Best Time to Visit South Africa

• May
• June
• July
• August
• September

Visit the South African bush for the ultimate safari experience during the drier, cooler months. As the days become milder, your chances of spotting animals on game drives and safari walks are greatly enhanced. The landscape’s sparse vegetation sees wildlife moving toward waterholes and rivers. This makes it easier for your guides to pinpoint them to provide you with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

• Cooler Climate: Enjoy milder days and crisp, still nights that are comfortable for safari activities.
• Enhanced Visibility: The sparse, dry vegetation makes it significantly easier to spot animals in the bush.
• Predictable Wildlife: Animals predictably gather around remaining waterholes and rivers, leading to excellent sightings.
• Starlit Skies: Experience big, bright night skies that add to the incredible atmosphere of the parks.
• Longer Adventures: Early-morning and late-afternoon safaris allow you to maximize your time under the African sun.

For information on the types of animals you might see on a safari in South Africa, take a look at our Top 15 Animals of South Africa and Where to See Them.

• November
• December
• January
• February
• March

Discover the vibrant colors and calls of South Africa’s magnificent birdlife when its glory is highlighted at the beginning and end of the year. The summer rains bring a lushness to the safari parks and game reserves across the country, with early mornings coming alive with the sounds and sights of countless species, making it a paradise if you are a bird enthusiast.

• Lush Landscapes: Summer rains transform the environment into a lush, thriving habitat for birds.
• Vibrant Mornings: Start your day with the incredible sights and sounds of diverse and active birdlife.
• Colorful Species: Spot brilliantly colored birds like starlings, lilac-breasted rollers, and hornbills.
• Unique Sightings: Keep an eye out for rare and spectacular finds, including the beautiful Narina trogon.
• Prime Destination: These months highlight South Africa as a major international destination for birding.

Zicasso’s 21-Day South Africa Birding Safari will take you from KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Town and the Cederberg for an entire spectrum of sightings.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• September
• October
• November
• December

Known as "a world in one country," South Africa is inviting year-round, but the Southern Hemisphere’s spring, summer, and fall seasons stand out for their exceptional weather. The African sun brings warm days and clear skies perfect for exploring everything from vibrant cities to wild landscape. This allows you to plan your visit based on whether outdoor activities, safaris, or cultural touchstones are your focus.

• Coastal Sunshine: Enjoy warm days and clear skies in Cape Town and the nearby Winelands from November to March.
• Pleasant Safaris: The safari regions warm up nicely during the drier months, offering comfortable conditions for game viewing.
• Outdoor Activities: The generally fantastic weather is ideal for a wide range of adventures and exploration.
• Moderate Climate: South Africa never reaches uncomfortable extremes, making it perfect to explore at any time.
• Stunning Scenery: These seasons showcase the country’s standout scenery and dynamic wildlife.

Find more information in Zicasso’s South Africa travel guide.

• February
• March
• April
• May
• September
• October
• November
• December

The best times to travel to South Africa for sightseeing and other highlights that brim with natural beauty and lively culture are during the pleasant spring, summer, and fall months. From capturing incredible sunsets over iconic mountains to hiking on trails that blossom with seasonal beauty, you will find an endless list of wonderful places to visit and things to see.

• Natural Beauty: Explore scenic landscapes and vibrant culture in pleasant, comfortable weather.
• Cape Sunsets: Capture incredible sunsets over Table Mountain in Cape Town during the summer from December to February.
• Garden Route: Hike the famous trails as they come alive with the beauty of spring flowers in May.
• Lively Culture: Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of cities and towns during these ideal months.
• Endless Discovery: You will always find more spectacular sights to add to your list of must-see places.

Zicasso’s Best of Cape Town and the Garden Route Tour will provide you with a taste of what to expect in these incredibly beautiful regions.

• April
• May
• June
• July
• September

While the summer months see cities like Cape Town packed with visitors and peak winter brings safari-goers, traveling in the shoulder seasons will give you a more tranquil experience. By visiting in the late spring and early fall, you can enjoy the country’s spectacular sights, open roads, and game-filled regions without the bustling crowds of the peak tourist seasons.

• Shoulder Seasons: Visit in the late spring, from April to May, or early fall, in September, for a quieter trip.
• Fewer Tourists: Experience popular sites after the summer visitors and peak safari-goers have departed.
• Open Roads: Take to the scenic open roads as the intense summer heat subsides and traffic lessens.
• Strategic Timing: Plan around major events or tour seasons for a more relaxed vacation.
• Daily Planning: Visit popular attractions early in the morning or just before closing to avoid the busiest times.

