Travel: Choose The Best Time To Visit South Africa

Letsatsi, the White lion. (Son of Temba)
Arno Meintjes Wildlife / Foter.com / CC BY-NC

 

Africa is often referred to as “Sunny South Africa”. This phrase is not wrong as far as the temperature of Africa is considered. However, Southern Africa has the more agreeable climate for most of the time in a year. But if you wish to plan a trip to South Africa then the best time for visit must be known. The best time to visit South Africa depends on two factors: Firstly the purpose for which you are visiting South Africa and secondly the regions you want to visit. The season cycle in South Africa goes on opposite to that of the Northern hemisphere. Here you will not see anything like white Christmas. South Africa can be divided into two areas viz. areas for summer rainfall and areas for winter rainfall.

THE NORTHERN, CENTRAL AND EASTERN REGIONS OF SOUTH AFRICA

The eye-catching and interesting areas of South Africa like Kruger National Park, Drakensberg Mountains, Johannesburg, Madikwe Game Reserve experience summer rainfall as well as dry and cool winters. Cape Town and Port Elizabeth experience winter rainfall as well as dry summers.

SUMMER RAINFALL

In the areas where rainfall is courteous even in summers, the rain falls predominantly as if thunder showers and down pours. Such rains may last even for few minutes as well as for few days. Even though, the maximum average daily temperature fluctuates between 28-35 degrees Celsius. In the summer rainfall regions vegetation is thick due to sunny weather. This proves to be the best time for one to see the greenest African bushes. Even the rich birdlife of South Africa is out during this season and the air is generally very clean. But experiencing safari during the green season has a disadvantage. The bush is so green and thick that the visibility of such species gets limited.

WINTER

Winter turns this region with beautiful yellow and brown shades. The night temperature falls to 0-12 degrees Celsius. This is the best season for tourists to set for safari. In this season many trees and plants shed their leaves, the grass dries or is grazed and so the visibility enhances.

WINTER RAINFALL

The areas of the Western Cape and Garden Route which experience winter rainfall are green during winter. The cold fronts that bring rain can continue upto 2-3 days. This is followed by champagne days where you can experience crystal clean air, clear blue skies with brilliant colours. The months of summer are generally hot and so are considered to be the best time to explore Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Many visit South Africa in between of the European Winter as they are fascinated by the blue sky and comfortable temperature. Naturally this is a tourist season for Africa and so the tour will also be expensive and crowdy. August is the best month for one to visit South Africa. However this depends on one’s own perception.

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