Best time to visit South Africa

Best time to visit South Africa

January

January is a midsummer month, characterised by afternoon showers, lush landscapes, spectacular sunsets, and sightings of numerous migratory birds.

Day time maximum temperature = 29°C
Night time minimum temperature = 19°C
Average rainfall = 127mm
Average daylight = 10.5 hours

WHAT’S THE WEATHER GOING TO BE LIKE IN SOUTH AFRICA IN JANUARY?

Days and nights are hot and dry, but there is a chance of rainstorms (in the safari areas)
It’s peak summer season
In areas close to the Indian Ocean, there are particularly high temperatures and high humidity too
It’s hot enough for light layers, and a sturdy waterproof for storms
The garden route and Cape Town are drier and cooler than Kruger National Park.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF VISITING SOUTH AFRICA IN JANUARY?

Safari in South Africa is excellent all year round
The Kruger is less busy than it is during December, as the school holidays in South Africa have ended by January
January’s balmy evenings are superb for sundowners, and clear skies yield particularly spectacular sunsets throughout the month
Great sightings of big cats can be enjoyed during cooler mornings and evenings, as the animals have no need to seek shade at these times
January is brilliant for birdwatching, due to the prevalence of many migratory species
Leatherback and loggerhead turtles enter their crossover period between nesting and hatching this month
If you’re in the Mother City on 2nd January, you can experience the ‘Kaapse Klopse’ or ‘Second New Year’ celebrations
Travellers to KwaZulu-Natal can mark the anniversary of two famous battles – Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
There are lots of opportunities for fantastic photography – sunsets, big cats, turtles, and more.

ANY LOWLIGHTS?

As there’s a lot of water available in parks and reserves, wildlife has no need to cluster around scarce supplies
Due to dense vegetation, wildlife is less visible than during dry season months
There are many mosquitoes about
The rains can cause some roads to become impassable to safari vehicles.

RECOMMENDED SAFARIS TO SOUTH AFRICA IN JANUARY

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