When to Travel to South Africa
If you're planning a luxury holiday in South Africa, you want to make sure to pick a time that allows you to make the most of your vacation. So first things first, before choosing when to travel to South Africa, start compiling a list of things you want to do during your stay. You can then use this guide to decide when the best time to travel to South Africa is for you. *Northern hemisphere dwellers wanting to know when to travel to South Africa should keep one important fact in mind: seasons are reversed below the equator, so Christmas happens during the summer while July brings occasional snow showers.
The Best Time to go on a South African Safari
Kruger National Park is one of Africa's most popular attractions. During the spring and summer holidays, thousands of families flock to this 20,000 square kilometer game reserve with hopes of seeing some of Africa's most famous wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebra, hippos and rhinoceroses. Consequently, the best time to go on a safari in South Africa (i.e. peak season) is June through November - though April & May and December & January are also very good. The weather is beautiful and the low vegetation and plentiful water sources guarantee great game viewing. (Also, you won't have to deal with mosquitoes). And for marine life lovers, the best time for whale watching in South Africa coincides with their migration season - July to September.
When to go Hiking in South Africa
If you want a clear view of South Africa's majestic mountaintops, late April through early June offers crisp hiking weather in Cape Town. If you dare to hike the mighty Drakensberg, the best time to go hiking South Africa's top tier is anytime other than mid-summer or mid-winter. That being said, be prepared for all types of weather patterns at all times.
Best Time for a Beach Holiday in South Africa
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean invite people to the city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal all year round. Cape Town's beaches are most popular between the months of November and April, including Christmas & New Year's. Nightlife and international tourism peak in January, making it the best time to visit Cape Town for those who love to mingle. During late summer and early autumn, beaches are less populated and far more conducive to a quiet getaway.
When to Visit South Africa's Winelands
South Africa's wineries are well stocked all year long. For nature lovers, the best time to visit the South African winelands is during autumn and spring as you'll get to see the lush flora fill the sweeping hillsides. For foodies, the best time to go to the winelands is during the cooler months between June and August. You'll have an easy time getting reservations at Cape Town's five star restaurants, and you'll get to enjoy winter events such as the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, a 10-day celebration of South African dance, theatre, film and music.
RECAP: When to Travel to South Africa
There are dozens of seasonal attractions that bring different types of travelers from all over the globe. For example, the world renowned Namaqualand daisies bloom in September, which also happens to be the month of the famous Zulu reed dance festival. If you want to go scuba diving, the annual sardine run between May and July is the best time to swim with South Africa's sharks and dolphins. So, as you can see, the best time to travel to South Africa widely depends on how you want to spend your time.
