in South Africa: when to go?
subtropical climate
L'Afrique du Sud bénéficie d'un climat subtropical remarquablement agréable, inversé par rapport à l'Europe. L'été austral (décembre-février) apporte chaleur et pluies occasionnelles, idéal pour profiter des magnifiques côtes du pays. L'automne et le printemps (mars-mai et septembre-novembre) offrent les conditions parfaites pour explorer : températures douces, ciel dégagé et paysages verdoyants. L'hiver austral (juin-août) reste clément dans la plupart des régions, mais peut être frais le matin et le soir, particulièrement à Johannesburg et dans les régions montagneuses. C'est toutefois la meilleure période pour les safaris : la végétation clairsemée facilite l'observation des animaux qui se rassemblent près des points d'eau. Pour un voyage optimal, privilégiez avril-mai ou septembre-octobre, quand le climat conjugue douceur, ensoleillement et faibles précipitations.
- Best period
- March to May, September to November
- Good alternatives
- December to February
- Rainy season
- June to August
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
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Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
Month by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
16° — 26°C
Precipitation
72 mm
Average temperature
21°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Parfait pour les plages et la côte. Orages l'après-midi sur le plateau.
Temperature
16° — 26°C
Precipitation
77 mm
Average temperature
21°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Encore chaud et agréable. Derniers orages estivaux possibles.
Temperature
14° — 24°C
Precipitation
58 mm
Average temperature
19°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Conditions parfaites pour tout type d'activité. Paysages colorés.
Temperature
11° — 21°C
Precipitation
40 mm
Average temperature
16°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Idéal pour les safaris et randonnées. Journées douces, nuits fraîches.
Temperature
8° — 18°C
Precipitation
25 mm
Average temperature
13°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Très sec et ensoleillé. Préparez des vêtements chauds pour le soir.
Temperature
5° — 16°C
Precipitation
13 mm
Average temperature
10.5°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Sec mais froid, surtout la nuit. Excellent pour l'observation animalière.
Temperature
4° — 16°C
Precipitation
8 mm
Average temperature
10°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Mois le plus sec et froid. Gelées matinales possibles sur le plateau.
Temperature
6° — 19°C
Precipitation
11 mm
Average temperature
12.5°C
Rating
Correct
By climate zone
Temps sec avec réchauffement progressif. Floraison dans le Namaqualand.
Temperature
9° — 22°C
Precipitation
23 mm
Average temperature
15.5°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Retour des températures agréables. Nature qui reverdit, faune active.
Temperature
12° — 24°C
Precipitation
37 mm
Average temperature
18°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Conditions idéales pour toutes activités. Jacarandas en fleurs.
Temperature
14° — 25°C
Precipitation
48 mm
Average temperature
19.5°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Très agréable avec premières pluies rafraîchissantes. Paysages luxuriants.
Temperature
15° — 26°C
Precipitation
52 mm
Average temperature
20.5°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Chaleur estivale naissante. Parfait pour découvrir les vignobles du Cap.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit in South Africa
The best months to visit in South Africa are March, April, May, September, October, November. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
The subtropical climate of Afrique du Sud alternates between dry and wet seasons, with consistently warm temperatures (average 19.5°C). Variations are more pronounced than in a classic tropical climate: winters can be cool depending on the region.
The wet season in Afrique du Sud covers June, July, August, with frequent rainfall. Nature is lush but some itineraries may be affected. The dry season (March, April, May, September, October, November) is preferred.
If Afrique du Sud is located in a typhoon zone, these phenomena generally occur in late summer and autumn. Our local agency monitors weather in real time and adapts itineraries as needed.
The driest months (March, April, May, September, October, November) offer the best conditions for cultural site visits and urban exploration. Pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and often clear skies for photography.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in in South Africa, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
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