South Africa in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Cape Town, South Africa: 64°F High • 45°F Low

July in South Africa is the heart of winter, bringing reliably dry, sunny weather to the northern interior and classic cool, showery conditions to the Western Cape. The atmosphere across the country is generally crisp and clear, creating spectacular visibility and ideal conditions for outdoor adventures like safaris and hiking. The average temperature in Cape Town hovers between 64°F and 45°F, with a mix of sunny days and rain.

What to Expect

The winter weather varies significantly across South Africa’s diverse landscapes, offering everything from warm, dry bushveld days to green, temperate coastlines and frosty mountain peaks.

• Northern Lowveld: In Kruger National Park, the days are idyllic. Feel the pleasant warmth of the midday sun, which can reach up to 86°F. It’s perfect for all-day game viewing, while the nights are cold and clear, ideal for stargazing around a boma fire.
• Central Highveld: When you visit Johannesburg, you will find the days sunny, crisp, and dry, with nighttime temperatures often dropping close to freezing. The iconic grasslands are a pale gold under cloudless skies.
• Western Cape: In Cape Town and the Winelands, expect classic winter weather. Feel the cool, invigorating sea breeze on a coastal walk. See rainbows arch over lush, green vineyards after a passing shower, a sign of the life-giving winter rains.

With the country settled into its dry winter season, July is the perfect time to experience South Africa's legendary wildlife destinations and cozy cultural hubs. The pace is relaxed, allowing for deeper immersion and more intimate experiences, while thrill of the wild and the comfort of luxury merge to provide you with an unforgettable journey.

Kruger National Park • Best Place for a Family Safari

Explore South Africa’s most famous national park on Zicasso’s Best of South Africa Safari and Tour: Cape Town to Kruger. This is the time when wildlife viewing is at its absolute peak, creating unforgettable moments for the whole family.

What to Expect

• Feel the shared thrill as your family spots the Big Five for the first time in the sparse winter bush.
• Hear the fascinating stories of the African wilderness from your expert guide, sparking a lifelong love for nature in your children.
• See the unfiltered drama of the animal kingdom unfold at a waterhole, a natural theater of life and survival.

Cape Winelands • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

Discover the enchanting towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where cozy winter weather creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic escape.

What to Expect

• Feel the warmth of a crackling fireplace in a historic Cape Dutch manor house after a day of exploration.
• See rolling vineyards, lush and green from the winter rains, shrouded in a romantic morning mist. For more inspiration, see our Luxury Cape Town and Winelands Tour.
• Taste award-winning red wines during an intimate tasting in a candlelit cellar, guided by the winemaker.

The Garden Route • Best Place for Coastal Adventures

Our Garden Route Adventure: Four Weeks in South Africa will see you journeying along one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, where temperate weather invites exploration of its forests, lagoons, and seaside towns.

What to Expect

• Feel the refreshing spray of the Indian Ocean as you hike a coastal trail overlooking a dramatic, rocky shoreline.
• Hear the distinctive call of the Knysna Turaco echoing through the canopy of the ancient Tsitsikamma Forest.
• See pods of dolphins surfing the waves from a viewpoint in Plettenberg Bay.

Drakensberg Mountains • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Find serene solitude in this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, where crisp, clear winter days are perfect for hiking in peace.

What to Expect

• Feel the satisfying crunch of frost underfoot as you set out on a trail in the cool, clear morning air.
• See ancient San rock art, thousands of years old, hidden within a secluded sandstone cave on our Hidden South Africa 2-Week Tour.
• Hear the profound silence of the vast mountain landscape, broken only by the wind or the call of a soaring eagle.

July in South Africa is a month of iconic events and unparalleled natural spectacles. The dry, clear weather in the north creates perfect conditions for safaris, while the coastal regions come alive with migrating marine life and vibrant cultural festivals. It is a season for creating memories that are rich with the diverse and captivating spirit of South Africa.

Go on a Prime Dry-Season Safari

Explore South Africa’s legendary Kruger National Park on a Kruger National Park Safari when wildlife viewing is at its most rewarding.

What to Expect

• Feel the raw excitement of tracking a pride of lions through the dry, sandy riverbeds where they often hunt.
• See incredible concentrations of elephants, buffalo, zebra, and antelope congregating at the last remaining waterholes.
• Hear the African bush come alive with a chorus of calls as the sun sets, signaling the start of the nocturnal world.

Witness the Start of the Whale Migration

Journey to the Western Cape coastline to observe the arrival of Southern Right whales in one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching destinations.

What to Expect

• Feel a sense of pure awe as the first gentle giants of the season arrive in the calm, protected bays to calve.
• See the powerful spout of a whale against the deep blue of the winter sky, a sight visible directly from the shore.
• Hear the collective gasp of delight from fellow onlookers along the cliff paths of Hermanus when a whale breaches on Zicasso’s South African Escape for Couples: City, Beach, and Safari.

Experience the Durban July Spectacle

Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of South Africa’s most famous horse race and premier social event when you take a South Africa Bush and Beach Vacation: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and Thanda Private Game Reserve tour.

What to Expect

• Feel the vibrant energy of the crowd as fashion, music, and sport collide in a spectacular one-day festival.
• See a dazzling display of high fashion and creative design, as attendees showcase their most glamorous and avant-garde outfits.
• Hear the thunder of hooves on the turf as the nation’s best thoroughbreds race towards the finish line.

South Africa in July is enchanting. The dry, mild winter weather creates the perfect conditions for unforgettable safari experiences, while the coasts come alive with migrating whales and vibrant cultural events. From the legendary bushveld of Kruger National Park to the cozy romance of the Cape Winelands, July welcomes you to explore South Africa’s remarkable diversity at its most comfortable and crowd-free.

If you are eager to start planning your South African July adventures, our South Africa travel guide offers further inspiration, or you can find more information in our South Africa tours and vacations.