South Africa’s Annual Average Temperature & Rainfall
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South Africa average temperature

What to expect from South Africa weather

Many foreign travelers think that the sun is always shining in South Africa. Alas, this is not the case. However, to better plan your visit so that you get the weather you desire, it is best to understand South Africa’s average temperature from month to month.

South Africa is big with a total landmass of over 470,900 square miles, so you can therefore expect the weather to change from region to region

South Africa’s climate is determined by it being in the Southern Hemisphere’s subtropical zone. Its average temperature is also determined by the country’s location between the Atlantic and the Indian ocean.

The country enjoys all 4 seasons. But South Africa’s weather is a little bit complicated. There are temperate woodlands, lush tropical coasts, arid deserts, and snow-capped mountains. Depending on where and when you go to any given part of the country, you may encounter different weather conditions… even in the same season. For example, Cape Town gets its rain during the winter, whereas Mpumalanga gets its rain during South Africa’s summer months.

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South Africa has a wider variety of climates than most other sub-Saharan countries. The temperatures and climates are also different from province to province, mostly due to altitude and elevation. However, South Africa’s weather is typical for the Southern Hemisphere. You can therefore expect temperatures as high as 97°F during the summers, to a low of 28°F during the winters.

And while the temperatures do change from region to region, you can expect the temperatures on the coast to be more consistent throughout the year. It is the temperatures in the arid areas of the interior and the mountainous areas that see the greatest fluctuation in seasonal temperatures.

Regardless of when or where you travel in South Africa, it is a great idea to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. For example in the Kalahari Desert, temperatures can soar all day and drop to below freezing at night. 

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About The Author

Hi! We’re the Cheltens’. We visit South Africa 1-2 times per year. We want to share our experiences with you so that you may make educated decisions when you plan your next trip to the rainbow nation.

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On this day in 1960, police opened fire on protesters in Sharpeville (the Sharpeville Massacre). Sixty-nine people were killed and 180 wounded. In apartheid South Africa, this day was commemorated as Sharpeville Day. It was not part of the apartheid government’s official calendar of public holidays. However, the , ...
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