Best time to visit South Africa

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South Africa

Best time of year to visit South Africa

Even though this country is a year-round destination, May through September is the best time to visit South Africa. Wild animals are easier to spot during the dry season, so don't miss your chance to visit such famous parks as Kruger or Madikwe.

Winter is all about unbelievable marathons and fantastic hiking in Blyde River Canyon or Table Mountain. Nothing can beat the outdoor activities in such pleasant weather. But mind that the rain can take you by surprise in the south of the country.

Dreaming about a beach holiday of a lifetime? Find year-round sunshine on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. As for the Cape Town coast, it is close to perfection between November and March. Get out there and discover some exotic fruits like a wild medlar, mobola plum or marula.

25 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH AFRICA (SEPTEMBER 05 - SEPTEMBER 14)

Zulu Reed Dance

Zulu Reed Dance

late August–early September • event

Tens of thousands bare-breasted maidens dance and sing, bringing reeds to their King

Namaqualand Flowers

Namaqualand Flowers

early August–mid-September • nature

The only site in the whole world where a vast dry area annually transforms into a lush orange flowerbed, but only for a few short weeks

Meerkat Wonder at Sunrise

Meerkat Wonder at Sunrise

March–May | September–November • nature

Cute by appearance, but far from being innocent—meerkat hunt in gangs of 20 to 50, and there is always someone on patrol

Seal Snorkeling

Seal Snorkeling

September–May • nature

One of the cutest experiences you can get in Cape Town that will provide a lot of positive vibes

Land-Based Whale Watching

Land-Based Whale Watching

July–November  • nature

South Africa is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen from the shore

Red Sunsets

Red Sunsets

March–May | September–November • nature

The South African sunset is a colourful riot of blood-red, pink, gold, and auburn

Garden Route

Garden Route

July–April • activity

The most picturesque route in South Africa is filled with vibrant fauna and flora, and runs between the ocean and mountain ranges

West Coast Wildflowers

West Coast Wildflowers

August–October • nature

Every spring, arid valleys along South Africa's western coastline burst into a colourful bloom

Fishing Season

Fishing Season

September–May (all year round) • activity

Whether it's deep sea fishing or flyfishing in a mountain stream, expect a good catch

Safari

Safari

May–September • nature

The impressive biodiversity of South Africa will give you the opportunity to experience the best wildlife safari of your life

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

September–April (best November–February) • nature

Come in season to spot local endemics and near-endemics along with migrants from Europe and north Africa

Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park

February–April (waterfall) | April–September (hiking) • nature

Discover why indigenous people called this area the place of great noise

Rim of Africa

Rim of Africa

late September–mid-November • activity

Rugged hilly path coloured with wild fynbos is often said to be more than just a trail, as it passes through a range of private lands

Vredefort Dome

Vredefort Dome

May–July (all year round) • nature

The oldest and biggest scar on the surface of Earth is often called the cradle of all life

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman's Peak Drive

all year round • activity

The most beautiful road in South Africa

Table Mountain Hiking

Table Mountain Hiking

March–May | September–November (all year round) • activity

Reach the flat peak to have a look at the beautiful city panorama through the cloudy tablecloth

Knysna Oysters

Knysna Oysters

April–September | June–July (festival) • food

In peak season, thousands of people head to the coast and to Knysna Oyster Festival to try the best seafood

Smiley, a Sheep's Head

Smiley, a Sheep's Head

all year round • food

A plate of sheep's head with a grotesque grin is an element of traditional cuisine

Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon

June–August (all year round) • nature

Nature designed this trek for those who love epic views

Cango Caves

Cango Caves

all year round (except December 25) • activity

Discover the fascinating maze of stalagmite and stalactite chambers that appeared on earth millions of years ago

Hiking in Drakensberg

Hiking in Drakensberg

April–October (all year round) • activity

South Africa's top hiking destination may be discovered in two different conditions: either green, rainy, and foggy, or dry, clear, and cold

Transvaal Red Milkwood

Transvaal Red Milkwood

April–September • food

Sweet and high in vitamin C, this native South African fruit is favoured by all local residents—even monkeys and baboons!

