The Best Time to Visit South Africa? Cape Town to Kruger & More

If you’re wondering about the best time to visit South Africa, then the chances are you’re already sold on the amazing travel experiences this stunning country has to offer. But when is the best time to visit Cape Town or Kruger National Park, and beyond?

Taking a trip of a lifetime here means you can combine breathtaking landscapes and wild wave-crashed shorelines with world-class wildlife safaris, cosmopolitan cities, wine tours, incredible food experiences, amazing hikes, and more. 

Cape Winelands South Africa

Understanding the best time to visit South Africa is key to getting the most out of your adventure!

After all, as an enormous country that encompasses several different climates within its borders, choosing when to travel to this amazing African destination will largely depend on what you want to do here and where exactly you want to visit. 

For those planning a trip to South Africa, the not-to-miss destinations for your itinerary include Cape Town and Kruger National Park, along with other South African safari parks, and this article will tell you the perfect time to experience all these must-visit spots. 

Best Time Visit Cape Town 

Few cities in the world offer the kind of breathtaking backdrop that Cape Town in South Africa does!

Cape Town South Africa

Pair this with a cosmopolitan culture, unique history, a thriving food and wine scene, rugged nature, and an abundance of wildlife on the city’s doorstep, and you can understand why this is a must-see destination for anyone visiting South Africa. 

The best time to visit Cape Town is during its spring and summer months which, (because it’s in the southern hemisphere), run from November through February. 

Peak summer here is during December and January, which also coincide with local school holidays, so expect to pay more and book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to travel at this time. 

Otherwise, it pays to know that any time up until March is still generally warm and pleasant for sightseeing in Cape Town, as is the month of October. Indeed these 2 shoulder seasons can be the best times to visit this spectacular city because you’ll get lower prices and fewer crowds, while still enjoying comfortable weather.

Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park

There are dozens of safari parks in South Africa, but the most famous and popular by far is Kruger National Park. This is South Africa's leading safari destination and one of the 9 Best National Parks in Africa.

South Africa Safari, Kruger lions

Located in South Africa’s northeastern corner, 450 km north of Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is situated on the opposite side of the country to Cape Town.

As such, the climate here is very different - namely, Kruger’s weather is much more tropical, it rarely gets cold and the seasons here are generally split into wet and dry.

The rainy season in Kruger Park usually falls between October and February, when it can also become stiflingly humid as temperatures soar. That said, the rainy season is also when the landscape here is in full bloom, making for stunning photo ops. 

While you may fear the rain will dampen your safari spirits, in true tropical style, the rains in Kruger are usually short and sharp, clearing quickly into blue skies once again. As such, getting out to enjoy the wild and magnificent scenery here, not to mention the abundant birdlife, is doable in the wet season. 

That said, it is usually the dry season that offers better wildlife spotting opportunities in Kruger National Park, as more animals congregate around scarce water sources. Wildlife is also easier to spot thanks to the dried–back vegetation. 

Temperatures are cooler in the dry season, so if you aren’t good with heat and humidity this may be the better time to visit Kruger. 

Best Time to Take a South Africa Safari    

While Kruger Park is the most famous safari destination in the country, there are dozens of other amazing national parks and private game reserves across South Africa, some of which might suit your itinerary better. 

Hluhluwe South Africa Safari

Given that most people want to include at least one wildlife safari in their South Africa trip (and for good reason - this country is one of the world’s top Big 5 safari destinations!), it pays to know the best time to enjoy one and the best places to head to if Kruger is out of reach. 

Our article about South Africa's national parks has useful info on most of South Africa’s national parks, or you can speak to one of our African travel experts to get personalized travel advice too.

In general, the best time to enjoy a South Africa safari is from May to September, which is when the east of the country (where most of the major safari parks are located) experiences its dry season. 

These sunnier months make for optimal animal spotting and are superb for game viewing in iconic spots such as Madikwe, Pilanesberg, and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Overall Best Time to Visit South Africa 

The best overall time to visit South Africa can be a tricky question because, as you have read in this article, Kruger National Park and Cape Town - the country’s two most popular attractions - have different climates and seasons. 

Boulders Beach Cape Town

When it’s dry in Cape Town, it’s wet in Kruger National Park. And when there’s the best wildlife spotting in Kruger National Park, it’s cold and windy in Cape Town!

But there are a couple of great workarounds! 

The first is to visit South Africa during the shoulder months of March and April. At this time you can still expect mild conditions in Cape Town and it will certainly be less humid and wet in Kruger Park too. A bonus of this option is enjoying better prices as well! 

Alternatively, if you wish to visit in the South African summer months from November through February, then some great Big 5 safari parks near Cape Town share a similar climate pattern with the ‘Mother City’ (as it’s affectionately known!) 

If your priority is enjoying this beautiful city and its coastline, and you want to enjoy a safari without travelling too far, this could be a great option. A safari closer to Cape Town is also an advantage if you are on a tighter itinerary and we offer a huge range of safari packages handpicked to suit your timeframe and budget. 

Browse our affordable South Africa Safaris or speak to one of our African travel experts for more advice from someone who's been there and has all the info!