Weather & climate · Pretoria

Best Time to Visit South Africa

May and August

The best time to visit South Africa is May and August, when daytime highs in Pretoria are around 24–25°C. April, June to July and September are also a good time to go. November is the warmest month (31°C by day), July the coldest (4°C at night), and January the wettest with about 115 mm of rain.

31°C

Warmest: November

4°C

Coldest nights: July

570 mm

Rain per year

115 mm

Wettest: January

South Africa weather by month

Jan31°C18°C115 mm
Feb31°C17°C75 mm
Mar30°C15°C66 mm
Apr27°C12°C38 mm
May24°C8°C12 mm
Jun21°C5°C5 mm
Jul21°C4°C2 mm
Aug25°C7°C5 mm
Sep29°C11°C13 mm
Oct31°C14°C48 mm
Nov31°C16°C79 mm
Dec31°C17°C112 mm

Best time Good Less ideal

Average high Average low Rain (mm per month)

Month	High	Low	Rain	Humidity	Cloud cover	Verdict
January	31°C	18°C	115 mm	60%	59%	Fair
February	31°C	17°C	75 mm	59%	56%	Fair
March	30°C	15°C	66 mm	59%	47%	Fair
April	27°C	12°C	38 mm	58%	42%	Good
May	24°C	8°C	12 mm	50%	24%	Best time
June	21°C	5°C	5 mm	50%	20%	Good
July	21°C	4°C	2 mm	44%	17%	Good
August	25°C	7°C	5 mm	39%	19%	Best time
September	29°C	11°C	13 mm	35%	24%	Good
October	31°C	14°C	48 mm	44%	41%	Fair
November	31°C	16°C	79 mm	52%	55%	Fair
December	31°C	17°C	112 mm	58%	63%	Fair

Data: NASA POWER (Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources) — 25-year climate averages 2001–2025, public domain, for the area around Pretoria (-25.7, 28.22). Satellite and model averages — local weather stations can differ by 1–2 °C, and mountains or coasts elsewhere in South Africa have their own climate.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

May and August. The best time to visit South Africa is May and August, when daytime highs in Pretoria are around 24–25°C. April, June to July and September are also a good time to go. November is the warmest month (31°C by day), July the coldest (4°C at night), and January the wettest with about 115 mm of rain.

What is the hottest month in South Africa?

November, with average highs of 31°C in Pretoria.

What is the coldest month in South Africa?

July, when nights drop to about 4°C and days reach 21°C.

What is the rainiest month in South Africa?

January with about 115 mm; July is the driest (2 mm).

When should I avoid visiting South Africa?

January is the least comfortable month on average: 31°C by day and 115 mm of rain.

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