Weather & climate FAQ — South Africa
Answers to the most-searched weather and climate questions about South Africa, from 2020–2024 daily observations across 4 cities.
South Africa hub ★ Best time to visit South Africa
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in South Africa?
Climolog covers 4 cities in South Africa with 2020–2024 daily weather observations. Typical monthly highs range from 18.9°C (in July) to 26.6°C (in January); see each city's page for day-by-day history and month-by-month averages.
What is the climate in South Africa by month?
Across South Africa, the hottest month is January (avg high 26.6°C) and the coldest is July (avg low 7.6°C). For the full month-by-month breakdown across every city, see the best-time-to-visit guide for South Africa.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
The best months to visit South Africa are September, March, May — the highest travel-comfort scores across the country's cities (comfortable temperatures, low rainfall, and good sunshine). See the month-by-month ranking for South Africa for the best city in each month.
What is the hottest month in South Africa?
January is the hottest month, averaging a high of 26.6°C across South Africa's cities. See January climate details.
What is the coldest month in South Africa?
July is the coldest month, averaging a low of 7.6°C across South Africa's cities. See July climate details.
What is the wettest month in South Africa?
December is the wettest month, averaging about 98.6 mm of rain per month across South Africa's cities. See December climate details.
What is the driest month in South Africa?
August is the driest month, averaging about 34.6 mm of rain per month across South Africa's cities. See August climate details.
When is the rainy season in South Africa?
The wettest months in South Africa are January, February, December, which together form the main rainy season. Travel is usually drier and more comfortable in September.
Which city in South Africa has the best weather?
Among South Africa's cities, Johannesburg has the best weather — its best month is September (travel-comfort score 97/100). See its best-time-to-visit guide.
How many cities does Climolog cover in South Africa?
Climolog covers 4 cities in South Africa with 2020–2024 daily weather data. Browse them all on the South Africa hub.
Best time to visit by month
Best time to visit in September Best time to visit in March Best time to visit in May
Each links to the month hub listing every city whose single best-weather month is that month.