South Africa has an excellent road network. Enjoy it on our South Africa Self-Drive Tour and Safari.

• June
• July
• August
• September

A family safari to South Africa is an exciting adventure and knowing when to go is a key part of the planning process. Stepping away from the heat of a Northern Hemisphere summer to enjoy the cool, dry winter months is a perfect way to witness wildlife the entire family will enjoy in a comfortable and educational environment.

• Cooler Weather: Enjoy the mild, comfortable climate of the South African winter, perfect for children.
• Easy Viewing: The sparse, dry foliage makes it much easier for everyone to see animals in their natural habitat.
• Exciting Adventure: Create lifelong memories on a thrilling safari journey the whole family will love.
• Educational Fun: The experience is entertaining and educational, offering lessons in nature and conservation.
• Comfortable Conditions: The pleasant weather is ideal for spending hours on game drives without the intense summer heat.

Find more information when you take a look at our family-friendly safaris and vacations in South Africa.

• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December
• January
• February
• March
• April

From intimate safari adventures to romantic coastal escapes, South Africa sets the scene for an unforgettable journey that couples can enjoy throughout the year. For an inspiring safari with nature walks and luxury accommodation, the drier winter months offer a chance to cozy up under a crisp African sky, while the warmer seasons are perfect for walking along coastal promenades or disappearing into the beautiful hills of the Cape Winelands.

• Year-Round Romance: Enjoy an unforgettable and romantic adventure across the country in any season. However, be aware that winter in Cape Town, from June to August, does come with rain.
• Cozy Safaris: The dry winter months of June to August in the rest of the country are perfect for crackling fires and luxury lodges.
• Intimate Escapes: Combine nature walks and game drives with stays in some of the country’s most spectacular locations.
• Coastal Strolls: Walk hand-in-hand along the promenades in coastal cities like Port Elizabeth and Durban as spring turns to summer.
• Vineyard Retreats: Disappear into the wonderful, rolling hills of the Cape Winelands for a romantic getaway.

For more information on what you can expect in South Africa, see our Beauty of South Africa: Highlights Tour in 13 Days.

• April
• May
• June
• September
• October
• November

Experiencing South Africa’s incredible destinations as a senior is a treat at any time of year, but focusing on a time when crowds are few can make all the difference. Visiting just outside of the peak seasons allows for a chance to enjoy city sightseeing and amazing safaris at a more leisurely and comfortable pace.

• Leisurely Pace: The shoulder seasons are ideal for enjoying the country’s top sights without the usual rush.
• Fewer Crowds: Visit outside of peak safari season, from July to August, and the main summer holidays, which take place in December and January.
• Mild Weather: Enjoy pleasant, moderate conditions that are perfect for city walks and safari drives.
• Easy Exploration: Cities and towns are open for guided walks in a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Comfortable Safaris: Witness a world of wildlife wonder in the reserves with more comfortable temperatures.

More inspiration can be found in our South Africa safaris and vacations for seniors.

• October
• November
• December
• January
• February
• March
• April
• May

From thrilling adventures like paragliding and shark-cage diving to scenic hikes and sandboarding, planning your visit at the right time is key to enjoying South Africa’s great outdoors. The summer months bring long, warm days perfect for high-adrenaline fun, while the cooler, drier days of spring and fall are ideal for activities like whale watching and hiking.

• Summer Thrills: The long, sunny days from November to February are perfect for paragliding, rappelling, and quad biking.
• Marine Adventures: The cooler months of April, May, and October are prime time for shark-cage diving and whale watching.
• Pleasant Hiking: The beautiful spring and fall seasons offer cooler days, perfect for exploring trails like those on the Garden Route without intense heat.
• Canopy Tours: Experience thrilling treetop canopy tours or dramatic gorge swings in beautiful natural settings.
• Beach Fun: Enjoy sandboarding down massive dunes or simply sunbathing on the country’s gorgeous beaches.

Let our Best of Cape Town and the Garden Route Tour inspire you further.

• April
• May
• June
• September
• October

Whether you plan to spend days lazing in the Cape Winelands or just visit for a day trip from Cape Town, timing your tour can enhance the experience. While the breathtaking scenery and delectable vintages can be enjoyed year-round, the harvest and planting seasons offer a quieter, more intimate atmosphere for tasting.

• Harvest Season: Visit from April to early June to experience the exciting energy of the grape harvest.
• Quiet Tastings: The fall and spring shoulder seasons see fewer tourists, allowing for a more personal experience.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy delicious vintages while surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
• Summer Sips: Discover crisp and refreshing chenin blanc and chardonnay as the warm year comes to a close.
• Winter Warmers: Cozy up next to a crackling fire in a historic cellar with a glass of the region’s famous pinotage.

