South Africa in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Winter in South Africa is a great time for you to visit cities, quaint villages, and outdoor attractions, with the cooler climate allowing for enjoyable day trips without the intense heat of summer. You can enjoy a traditional meal such as lamb potjie or bobotie in a warm atmosphere and browse art galleries and boutiques.

The winter months are generally considered high season for safari and reveal wildlife destinations flourishing in the peak game-viewing season. The open plains are alive with animals roaming freely and congregating around water holes. Take advantage of the clear night skies in the Cederberg Mountains, for example, and embrace a brilliant starry sky.

South Africa’s diverse topography means you will experience a range of temperatures depending on which region you are visiting during the winter months of June, July, and August. You will find that while South African winters can be chilly, they are generally mild and comfortable.

During the day, the African sun brings temperatures up to the mid-70s°F. When visiting interior regions such as Johannesburg, you will experience temperatures that drop below freezing at night, with daytime conditions sunny and pleasant. Coastal areas such as Durban enjoy warmer winters due to the influence of the Indian Ocean, maintaining a more temperate climate year-round.

Mpumalanga Province • Best Place for Sightseeing

South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province is brimming with picturesque scenery and outdoor adventures during the cooler months. This results in clearer skies and a lack of humidity during June, July, and August, allowing for more comfortable exploration.

Adventure along the Panorama Route, taking in the spectacular views over the Blyde River Canyon and wandering around the nature-carved Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Under a clear sky, gaze out over what seems like miles and miles of grasslands, hills, and vistas at God’s Window.

The dry and cool conditions of winter in South Africa provide the ideal setting for captivating safari adventures in the province. The grass is low due to the lack of rain in the region during the months of June, July, and August, so embarking on a game drive or bush walk in the cool mornings and mild afternoons is pleasant and exciting.

Umhlanga • Best Place for Great Weather

Umhlanga is located along KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, where winter is marked by comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 52°F to around 70°F. The mild climate allows you to enjoy the beautiful golden beaches and rejuvenating walks or runs along the popular promenade.

If you feel like taking a dip during your visit to Umhlanga, the Indian Ocean remains warm, making it inviting for swimming and other water activities. You can spend time in the rock and tidal pools, which are ideal for snorkeling and exploring marine life. Winter months in Umhlanga often feature clearer skies, which contribute to more vibrant and colorful sunsets.

Garden Route and Oudtshoorn • Best Place for Families with Children

Discover a South African playground that the entire family can enjoy when you travel the Garden Route, visiting popular sites from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay and the Tsitsikamma Forest. While there may be some rainfall, the mild days are perfect for embarking on a gentle hike along the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail or taking a walk over the impressive Storm’s River Bridge.

You can spend time in Plettenberg Bay at the Plett Arts Festival, which takes place from late June to early July, to find a variety of creative activities suitable for children. Take a trip inland and enjoy a day at the intriguing Cango Caves near the ostrich capital of South Africa, Oudtshoorn. This is a popular detour when you spend time along the Garden Route. Step inside a wonder of stalactites and stalagmites before arriving in the quaint coastal gem of Knysna.

Cape Winelands • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

The Cape Winelands regions of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl are captivating year-round. However, the crisp winter air and fewer crowds make spending time in the region in winter truly romantic.

You will find the seasonal landscape serene and charming, with lush greenery. The possibility of light snow at the very top of the Hottentots Holland Mountains offers a promising accent to the breathtaking panorama. Winter provides the perfect backdrop for cozy wine tastings, with many wine estates featuring warm and inviting tasting rooms where you can enjoy local vintages seated by a fireplace for a more intimate experience.

Cape Town • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Visiting Cape Town in June, July, and August will allow you to explore at a more relaxed pace than you would be able to in summer. Explore the city’s rich connection to culture displayed within museums, galleries, and theaters. Cape Malay restaurants in the Bo-Kaap provide a connection to local tradition with fewer crowds and taking a cable car up Table Mountain when it is open is a comfortable way to explore the plateau.

Enjoy the Knysna Oyster Festival

Spend some time in the quaint coastal town of Knysna to enjoy the events taking place at the Knysna Oyster Festival. Running from early to mid-July, this festival celebrates the region’s culinary delights, particularly its oysters. Events you can enjoy include sporting activities, food tastings, and entertainment, making it a highlight of the winter season along the Garden Route.

Take in a Show at the National Arts Festival

Embrace the Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape Province. The festival runs from late June to early July and showcases a diverse array of performances, including theater, music, dance, and visual arts. With over 60 venues and more than 600 performances, you have a wonderful choice when it comes to what to see and experience when you visit the National Arts Festival.

Place a Bet at the Durban July Horse Racing Event

Take part in South Africa’s premier horse racing event, which is held annually on the first Saturday of July in Durban. Since its inception in 1897, it has evolved into a major social and sporting spectacle, offering thrilling horse racing and vibrant fashion displays. At this “must-attend” social event, you can enjoy a fun day out while taking advantage of the mild winter weather in this KwaZulu-Natal coastal city.

Take advantage of the wonderful mild weather South Africa boasts during the Southern Hemisphere winter months of June, July, and August to explore the many wonders of this spectacular country. Enjoy unforgettable safaris in the northern and eastern regions, lap up the quiet and cozy corners of winery tasting rooms, and wander the key sites of Cape Town with fewer crowds.

For more ideas for your trip, find inspiration with our South Africa tours or explore the possibilities of when to visit, where to go, and more with our South Africa travel guide.