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  • Rhino, South Africa

South Africa in August: Weather and where to go

South Africa in August: Weather and where to go

Temperatures nationwide will start to rise in August but rainfall remains relatively low, therefore this is a fantastic time to visit South Africa.

Although most of South Africa is malaria-free, mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the warm, wet, summer months. By the winter, and particularly as late as August, there are relatively few mosquitoes in the air which makes days much more pleasant.

This is perhaps the best time of year to see the wide array of wildlife South Africa has to offer from traditional Big 5 game to Cape Town’s marine life. Safari plains landscapes are particularly dry by this stage and vegetation sparse, so wildlife visibility is perhaps at its best. 

August Climatic Averages

Day time average maximum temperature 25 degrees Centigrade

Night time average minimum temperature 9 degrees Centigrade

Average amount of precipitation 10mm

Average number of daylight hours 8.5h

White rhino, South Africa

If you’re going to head south to Cape Town as part of your journey then you may have the chance of seeing calving southern right whales, curious humpbacks and even, if you’re lucky, a rare orca! It is possible to see penguins year-round in South Africa however, they are likely to have fairly new-born offspring in the winter months so you may see some fluffy young starting to find their feet.

As this is an ideal time of year to visit South Africa, it is also extremely popular. Therefore game reserves and national parks will be noticeably busier, prices will rise and availability may be limited. If you’re looking for a quieter safari, perhaps head to Pafuri where there will be fewer visitors but still great opportunities for walking safaris and an abundance of birdlife. 

Book your South Africa Safari

Contact one of our Destination Specialists to start planning your journey to South Africa. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.

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