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Best time to visit South Africa
The best times to visit South Africa (Cape Town) are in January, February, March, November and December based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.
South Africa by month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Recommended for South Africa
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Top South Africa destinations
Below are average maximum temperatures at popular countries, regions and places in South Africa in November. Select a holiday destination to see more weather parameters.
All South Africa destinations
- Bergville
- Bloemfontein
- Calvinia
- Cape Town
- Durban
- East London
- Estcourt
- Graaf-reinet
- Johannesburg
- Kimberley
- Knysna
- Ladysmith
- Leataba Rest Camp
- Mthatha
- Musina
- Okiep
- Oudtshoorn
- Pietermaritzburg
- Polokwane
- Port Elizabeth
- Port St Johns
- Pretoria
- Skukuza Restcamp
- St Lucia
- Stellenbosch
- Sun City
- Underberg
- Upington
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
The best times to visit South Africa (Cape Town) are in January, February, March, November and December based on the following average weather conditions.
Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]
Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.
Max Day Temperature (°C)
- Jan
25 - Feb25
- Mar24
- Apr
22 - May
19 - Jun
17 - Jul17
- Aug17
- Sep18
- Oct20
- Nov22
- Dec24
Best time to visit
The weather guide for South Africa (Cape Town) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.
Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)
South Africa overview
A pleasant climate is a major asset in South Africa's drive to distance itself from past controversy and place itself firmly on the world tourism map.
If travelling to South Africa, remember that, because it lies south of the equator, its seasons are the opposite to those of North America and Europe.
Only the low-lying areas in the north, along the borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have a tropical climate with related high temperatures and humidity.
In the south, the coastal lowlands around Cape Town have a Mediterranean climate with hot summers (September to May) and warm, rainy winters.
The eastern coastlands and the low veld of Durban and Natal have a subtropical climate with most rainfall falling between October and April, which is also the period of highest temperatures and humidity.
The western coastal strip has a cold sea current which keeps temperatures cool and generates plenty of low cloud and fog but almost no rain.
In the eastern interior or high veld (where Johannesburg and Pretoria are situated), summers are rainy and warm and winter days are mild although temperatures can drop dramatically at night.
The low humidity and high number of sunshine hours produce a pleasant and healthy climate all year.
The western interior is mostly desert or semi-desert and has a hot, sunny climate. What rain there is falls between November and April.
What to pack for South Africa weather
Take light clothing and be prepared for rain if visiting between September and May. Pack warmer wear if travelling during their winter.
More about South Africa
Explore our complete guide to South Africa with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for South Africa.
- Essential information
- Ready to book?
- Top travel deals
- Travel advice
- Travel health
- Travel features
- FAQs
South Africa essential information
Below is a beginner's guide to South Africa with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.
| South Africa - quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Flight time✝ | 11 to 12 hours |
| Time difference | UK +2 hours |
| Language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, English |
| Currency | South African Rand |
| Electricity | C + M + N plug (230V) |
| Driving side | Left |
✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.
Travelling to South Africa?
Discover where to book holidays, flights, hotels and more from popular travel providers for your trip to South Africa in 2026/2027.
Holidays to South Africa
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Love Holidays Book holiday packages to worldwide destinations with this UK-based OTA. Pay low deposits and get best price promise. |
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Hays Travel UK's largest independent travel agency offers no and low-deposit getaways to countless destinations worldwide including South Africa. |
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Mercury Holidays Award-winning travel provider offering package holidays, escorted tours and river cruises to South Africa and more. |
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On the Beach One of the UK's largest OTAs specialising in affordable package beach holidays to South Africa and beyond. |
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Secret Escapes Members-only travel club offering exclusive deals on hand-picked luxury hotels and holidays to South Africa and more. |
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Sunshine.co.uk UK OTA offering low-cost holidays, hotels and flights to South Africa and beyond. Low deposit deals available. |
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Thomas Cook This iconic British travel brand invented the package holiday. Now offers holidays, city breaks and hotels to South Africa and more. |
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Travelbag Award-winning UK-based travel company specialising in personalised long-haul holidays to South Africa and further afield. |
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Virgin Holidays UK tour operator offering holidays to the USA, Caribbean and Asia and now known as Virgin Atlantic Holidays. |
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Expedia Compare and book holidays, flights, hotels, car hire and more on this trusted website covering global destinations. |
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lastminute.com Leading European travel company specialising in dynamic holiday packages to thousands of destinations including South Africa. |
Tours to South Africa
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Travelsphere UK-based tour operator with 60+ years experience. Offers award-winning guided tour holidays across six continents. |
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Wendy Wu Tours UK's leading specialist tour operator to China, Japan and southeast Asia. Flights, hotels, meals, guides and visa included. |
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Explore! Adventure travel company offering authentic experiences for small groups to over 100 countries including South Africa. |
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Riviera Travel The UK's leading river cruise and tour operator, offering scenic experiences worldwide including in South Africa. |
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Newmarket Holidays Long-established travel brand offering escorted tours, river cruises, resort stays and more to South Africa and beyond. |
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Just You Specialists in solo travel for over 25 years. Offers a range of trips and experiences to worldwide destinations including South Africa. |
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Contiki Global travel brand for 18-35s, offering over 200 all-inclusive group trips across six continents. Low deposit bookings available. |
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Cosmos Long-standing travel brand offering affordable adventure tours across 54 countries on six continents. |
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Exoticca Online tour operator offering cultural trips and experiences designed by an in-house team of travel experts. |
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G Adventures Award-winning adventure travel brand specialising in small-group tours, safaris and expeditions across all seven continents. |
