The Best Time Of Year For A Warm And Relaxing South African Getaway

South Africa is famous as the friendliest country in the world to visit on vacation. It is also known as a destination you can visit all year round, with great weather in almost every season. The climate varies significantly depending on which part of the country you visit, but in pretty much every corner of South Africa, you are guaranteed pleasant conditions.

Given the delightful climate, choosing the best time of the year to visit South Africa might sound like a simple task. But it really depends on what you want to do and where you plan to go. South Africa has an astonishing array of wonderful experiences, stunning landscapes, and eye-catching natural beauty, so it is wise to plan your itinerary before deciding when to travel.

For example, heading off to sip world-class wines on a tasting tour of South Africa's spectacular wine regions is best done in the summer, but if you want to get up close with African penguins on beautiful Boulders Beach then January is your best shot. Deciding what kind of experience you want on your South African getaway is the key to deciding when to visit.

Summer in the Southern Hemisphere runs from November to March and this is often described as the best time to visit South Africa. It is the sunniest, warmest time of the year across the country, with temperatures peaking at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit in some regions. It is also the wettest time of the year, except in Cape Town where the rainy season arrives from May to September. If you are visiting during the South African summer, the Indian Ocean coastline offers an exotic, tropical feel, while the Western Cape and the Highveld are drier and cooler.

Most people who visit South Africa at this time are drawn here by the incredible program of vibrant, exciting, and eclectic festivals scattered around the country. AFROPUNK, an enormous music festival that attracts world-famous musicians from all over, is in December. The remarkable Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (or Kaapse Klopse) is usually in January. For culture-minded tourists, the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees is a wonderful arts festival in March.

In September and October there are enormous whale migrations to and from Antarctica, so many travelers choose to head to Durban or Hermanus to see the show. It is a wildlife watcher's dream, with the chance to spot dolphins, sharks, and flocks of seabirds as well.

The warmest temperatures appear in the South African summer, which is perfect for a spot of winter sun for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. But there's also great weather at other times of the year. Traveling to South Africa from June to August means far fewer crowds and more affordable prices, with plenty of sunshine still to be found in places around Cape Town and Durban. It will get chilly overnight though, so it is worth packing a few warmer items to put on when the sun goes down.

May to September is also the best time for one of South Africa's biggest draws — safari. The change of season from summer to fall is when wildlife is most active, with antelope mating season in April, and larger mammals like elephants, giraffes, and lions congregating around water holes. The drier, cooler temperatures are perfect for a safari adventure, making this time of year an excellent time to visit.