South Africa

The Best Times to Visit South Africa for Iconic Wildlife, Epic Landscapes, and Vibrant Culture—According to Locals In many ways, South Africa is a country of abundance. Nicknamed the "rainbow nation" by Archbishop Desmond Tutu after its first democratic election in 1994, this country at the southern tip of Africa is overflowing with iconic wildlife, truly epic environments and vistas, and world-renowned hotels and restaurants. "South Africa is an especially compelling nation, with many cultures, languages, and traditions to explore and enjoy. This is reflected in our cuisine, which draws on a wealth of fresh, seasonal, local ingredients and multiple influences to create unique flavor sensations," says Simon Mandy. The Cape Town local is managing director of The Royal Portfolio, a family-owned collection of luxurious properties that include The Silo Hotel in Cape Town and Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park. What’s more, it’s a well-known fact that those spending United States dollars get amazing value for their money—all in a country where English is spoken and there are flawless beaches, endless savannas, and impressive mountains. Having visited South Africa’s coastline, wine country, Garden Route, and wildlife preserves over the years in January, February, October, and December, I have experienced a variety of weather conditions, from extreme wind to fog to baking heat. Oftentimes, it feels like multiple seasons in one day, especially in Cape Town, so I always pack a lot of adaptable layers. Roar Africa founder and CEO Deborah Calmeyer, a safari expert and part-time Cape Town resident, loves being there most in March, when "there are no crowds and perfect warm weather to enjoy all the beauty of Table Mountain and the emerald Winelands without the December rush of people." For her, the reasons to visit South Africa are as numerous as its healthy populations of zebras, lions, rhinos, and elephants: "The level of service; the restaurants, in both the cities and the bush; and the diversity of experience—the cosmopolitan culture of Cape Town, the beauty of the Winelands, the ochre dunes of the Kalahari Desert, and the abundance of pristine bush, teeming with wildlife." To help you start planning, here's a brief overview of the main travel seasons: High Season: December through February Shoulder Seasons: September to November; March to May Low Season: June to August Keep reading for expert advice on the best times to visit South Africa, depending on your preferences and itinerary. Best Time to Visit for Good Weather "South Africa has a very pleasant and favorable climate year-round," says Mandy, who notes that spring and autumn offer the most balanced weather in most of the country. Mandy’s personal favorite season is spring, from September to November. "It offers beautiful displays of blooming gardens and wildflowers on safari," he says. "The weather is perfect—neither too hot nor too cold." Between October and May—essentially the shoulder seasons and the summertime high season—Calmeyer says the weather on the Western Cape is her favorite. The same goes for safari destinations across the country. "The weather is brilliant," she says. In her opinion, these are also the best months for hiking, as there's little rainfall (contrary to Johannesburg, where most of the rain occurs during summer). One disclaimer: because South Africa is so large, with lots of geographical diversity, there are plenty of climate quirks as you traverse different regions. Best Time to Visit for a Wildlife Safari In Calmeyer’s expert opinion, "anytime" can be the right time to take a wildlife safari—if you use the right local travel advisor. It's important to work with an advisor who has an intimate knowledge of the country’s parks and regions, which range from the Kalahari in the Northern Cape to the famous Kruger National Park. "There are epic opportunities for wildlife viewing 12 months a year,” she says. Typically, the drier months (June to September) are considered excellent times because "animals gather around water sources in the absence of rain," says Mandy, meaning they can be easier to spot. The vegetation also typically dies back during these months, making smaller creatures more visible. He adds, "If you’re an avid bird-watcher, the warmer months (November to February) see the arrival of migratory birds and a dramatic increase in volume of the dawn chorus." This time of year is referred to as "green season," when the weather tends to be rainy and warm in wildlife reserves and parks. Best Time to Visit for a Beach Holiday There’s no question that summer in South Africa (December to February) is the best time to sunbathe on one of the many spectacular beaches along its more than 1,700-mile coastline. Still, don’t expect leisurely swims in the sea. "Don’t forget that it is the Atlantic Ocean, so you are unlikely to get in, as it’s cold," says Calmeyer. "However, for those who enjoy colder water, Cape Town is fabulous in December and January, with white-sand beaches, abundant water activities, and incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities in the Great African Seaforest"—the giant bamboo kelp forest seen in the documentary "My Octopus Teacher." For wetsuit-clad surfers, summer tends to equal smaller waves—plus wind—while the peak surf season is March to September, when the water is at its most frigid (low 70s). Regardless of the season, Mandy adds, "Be warned: the African sun is harsh, so don’t forget your sunscreen." Best Time to Visit for Festivals From lively farmers markets in Cape Town to concert series in the Cape Winelands, South Africa's calendar offers ample seasonal events worth planning trips around. The Cape Town Art Fair and Cape Town International Jazz Festival, both typically in February or March, are great draws. And I can personally attest that the Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are captivating affairs worthy of a bountiful BYO picnic. Mandy adds, "The popular concerts offer live music in a picturesque setting beneath Table Mountain." Harvest season in the Winelands—Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl—starts as early as January and lasts through March. This is an exciting and beautiful time to visit both iconic estates and up-and-coming young winemakers. Worst Time to Visit South Africa South Africa is one of those places that holds its appeal all year long. However, Mandy warns that some travelers could find the peak of summer a bit too hot—though it typically stays in the 70s and only rarely reaches the 90s—and winter temps in remote mountainous regions in the Northern Cape too cold.