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Go2Africa Popular, award-winning safari tour company offering a wide choice of tailor-made trips and tours around Africa. |
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Saga Holidays Award-winning travel operator specialising in escorted tours and hotel holidays to Europe and worldwide for over 50s. |
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Trafalgar Discover your next guided tour through this top-rated travel brand covering every destination from Europe to Australia. |
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TUI Tours Browse from a wide range of tour packages with expert local guides through TUI's dedicated escorted tour brand. |
Flights to South Africa
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Kenya Airways |
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Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopia's flag carrier and the leading airline in Africa. Serves over 100 destinations across 80+ countries including South Africa. |
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British Airways The UK's national flag carrier is a major global airline, serving over 200 destinations across 80 countries including South Africa. |
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Virgin Atlantic Major British airline offering non-stop transatlantic routes from London to the USA and beyond. |
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Air France This major French international airline serves almost 170 destinations across 73 countries including South Africa via its hub in Paris. |
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Cathay Pacific Hong Kong's flag carrier airline, serving over 100 destinations across 28 countries and territories including South Africa. |
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Emirates The largest airline in the Middle East, operating thousands of flights across 140+ destinations worldwide via its Dubai hub. |
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Etihad Airways Browse and book flights to 100+ destinations via Abu Dhabi with the national airline of the UAE. |
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KLM The Netherland's national flag carrier and the world's largest airline. Serves 170 international destinations via Amsterdam. |
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Qatar Airways Qatar's state-owned flag carrier flies to over 170 destinations worldwide across 80+ countries including South Africa. |
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eDreams Leading European OTA offering thousands of flights and hotels across 40,000 destinations including South Africa. |
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KAYAK Search and compare flights, hotels, car hire and package holidays through this award-winning travel search engine. |
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Kiwi.com Global OTA and search engine specialising in affordable flights, hotels and car hire across worldwide destinations including South Africa. |
Hotels in South Africa
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Hilton Leading global hospitality brand with a portfolio of 9,000 properties across 141 countries and territories including South Africa. |
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Radisson Hotels Major international hotel group with 10 brands and over 1,520 hotels worldwide including in South Africa. |
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IHG Leading global hotel group with a portfolio of international brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and more. |
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Marriott The world's largest hotel company with a portfolio of 30+ brands and almost 9,600 properties across 143 countries. |
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ALL World-leading hospitality group offering experiences and stays across more than 110 countries including South Africa. |
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Agoda One of the world's largest online travel platforms with a network of over 6 million hotels. Plus flights, activities and more. |
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Booking.com Leading global OTA founded in Amsterdam. Offers worldwide accommodation, flights, car hire, activities and more. |
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Hotels.com Part of Expedia Group, this major OTA offers deals and discounts on hotel rooms worldwide including in South Africa. |
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Priceline Leading OTA for discounted flights, hotels, cruises, car hire, experiences and packages worldwide including in South Africa. |
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Trivago Global travel brand and metasearch engine that compares accommodation prices across different online booking sites. |
Accommodation in South Africa
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Oliver's Travels Specialists in luxury villa holidays. All accommodation is handpicked with locations in the UK, Europe, Asia and beyond. |
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Hostelworld Leading global OTA for hostels and budget accommodation worldwide. Perfect for travellers looking to connect. |
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VRBO Owned by Expedia Group, this online holiday marketplace offers a unique selection of 2+ million homes worldwide. |
Ocean cruises to South Africa
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Fred Olsen Set sail from the UK to worldwide destinations including South Africa with this long-standing cruise company. |
Things to do in South Africa
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Viator The world's largest online marketplace for tours, activities and attractions. Owned by Tripadvisor. |
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Get Your Guide Major global marketplace specialising in travel experiences. Covers tours and attractions across six continents. |
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Isango Browse and book great-value sightseeing tours, experiences and attractions across 300+ destinations including South Africa. |
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Klook Find and book thousands of experiences via this online travel platform covering worldwide destinations including South Africa. |
Car hire in South Africa
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Avis Award-winning global car rental provider with over 5,500 locations across 170 countries including South Africa. |
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Enjoy Travel Compare and book car hire, hotels, airport parking, attractions and more on this trusted global travel platform. |
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Europcar Global car and van hire provider with over 3,800 locations in over 140 countries worldwide including South Africa. |
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Sixt Trusted international car rental company offering mobility services across 2,200+ locations in 105 countries including South Africa. |
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Carrentals.co.uk Car rental price comparison website. Offers 24,000+ pick-up locations and free cancellation. |
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Holiday Autos Browse and book car hire worldwide with Holiday Autos. Serves over 50,000 locations worldwide including South Africa. |
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KAYAK Leading global travel search engine for finding and comparing flights, hotels, car hire and more. |
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Zest Car Rental Formerly Economy Car Hire, this leading UK car hire broker covers over 1,500 destinations worldwide. |
Money transfers to South Africa
Airport taxis for South Africa
eSIMs for South Africa
South Africa travel deals
Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays, flights, hotels and more for South Africa in 2026/2027. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holidays, early bird offers and free kids places where available.