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

April–October • activity

South Africa offers the best rock climbing in the entire African continent, with some spots being among the best in the world

Oudtshoorn Ostriches

Oudtshoorn Ostriches

all year round • nature

Have you ever ridden an ostrich? Trying to curb this bird might turn out to be more challenging than you think. Otherwise, simply learn about the life of these magnificent birds

Swartberg Pass

Swartberg Pass

all year round • activity

A curvy road with hairpin bends and unique colorful cliffs

33 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

National Arts Festival

National Arts Festival

out of rangeJune 20-30, 2024 • event

Don't miss one of the greatest cultural events of the African continent—the best occasion to discover current SA performances, music, and art

Cape Town Carnival

Cape Town Carnival

out of rangeMarch 16, 2024 • event

A colourful and joyous celebration of all things Cape Town

The Army of Ducks

The Army of Ducks

out of rangeJanuary–March  • activity

If you think ducks can't work in the wine-making business, visit South Africa and see for yourself

Two Oceans Marathon

Two Oceans Marathon

out of rangeApril 14, 2024 • event

The world's most beautiful marathon

Sardine Run

Sardine Run

out of rangemid-May–mid-July • nature

This is not a mere mass migration, but also an escape from numerous ruthless marine predators and greedy fishermen

Playful Penguins Watching

Playful Penguins Watching

out of rangeDecember–February  • nature

Penguins love to hang out on the Boulders beach a lot, but in summer they are exceptionally playful

Rocking the Daisies

Rocking the Daisies

out of rangeOctober 3-6, 2024 • event

An open-air music party is the best way to kick off the South African summer season

Sandboarding

Sandboarding

out of rangeNovember–March  • activity

Sandboarding provides you with a perfect mixture of sun and fun, and makes you look at the traditionally winter sports in a summerly way

Corona J-Bay Open

Corona J-Bay Open

out of rangeJuly 13–22, 2023 • event

A pro tournament in one of world's best surfing destinations

Turtle Nesting

Turtle Nesting

out of rangeNovember–March • nature

If you've never seen a turtle that weights 400 kg, you should visit South Africa

Croc Cage Diving

Croc Cage Diving

out of rangeOctober–March • activity

The snapping jaws and gnarly teeth just a few centimetres from your face—this personal encounter is to become a memorable experience

Splashy Fen Festival

Splashy Fen Festival

out of rangeMarch 28-April 01, 2024 • event

The longest-running music festival in SA and the ultimate outdoor experience

AfrikaBurn

AfrikaBurn

out of rangeApril 29-May 5, 2024 • event

Join the art community for an unforgettable annual meeting and be prepared to find the new worlds!

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Waterfront fireworks and countdown parties with Table Mountain in the backdrop

Ultra South Africa

Ultra South Africa

out of rangeMarch 1-2, 2024 • event

You don't have to be in Miami to feel the vibes of the world's best electronic music festival—it has already reached South Africa

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangeearly September–early October  • nature

Travel to the countryside to see cherry orchards spring bloom throughout the country

Jacarandas in Pretoria

Jacarandas in Pretoria

out of rangelate September–mid-November • nature

It's not a mere coincidence that Pretoria is called Jacaranda City—during the blooming season, the city turns purple with 70,000 blooming trees

Big Five Marathon

Big Five Marathon

out of rangeJune 15, 2024 • event

Combine an excellent marathon experience with big-five game viewing

Mopane Worms

Mopane Worms

out of rangelate December–January • food

Try the traditional delicacy of South Africa

Roasted Termites

Roasted Termites

out of rangeNovember–January • food

Close your eyes and you'll think you're eating pretzels or popcorn

Sani Pass Road

Sani Pass Road

out of rangeNovember–March • activity

A gorgeous winding road between South Africa and Lesotho

Comrades Marathon

Comrades Marathon

out of rangeJune 9, 2024 • event

The ultimate human race is the pinnacle of any ultra-marathoner's running career

San Kriol Jazz Festival

San Kriol Jazz Festival

unconfirmedJuly 6–7, 2024 • event

The finest combination of African vibes and jazz culture

South African Horrorfest

South African Horrorfest

out of rangeOctober 25–November 6, 2023 • event

A unique event celebrating Halloween in South Africa

Bainskloof Pass

Bainskloof Pass

out of rangemid-October–mid-February • activity

Enjoy the ride over one of the most picturesque passes in South Africa

Num-Num (Carissa)

Num-Num (Carissa)

out of rangeJanuary–February • food

A wild vitamin-rich treat of the South African summer

Marula Season

Marula Season

out of rangeJanuary–March • food

Explore the versatile uses of the South African "treasure fruit"

Phutu (Umphokoqo)

Phutu (Umphokoqo)

out of rangeNovember–March • food

Traditional South African crumbly pap dressed with sour milk is popular during the hot summer months

Surfing the Big Wave

Surfing the Big Wave

out of rangeJune–August  • activity

Cape Town—the greatest place for surfing all year round. However, if you are an experienced surfer winter might be your best choice

AERO South Africa

AERO South Africa

out of rangeJuly 3-5, 2024 • event

Africa’s largest general aviation trade show

Windsurfing

Windsurfing

out of rangeOctober–March • activity

Incredible views and great winds await sailors in Cape Town

Wild Medlar

Wild Medlar

out of rangeJanuary–April • food

Come in season to explore the wild tastes of South Africa

Mobola Plum

Mobola Plum

out of rangeOctober–January • food

Try this local indigenous fruit raw, cooked in porridge, or fermented into beer

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