Climate in South Africa
South Africa's climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the southwestern corner of the country to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. A small area in the northwest has a desert climate. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer (November through March), although in the southwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occurs in winter (June to August). Temperatures are influenced by variations in elevation, terrain, and ocean currents.
Backpacker looking for Travel Insurance? Find out more about travel insurance for backpackers.
There is very little difference in average temperatures from south to north, however because the inland plateau rises slightly in the northeast. Maximum temperatures often exceed 32ºC in the summer, and reach 38ºC in some areas of the far north.
Frost occurs in high altitudes during the winter months. The coldest temperatures have been recorded about 250 kilometres northeast of Cape Town, where the average annual minimum temperature is -6.1º C.
Cancellation cover travel insurance. Get an online quote for travel insurance with cancellation cover available from Travel Insurance Saver.
Climatic conditions vary noticeably between east and west, largely in response to the warm Agulhas Ocean current and the cold Benguela current, which sweeps northward along the Atlantic Ocean coastline in the west. Air temperatures in Durban, on the Indian Ocean, average nearly 6º C warmer than temperatures at the same latitude on the Atlantic Ocean coast.
Already overseas travel insurance. Aussie overseas already? Travel insurance cover is available, get a quote and compare our plans.
Rainfall varies considerably from west to east. In the northwest, annual rainfall often remains below 200 millimetres. Much of the eastern Highveld receives 500 millimetres to 900 millimetres of rainfall per year; occasionally, rainfall there exceeds 2,000 millimetres.
Back to South Africa Travel Insurance page.
Before choosing a policy, please be aware that terms and conditions, exclusions, limits and/or sub-limits will apply to most sections. It is important to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any purchase to ensure the cover provided matches your specific requirements.