Experience South Africa’s wine heritage and its “Mother City” on our Luxury Cape Town and Winelands Tour.

• April
• May
• June
• September
• October
• November
• December

Often added as a pre- or post-safari stay, South Africa’s popular cities add a lively urban adventure to your overall experience. A highlight on any itinerary is Cape Town, a cosmopolitan gem that dazzles with culture and charm, though other towns along the Garden Route or KwaZulu-Natal coast also offer historical discoveries.

• Perfect Pairing: Cities provide a fantastic urban adventure to complement a wilderness safari.
• Cape Town: Explore this vibrant cosmopolitan city, with its welcoming waterfront, lively promenades, and, of course, Table Mountain.
• Ideal Weather: Enjoy the "Mother City" during the late spring and busy summer for the best, sunniest conditions.
• Crowd Avoidance: Visit key sights in the fall, from April to May, or early winter, in June, to bypass the largest crowds.
• Coastal Towns: Discover historical towns along the Garden Route or KwaZulu-Natal’s east coast in the summer.

To discover more about what you can enjoy in the country, see our Luxury and Heritage: Discover South Africa Tour by Train.

• October
• November
• December
• January

Discover South Africa’s outdoor adventures as the country bursts with life in the spring and summer months. The early spring is ideal for hiking and water activities in provinces like Mpumalanga, while the Cape comes alive with crowds on promenades and thrill-seekers enjoying everything from paragliding to wine tasting on sun-drenched patios.

• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, ziplining, and popular water activities in provinces like Mpumalanga.
• Cape Crowds: Experience the energy of summer as people gather at waterfront restaurants and on coastal promenades.
• Adrenaline Rush: Try popular thrill-seeking activities like paragliding and rappelling in and around Cape Town or along the Garden Route.
• Marine Life: This is a key period for incredible marine adventures like whale watching and shark-cage diving.
• New Life: The summer season is a glorious time in the bush as it marks the beginning of new life for many species.

Highlights

• Panorama Route Hiking
• Storm’s River Zipline
• Tree-top Canopy Tours in Tsitsikamma
• Gansbaai Shark-Cage Diving
• Hermanus for Whale Watching
• Cape Town’s Table Mountain for Rappelling and Hiking
• Umhlanga Beach
• Route 62 or Garden Route Drive
• Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Wine Regions
• Beaches

More information on visiting the country at this time of year can be found in our South Africa in Spring guide or Where to Go in South Africa in Summer.

• June
• July
• August

The fall and winter seasons offer their own unique appeal, with safaris being at their absolute best during the drier, cooler months. Fall is a fantastic time for outdoor activities without the summer crowds, while early winter is perfect for cozying up in quaint towns or embarking on overland trips on quiet, open roads.

• Prime Safaris: These cooler, drier months are the absolute best for game viewing due to sparse vegetation.
• Outdoor Fun: The mild fall season is a great time for hiking or bike rides through the scenic Cape vineyards.
• Harvest Season: Enjoy wine tasting in April and May after the busy summer crowds have left the region.
• Road Trips: Embark on grand overland trips on quiet, empty roads during the peaceful early winter.
• Cozy Towns: Discover quaint towns that offer cozy settings and warm hospitality for a perfect winter escape.

Highlights

• Key Safari Season
• Gansbaai Shark-Cage Diving Begins
• Hermanus Whale Watching Begins
• Harvest Season in Wine Country
• Hiking

Find more information in our South Africa in Winter guide.

• January: Birthing season, warm weather, fewer crowds
• February: Height of summer, baby animals in abundance, prime bird watching
• March: Rain subsiding, lush landscapes, mild days
• April: Mild days, shorter grass, less-crowded safaris
• May: Cooler nights, shorter grass, quieter parks and reserves
• June: Just outside peak season, availability is open, nights are cooler
• July: Peak safari season, cooler days, dry vegetation, good game viewing
• August: Prime game viewing, much activity at waterholes
• September: Warmer days, leaves return to trees, flowers bloom, safaris still good
• October: Warmer weather, rains start in some areas, safaris still good
• November: Green season begins, rains fall, grass gets longer, bird watching is good
• December: Afternoon showers, summer in full swing, green safari season continues

Book for the Best Time to Visit South Africa

South Africa is celebrated for its incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture and charm. Long and winding roads, towns and villages scattered along coastlines, and mountains perfect for hiking are just a few of the reasons to visit the country, and knowing the best time to explore according to your must-see list is key.

Zicasso’s South Africa travel guide has much more information to create your ultimate South African experience.