Although South African winters are relatively mild, temperatures in parts of the country can drop below zero degrees Celsius during winter. Fortunately, you can still wear shorts and hit the beach in many parts of South Africa during its dry winters. If you are looking to travel in South Africa during winter but want to be in a warm place, consider these travel destinations in South Africa that have warm weather in winter (May to August).
When is winter season in South Africa?
Winter season in South Africa typically spans from June to August. During these months, the country experiences cooler temperatures, especially in the inland regions and higher elevations.
However, it’s essential to note that South Africa’s climate varies significantly across different regions due to its diverse geography. While inland areas and higher altitudes might experience frosty mornings and chilly nights, coastal regions tend to remain milder with pleasant temperatures.
Winter is also the dry season in many parts of South Africa, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing in national parks and game reserves.
Cape Town however experiences its rainy season during winter unlike the rest of the country which has its rainy season in summer.
I have written this blog post to give you specific travel locations in South Africa where you can experience warm weather during winter months.
Which South African cities have the best weather in winter?
As the cold sets in, many travelers seek refuge in South African destinations offering mild temperatures and sunny skies.
From coastal retreats to inland havens, discover the top cities renowned for their delightful winter climates.
Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and thriving industrial sector, Richards Bay offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
I remember visiting Richards Bay during the peak of summer and feeling uncomfortably hot and sticky.
During winter months, the heat in Richards Bay becomes much more pleasant – around 28 to 14 degC. This great weather paired with the warm Indian Ocean are a match made in winter paradise!
Related blog post: Outdoor destinations to visit in KwaZulu-Natal-Natal
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Nestled on the sunny shores of South Africa’s east coast, Durban is like that cool friend who always knows how to have a good time. Picture palm-fringed beaches, laid-back vibes, and a dash of spice in every dish – that’s Durban for you. Whether you’re chilling on the beach, grabbing a bunny chow at a local spot, or soaking up the city’s rich history, Durban is all about kicking back and enjoying the good life.
Durban’s subtropical climate definitely makes it deserves a feature on this list of warm winter locations in South Africa. I’ve often heard Durban praised as the city with the best weather all year in South Africa.
Visit Umhlanga and Ballito for coastal getaways with mid to high-end accommodation with a variety of surrounding restaurants and bars to enjoy.
If you’re keen for a road trip into more undisturbed parts of nature, head to Isimangaliso Wetland Park – one of South Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a 2-hour drive from Durban and is also warm place to be in South Africa during winter.
Related blog post: Outdoor destinations to visit in KwaZulu-Natal-Natal
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Gqebhera, formerly called Port Elizabeth, is a coastal city in Eastern Cape province that enjoys temperatures averaging around 20degC during winter.
Just 180km from here (about a 2 hour drive), is South Africa’s popular Garden Route where you’ll find Tsitsikamma National Park – that’s where the dark water of Storms River meets the Atlantic Ocean. A must visit! Other recommended attractions to visit near Gqeberha are Addo Elephant Park and Jeffreys Bay.
Related blog post: Outdoor destinations to visit in Eastern Cape
Northern Limpopo
Northern Limpopo is the northernmost region of the Limpopo Province in South Africa, bordering Zimbabwe to the north and Botswana to the northwest.
Limpopo is one of my favourite provinces to visit. It’s a wildlife, nature and history lover’s dream.
If you’re keen for a luxury getaway sighting the Big 5, visit one of Limpopo’s private game reserves like the many located within Welgevonden Game Reserve.
More affordably and just as thrilling are the three South African national parks (SANParks) in Limpopo – Marakele National Park in the Waterberg biosphere and Kruger National Park.
It’s also home to several notable natural attractions, such as the Mapungubwe National Park, renowned for its archaeological sites and wildlife viewing opportunities. Northern Limpopo offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic African experience.
Though southern Limpopo is a quick and easy area to access for a weekend roadtrip from Joburg, Northern Limpopo is where the real heat is at! It’s a worthy 6-hour drive from Joburg to get to the north.
Related blog post: Romantic Getaways in Limpopo
Northern Cape
Have you visited Northern Cape province? It’s South Africa’s largest and least populated province. Its arid, desert landscape makes one expect scorching temperatures but this is not the case throughout the province. As an example of the contrary, a town in the Karoo called Sutherland is great for star gazing but is one of the coldest parts of South Africa!
There are parts of Northern Cape which are warm during the day in winter. These may be cool/cold at night though, so make sure to pack warm clothing.
Top Northern Cape attractions where you can expect warm days in winter include Witsand Nature Reserve, Augrabies Falls and |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
And if you don’t make it there in winter, an even better time to visit the Northern Cape is during flowering season in Spring (August to October) when a burst of colourful flowers cover far stretching terrains like a carpet.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga province is one of the warmest provinces in South Africa during winter. A phenomenal low-budget destination to explore in Mpumalanga is The Panorama Route where you will find insanely stunning waterfalls, the third-largest canyon in the world AND the oldest caves in the world – Sudwala Caves.
Winter is also the best time to go on a game drive, so consider a visit to Kruger National Park while you are in Mpumalanga.
Related blog post: Outdoor destinations to visit in Mpumalanga
I trust this blog post has pointed you in the right direction to discover a cozy winter getaway in South Africa that suits your vibe. Come on board my travel tribe by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.
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This article is gold! With the blistering cold weather in Jhb right now, I am looking for options elsewhere to spend the next few weeks. Thanks for putting this together. .