- Book 2026 holidays & get free perks with On the Beach
- Perks vary based on hotel star rating & promotional T&Cs
- Free lounge access, gadget cover, weather protection & more
Expires at 23:59 on Monday 31st Aug 2026 · View all On the Beach offers
- Get FREE flights on selected 2026/2027 tours
- £1,000 saving per person. Partner flies free on other tours
- Travel before 31st December 2027 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Saturday 31st Jan 2026 · View all Wendy Wu Tours offers
- Save on holidays & flights worldwide in the BA sale
- Book trips to Europe, USA, Caribbean & beyond
- Including New York, Los Angeles, Florida, Barbados & Dubai
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- Save up to 20% small group trips worldwide in 2026
- Book adventures online in Explore! Big Blue Sale
- Travel before 31st December 2026 (inclusive)
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- Save on holidays to popular destinations worldwide
- Book holidays to Caribbean, USA, Indian Ocean & more
- Pay just £75 deposits per person to secure booking
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- Save up to 10% on all 2026 holidays in Riviera Travel sale
- Book tours & cruises in Europe, Asia, Africa, the USA & more
- Travel before 31st December 2026 (inclusive)
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- Save up to £600 on selected holidays in 2026/2027
- Book discounted holidays with 'Sale' label
- Discounts varies by destination & holiday type. T&Cs apply
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- Save 15% on ALL tours worldwide in 2026, 2027 & 2028
- Filter tour deals by month, destination, features, price & more
- Travel before 31st December 2028 (inclusive)
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- Save up to £800 per couple on selected worldwide tours
- Plus save up to £300 per couple on European tours
- Book tours online in Travelsphere New Year sale
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- Save up to 50% on 2026 holidays & tours with Travelbag
- Book selected stays in popular destinations around the world
- Travel before 31st December 2026 (inclusive)
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South Africa travel advice
Check the latest travel advice and guidance on visiting South Africa from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.
- UK traveller advice for South Africa - UK FCDO
- Irish traveller advice for South Africa - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
- Canadian travel advice for South Africa - Government of Canada
- US travel advisories for South Africa - US Department of State
- Safe travel advisories for South Africa - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
- Smarter traveller advice for South Africa - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia
Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around South Africa.
Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
South Africa travel health
Find out more about staying safe when travelling to South Africa with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.
- Vaccines & medicines for South Africa - CDC
- Health & vaccinations for South Africa - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
- How to stay safe & healthy in South Africa - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland
Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in South Africa, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.
Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
South Africa travel features
Do you want to learn more about South Africa? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in South Africa.
South Africa FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to South Africa including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.
Which is the hottest month in South Africa?
The hottest time of year in Cape Town, South Africa is normally February. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 25°C with low heat and humidity.
Which month has the most rain in South Africa?
In terms of rainfall, June is usually the wettest month in Cape Town, South Africa with 189mm on average. There are normally 13 days in June with some rain.
When is it sunniest in South Africa?
The sunniest time of year in Cape Town, South Africa is normally February with bright sunshine on average for 77% of daylight hours; that's 10 hours of sunshine per day.
When is the sea warmest in South Africa?
The sea is usually at its warmest in Cape Town, South Africa in February when the water temperature reaches 20°C.
What is the flight time to South Africa from the UK?
The flight time to South Africa from the UK is typically 11 to 12 hours.
What is the time difference between South Africa and the UK?
The time difference between South Africa and the UK is UK time+2 hours.
What is the main language spoken in South Africa?
The main languages spoken in South Africa are Zulu, Xhosa and English.
Learn a language for South Africa with Busuu*, Rocket Languages* and Rosetta Stone*.
What is the currency in South Africa?
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Send money to South Africa with Wise.com*, World Remit* and XE Money Transfers*.
Which plugs are used in South Africa?
South Africa uses electrical plug type C + M + N (230 Volts).
Which side of the road do they drive on in South Africa?
They drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.
Find out more about driving in South Africa with International Drivers Association*.
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