Content
- What is the climate of South Africa? Here's everything you need to know
- South Africa: climate of the north-east of the country
- The cyclones of Northeast South Africa
- When to visit and go to South Africa
In this content we will talk about the climate and temperatures of South Africa: if you are planning a trip to the country, surely the climate factor will interest you particularly, and you have probably already carefully evaluated this aspect.
With this content, we will go even more specifically, clarifying any reasonable doubts about the temperatures that are recorded on average in South Africa over the course of the 4 seasons - with particular reference to the territory of the North-East of the country. Here's everything you need to know on the subject!
South Africa: climate of the north-east of the country
The north-eastern territory of South Africa is characterized by a warmer climate than the plateau - the reason is due to the lower latitude - Tropic of Capricorn - and to the lower altitude - below 1000 meters above sea level.
Let's begin to examine the climate that characterizes the Kruger National Park: as amply specified in our previous articles, the territory of this beautiful park is home to the presence of lions, elephants and many other animals of the Savannah. The park is located on the border with Mozambique, at an altitude between 300 and 500 meters. Winters are dry and sunny and characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night: during the latter it can get quite cold, with temperatures reaching up to 10 degrees or less. During the day - when the temperature is hot - it can reach 26, 27 degrees. Due to the large temperature range that characterizes the winters of this area, our advice is to dress in layers, during excursions and safaris. Summers are instead very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The rains are particularly scarce in winter and instead become frequent during summer. The amount of sunshine is good throughout the year, although it is better in winter than in summer, due to the presence of a particularly dry cold season. In the Kruger Park area, the best time to visit is certainly between June and August: in these months it is possible to avoid the rains and the summer heat. However, it is important to make sure that you are covered in the coldest hours of the evening. From September onwards, during the day, the temperatures are very hot, while the evenings are cool.
The northernmost area - near the border with Zimbabwe and along the Limpopo River - is very arid: during the day it is very hot, especially from November to February, a period in which there are some afternoon showers, which are however not significant relevant.
The cyclones of Northeast South Africa
The North Eastern territory of South Africa - north of Durban - is sometimes affected by the presence of tropical cyclones, which originate in the Indian Ocean and reach the Northern Territory of the country - from November to mid-May, with more likely to arrive from late December to mid-April.
Typically, these cyclones hit the coast of Mozambique, tending to dissipate into the ocean. Sometimes, however, they can influence the extreme North East of South Africa - the territory included in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, after passing the coast of Mozambique. However, the main damage tends to occur outside South Africa and mainly in Mozambique, although the hinterland of South Africa - including Kruger Park - can be impacted by torrential rains. The presence of tropical cyclones is another reason to avoid visits to South Africa during the austral summer period.
When to visit and go to South Africa
It is difficult to identify a time of year that represents the perfect time to visit South Africa, since the country is characterized by different climates that characterize its territory. In general terms, however, we can say that spring is probably the best compromise for a trip to South Africa - from September to October. In this period it will be possible to avoid the cold winter evening climate of mountains and plateaus, the summer heat of the inland areas and the summer rains of the eastern sector, in addition to cyclones that can affect the eastern areas, in summer and autumn.
If you decide to visit the North East of South Africa during the southern winter - from June to August - you will have to consider that in the northern parks the evenings are cold. The days are instead characterized by a mild and sunny climate.