When to go · South Africa
South Africa in November
Good month. Cape summer begins; first Lowveld rains and impala births.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Crowds
- Medium
- South Africa
- Prices
- Medium
- South Africa
Verdict
Cape summer begins; first Lowveld rains and impala births.
Weather in November
- 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 Routehot
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, Pretoriafine
At 1,750 m: afternoon thunderstorms in summer, sunny frosty winters.
- KwaZulu-Natal coast · Durban, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwefine
Warm sea all year; humid summers; winter is the best time for the parks.
- Drakensberg · uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, Golden Gatefine
Summer thunderstorms most afternoons; winter snow on the high peaks.
- Cape Town23° / 13°, 6 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.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts check
Sunday-afternoon picnic crowds; book ahead in peak weeks.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Africa
- Medium
- Prices · South Africa
- Medium
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
Where to go in November
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)
Warm and dry; before the December crowds.