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When to Visit South Africa
7th November 2025
Month-by-Month Guide for Travelling in South Africa
South Africa is a year-round destination, offering something unique in every season. Summer brings long days in Cape Town and the Winelands, while the dry winter months are perfect for Big Five safaris and crisp mornings in the bush. Whether you’re gliding through vineyards on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, taking the cable car up Table Mountain, or journeying through the countryside aboard Rovos Rail, each month offers its own rewards.
This guide helps you choose when to go – highlighting the best conditions for coast, wildlife, food, and wine throughout the year.
January
High summer brings long days, clear skies, and lively energy across the Cape – ideal for those planning luxury South Africa holidays or tailor-made tours. Explore Table Mountain, stroll the V&A Waterfront, and take a scenic cruise to Seal Island from Hout Bay. The Franschhoek Wine Tram glides through sun-kissed vineyards for leisurely tastings and long lunches.
In the north, Kruger National Park and Madikwe are lush and photogenic, though wildlife can be more dispersed.
Highlights: Cape Town’s outdoor lifestyle, vineyard picnics, summer concerts at Boschendal.
Trade-offs: Safari visibility lower due to dense vegetation; peak-season pricing along the coast.
February
South Africa basks in warm, golden light – perfect for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic South Africa honeymoon safari or coastal escape. Sip wine in Franschhoek, explore the Constantia Wine Route, or unwind on Camps Bay beach. Sunset hikes up Lion’s Head reveal panoramic views of the city.
Highlights: Long vineyard lunches, beach escapes, cultural events.
Trade-offs: Warm nights and higher occupancy in coastal resorts; humid inland.
March
Late summer offers warm days and fewer crowds – a great time for tailor-made South Africa holidays combining coast, city, and safari. Experience the Boschendal Farm Experience or take a short Rovos Rail journey linking Cape Town with the bush. The Cape’s vineyards glow golden at harvest, and game viewing improves as rains fade.
Highlights: Wine harvest celebrations, gourmet dining, shoulder-season value.
Trade-offs: Occasional showers in the north.
April
Autumn brings crisp air and brilliant colours. Visit Franschhoek by tram or bike, enjoy relaxed days in Cape Town, and join family-friendly safaris in Sabi Sand or Shamwari as vegetation thins. Perfect for those planning South Africa family holidays who want a mix of coast and wildlife.
Highlights: Balanced itineraries, cool mornings, exceptional photography light.
Trade-offs: Cooler evenings in the Cape – pack layers.
May
Dry season begins in the north – prime time for South Africa safari holidays. Enjoy crisp mornings on game drives in Kruger and Madikwe, where elephants gather around waterholes. In the south, the last mild days of autumn are perfect for scenic drives along Chapman’s Peak or a final picnic at Boschendal.
Highlights: Excellent game viewing, quiet vineyards, lower prices.
Trade-offs: Shorter daylight hours.
June
Winter in the Cape, but a golden period for wildlife. Safari visibility peaks across Sabi Sand and Timbavati, while the Rovos Rail offers elegant journeys through the interior. Whale-watching season begins near Hermanus, and the Winelands glow with roaring fires and full-bodied reds – ideal for luxury South Africa tours.
Highlights: Peak safari viewing, rail journeys, cosy wine retreats.
Trade-offs: Rain possible in Cape Town; chilly mornings.
July
A prime month for family-friendly safaris in South Africa. Expect exceptional wildlife sightings in Kruger, Madikwe, and Pilanesberg under clear winter skies. Southern right whales appear along the Cape coast, visible from Hermanus or on a boat trip from Gansbaai.
Highlights: Safari and whale watching; dramatic winter sunsets.
Trade-offs: Cool nights; pack warm layers.
August
Still dry up north while spring wildflowers bloom across the Western and Northern Cape, painting the landscape in colour. Combine Namaqualand with Cape Town and the Winelands for a stunning multi-centre trip. Safaris remain outstanding, and whale sightings continue.
Highlights: Wildflowers, coast-and-bush itineraries, photography safaris.
Trade-offs: Crisp mornings in the bush; sporadic Cape showers.
September
One of the best months to visit South Africa. Wildlife viewing remains exceptional, and Cape weather warms. Visit Table Mountain, pair Cape Town and Franschhoek with a luxury South Africa safari, or journey north aboard Rovos Rail.
Highlights: Ideal for South Africa family holidays and South Africa honeymoons; spring vitality throughout.
Trade-offs: High demand – book early for top lodges.
October
Early summer brings long, bright days. The Franschhoek Wine Tram is in full swing, while Cape Point and Seal Island make superb day trips. In the bush, newborn animals arrive after the rains. A perfect month for a relaxed tailor-made South Africa itinerary.
Highlights: Great balance of coast and safari; longer days.
Trade-offs: Warm afternoons; brief storms inland.
November
Summer begins – perfect for vineyard picnics, beach days, and outdoor dining in Cape Town. Combine with early-season safaris for lush scenery and abundant wildlife. Ideal for luxury South Africa tours or romantic South Africa honeymoons.
Highlights: New vintages, sunny weather, festive atmosphere.
Trade-offs: Afternoon storms inland; early booking recommended.
December
Festive and full of energy. Cape Town hosts open-air concerts, Boschendal offers summer picnics, and Franschhoek’s boutique hotels brim with life. Excellent for family South Africa holidays or a Christmas safari.
Highlights: Sunshine, celebration, peak beach and wine season.
Trade-offs: High demand – book premium lodges and trains well in advance.
When to Go: Our Expert Summary
- For safari-focused travel, visit between May and September when the bush is dry and wildlife viewing is exceptional.
- For Cape Town, beaches, and the Winelands, the best time is November to March.
- For a balanced luxury itinerary, combining coast, wine, and wildlife, travel in September or October.
- Add a Rovos Rail journey for a seamless connection between the coast and the bush.
Ready to plan your tailor-made South Africa holiday? Speak with our South Africa experts to design a journey that captures the very best of each season.
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Experience Africa in a new light with a tailor-made green season safari. From wildebeest calving in the Serengeti to birding in Botswana, our experts design seamless itineraries that combine wildlife, landscapes and value. We take care of every detail so you can focus on the adventure.
Call us now on 020 8502 8300 and one of our expert team would be happy to help start planning your safari itinerary.