South Africa: When to go
Its hard to be too exact about climate these days, as more often than not, the weather is unseasonal. This is true of South Africa as much as it is true of Britain or anywhere else in the world.
Traditionally, however, South Africa is mainly sunny throughout the year. Seasons are the reverse of those in the UK, with midwinter in June and July and midsummer in December and January. Climate varies considerably between regions.
The southern-most part of the Western Cape, including Cape Town, has a Mediterranean-type climate, influenced by winds blowing in from the South Atlantic. This can result in changeable, though usually mild, days in winter, when most of the rainfall occurs. From November to March, weather is hot and sunny.
The low season is an increasingly popular time to visit the Cape. It is not always hot enough to laze on a beach, but it is usually mild and pleasant enough for touring and there are special offers on accommodation and air fares. August and September are wonderful months to see spring flowers in bloom.
On the east side including the Kruger Park area there is sunshine year round. Summers are hot, with short, heavy rains; winters sunny, dry and sometimes cold at night. Game viewing is particularly good between May and September, when the water shortage encourages animals to gather at waterholes, and the low vegetation makes it easier to spot them in the bush.
KwaZulu Natal enjoys a subtropical climate, with plenty of sunshine year round. Summers are hot and can be humid, with sudden downpours. You may prefer to avoid high summer for a touring holiday.