
Let’s face it, the most popular area in South Africa is definitely Cape Town! And there is a good reason for it. It has beautiful pristine beaches, mountain backdrops and its world-renowned winelands it is definitely worth the visit. It is important to note that the Western Cape’s weather is a little different to the rest of South Africa. Its rainfall season is during the winter time (June to August), which means it is a cold and wet winter.
Although, Cape Town is beautiful all year round, my absolute favourite time to visit is during the spring season. This is typically from September all the way to November. My main reason for this is because the Western Cape province is known for its wildflower season during this time (more so during September).
This is also right after Cape Town’s rainy season, so everything is green and lush.
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Garden Route
The Garden Route area stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape all the way to Storm River in the Eastern Cape. This area has rainfall throughout the year, but mostly during the month of April.
I believe this region can be visited any time during the year, as it is always green and beautiful. If you are keen on seeing the whales during whale season, then October is the best month to visit this area. They are especially fond of Hermanus all the way to Plettenberg Bay.
People usually also love starting their trip in Cape Town and then making their way to the Garden Route.
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Wild Coast
Wild Coast is situated in the Eastern Cape between East London and Port Edward. It is the perfect name for this area as this rugged nature is mostly untouched by humans.
The Wild Coast’s season is more like the rest of South Africa with its rainfall season during the summer months (December to February).
The best time to visit this area is March to May. It is not as hot anymore, and also nice and green after the annual rain.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal has a tropical climate and is nice and warm straight through the year. You can even wear your summer clothing during their winter season (June to August) and just take a layer with for the chilly nights. The summer months are extremely busy and also super hot.
So… I would suggest visiting KwaZulu-Natal during the winter season.
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Drakensberg
The Drakensberg region is known for its beautiful hiking trails as this is the mountain region in South Africa. The most famous hike being the Amphitheater hike (aka chain ladder hike) to the top of the Tugela Falls – the tallest waterfall in the world!
March to May is the perfect time to tackle these hikes, as the thunderstorm season has passed (which can get quite hectic at the top of the mountain). It is also after the rain season, so the falls will be in full flow. When you are travelling here during May, you might even experience some snow on the mountain.
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route is situated in Mpumalanga and is perfect for chasing waterfalls. So, if you want to see them in full flow, then make sure to visit them right after the rain season.
The rain season is during summer (December to February), so make your way to the Panorama Route during the months of March to May. This will also mean that the Blyde River Canyon is full and lush.
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Kruger National Park
You cannot visit South Africa and not include a safari, and the Kruger National Park is the best spot for this.
Since the Kruger National Park is situated in the northern part of South Africa, it tends to get very hot during the summer months. Winter time (June to August) is the best time to visit this region. It is also right after the rain season, so it is easier to see wildlife at the waterholes.
People like to combine a trip to the Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park as they are situated close to each other and you don’t need too much time in this area.
Planning on doing a South African trip that includes more than one region?
As you’ve noticed by now, the best time to visit most of the regions in South Africa is during the Autumn season (March to May).
I would suggest starting your trip in Cape Town in March, then travel along the coast all the way to KwaZulu-Natal, make your way to the Drakensberg and then end your trip at the Kruger National Park. This way you’ll catch all the areas during their best time.
Happy Travelling!
What to wear in South Africa?
South Africans are known for their casual clothing, which includes sundresses, comfortable shoes to loose fitted pants. And don’t forget to always bring a layer with, especially when you are visiting Cape Town.
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