Climate
Weather in South Africa, month by month
Best time to visit
For mild temperatures and less rain, March, September, October are usually the most comfortable months in South Africa (based on recent 2025 averages near Pretoria).
Average weather by month
Daytime high / overnight low (Celsius and Fahrenheit), with average monthly rainfall, near Pretoria. Tap a month for details.
| Jan | 27.6°C (82°F) / 16.6°C (62°F) · 108 mm |
|---|---|
| Feb | 27.4°C (81°F) / 16.7°C (62°F) · 115 mm |
| Mar | 26.6°C (80°F) / 15.3°C (60°F) · 46 mm |
| Apr | 23.5°C (74°F) / 12.4°C (54°F) · 71 mm |
| May | 21.7°C (71°F) / 9.5°C (49°F) · 15 mm |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) / 6.3°C (43°F) · 7 mm |
| Jul | 19.2°C (67°F) / 5.8°C (42°F) · 2 mm |
| Aug | 22.9°C (73°F) / 8.5°C (47°F) · 5 mm |
| Sep | 27.1°C (81°F) / 12.1°C (54°F) · 17 mm |
| Oct | 27.6°C (82°F) / 13.5°C (56°F) · 48 mm |
| Nov | 26.9°C (80°F) / 15°C (59°F) · 104 mm |
| Dec | 27.1°C (81°F) / 16.2°C (61°F) · 130 mm |
Updated climate normals, 2025
Climate extremes in South Africa
| Warmest month | January · avg high 27.6°C (82°F) |
|---|---|
| Coolest month | July · avg low 5.8°C (42°F) |
| Wettest month | December · ~130 mm |
| Driest month | July · ~2 mm |
Common questions
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
For a balance of comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall, March, September, October tend to be the most pleasant months in South Africa.
What is the hottest month in South Africa?
January is the warmest month in South Africa, with average daytime highs around 27.6°C (82°F).
What is the coldest month in South Africa?
July is the coolest, with average overnight lows near 5.8°C (42°F).
Which month has the most rain in South Africa?
December is typically the wettest month (around 130 mm on average), while July is usually the driest.