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At a glance

  • Arguably South Africa’s most dramatic and varied province
  • Beautiful beaches, warm Indian Ocean currents and marine reserves home to turtles and dolphins
  • The Drakensberg Mountains are southern Africa’s highest mountain range and offer breathtaking scenery, ancient rock art sites and many outdoor activities
  • Home to the emotionally charged sites of the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu Wars
  • Phinda Private Game Reserve offers Big Five game viewing across seven distinct habitats

Overview

There’s no better place to begin your exploration of KwaZulu-Natal than the coastal city of Durban, the third largest city in South Africa, whose six kilometres of beaches enjoy an average 320 days of sunshine a year. Elsewhere along the coast you’ll find wild sandy beaches, coastal forests and a number of marine reserves with opportunities to dive and snorkel among turtles and dolphins.

When to visit

  • January
    29ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    20ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    130mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is the peak of the summer season in South Africa. Days are hot and humid, interspersed with tropical thunderstorms that usually occur in the afternoons. Wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to the thicker vegetation, however this is breeding season so expect to see many young animals. Bird watching is very good with many summer migrants. The increased elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. This is also nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
  • February
    29ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    21ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    110mm
    Average Rainfall
    As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot and humid with notable rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon; the moody skies make for some excellent photography. Due to the rainfall and lush vegetation many animals give birth, and bird watching is excellent with many summer migrants present. The increased elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. This is also nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
  • March
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    20ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    110mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures start to cool from the height of the summer season. It's still hot during the day but evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended when on safari. March lies at the end of the nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso. Bird watching is still very good.
  • April
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    55mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures start to cool down as South Africa starts to move into autumn. Days are still warm, dry and clear making it a good time to visit. Humidity drops and evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended on game drives. Vegetation starts to reduce making game viewing much easier. Bird watching is still good, however many summer migrants are starting to head off to warmer climes. April is a good time for trekking in the Drakensberg as temperatures are milder and the threat of thunderstorms has abated.
  • May
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    14ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    50mm
    Average Rainfall
    May heralds the end of the summer season in South Africa, with the onset of cooler weather. However, it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evening and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, so plenty of layers are recommended when on safari, however daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild. Wildlife viewing is good as the vegetation starts to thin out. KwaZulu-Natal, with its subtropical climate, remains warm and pleasant with cooler evenings. The Drakensberg experiences warm dry days and cooler evenings, making it a good time for trekking.
  • June
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    31mm
    Average Rainfall
    June sees the first proper month of winter in South Africa. Days are clear and sunny but evenings and mornings are cool. The great sardine run occurs in June and July, when millions of sardines migrate up the coast, followed by a host of predators, attacking the mass of fish from above and below the waterline - the ultimate feeding frenzy. The elevation of the Drakensberg means temperatures are much cooler; days are warm and dry but evenings are very cold, with snow common at higher altitudes.
  • July
    22ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    30mm
    Average Rainfall
    July is an excellent time to go on safari with less foliage and depleted water sources making wildlife viewing easier. Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are chilly so layers are recommended. The great sardine run occurs in June and July, when millions of sardines migrate up the coast followed by a host of predators, attacking the mass of fish from above and below the waterline - the ultimate feeding frenzy.
  • August
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    13ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    50mm
    Average Rainfall
    Weather in KwaZulu-Natal is mild and dry, making this one of the best places in South Africa to visit in August. Temperatures remain the highest along the coastal areas and the sea remains warm for swimming. Temperatures drop as you move further inland with the Drakensberg experiencing cold temperatures and even snowfall.
  • September
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    15ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    70mm
    Average Rainfall
    September is a great time to visit KwaZulu-Natal as days are warm and dry and evening temperatures are mild.
  • October
    24ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    16ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    90mm
    Average Rainfall
    October heralds the end of the dry season and temperatures are on the rise. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and greenery, though spotting wildlife is still easy enough at this time. KwaZulu-Natal enjoys warm, mostly dry days, although there is an increased chance of rain.
  • November
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    116mm
    Average Rainfall
    KwaZulu-Natal is hot and humid with increased rainfall, which tends to come as spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. With the rains the vegetation thickens making it more difficult to spot wildlife, and as water becomes more prevalent animals disperse. This is the time of plenty, and many animals will give birth around this time. Many migrant bird species have arrived from Europe for the breeding season. The elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. November also sees the start of nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
  • December
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    21ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    102mm
    Average Rainfall
    December is summer in South Africa, with warm temperatures and increased rainfall. Game viewing is more challenging as the thicker vegetation reduces visibility. There is also more surface water, so wildlife moves away from waterholes. On the flip side, bird watching is excellent, with many migratory species in their breeding plumage. It's also peak nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.

Accommodation

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