The best time to visit South Africa
The best time to visit South Africa for warm, sunny weather is February to May, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 89/100 with daytime highs around 24°C / 75°F. January and June are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 3 months a year, warmest in December at 22°C.
South Africa by month, averaged across 4 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85 | 27° / 81°F | 68 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| February | 88 | 27° / 81°F | 51 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| March | 87 | 26° / 79°F | 55 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| April | 89 | 23° / 73°F | 45 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| May | 91 | 21° / 70°F | 35 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| June | 76 | 19° / 66°F | 46 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| July | 74 | 19° / 66°F | 48 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| August | 81 | 20° / 68°F | 50 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| September | 86 | 22° / 72°F | 39 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| October | 87 | 23° / 73°F | 56 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| November | 85 | 24° / 75°F | 68 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| December | 85 | 26° / 79°F | 67 mm | 22° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: February to May — South Africa's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 89/100, ~24°C / 75°F days). Shoulder season: January and June — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: January, ~27°C / 81°F. Wettest: January (68 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Cape Town (3,482 h/yr), Johannesburg (3,287 h/yr), Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (2,989 h/yr). See every South Africa destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.