When to go · South Africa
South Africa in February
Good month. Warmest sea on the Cape; harvest in the Winelands. Lowveld storms.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Crowds
- Medium
- South Africa
- Prices
- High
- South Africa
Verdict
Warmest sea on the Cape; harvest in the Winelands. Lowveld storms.
Weather in February
- Western Cape · Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederbergbest weather
Mediterranean: dry, windy summers (the south-easter can close the cableway), wet cold fronts June–August. Whales off Hermanus about June–November.
- Garden Route · Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikammabest weather
Rain in every month, mild temperatures; December school holidays fill every bed.
- Kruger and the Lowveld · Kruger, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Panorama Routerainy
Dry winter May–September is the game-viewing season; summer storms, 35 °C heat and higher malaria risk November–March, but green landscapes and baby animals.
- Highveld · Johannesburg, Pretoriarainy
At 1,750 m: afternoon thunderstorms in summer, sunny frosty winters.
- KwaZulu-Natal coast · Durban, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwehot
Warm sea all year; humid summers; winter is the best time for the parks.
- Drakensberg · uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, Golden Gaterainy
Summer thunderstorms most afternoons; winter snow on the high peaks.
- Cape Town27° / 16°, 3 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Africa
- Medium
- Prices · South Africa
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in February
Rated best or good this month
Western Cape
Best weather of the year (Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederberg)
Garden Route
Best weather of the year (Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma)
Hot and dry; the cableway can close in wind.