Owing to its size and geography, South Africa comprises several different climates. In the low lying areas in the north (including the Kruger National Park) along the Mozambique border, the climate is tropical with related high temperatures and humidity. In the eastern interior or high veld where Johannesburg is situated, summers are rainy and warm. Winter days are mild and winter nights can be very cold. Low humidity and high sunshine hours mean a comfortable and pleasant climate all year round.

In the south, the coastal regions surrounding Cape Town have a Mediterranean type of climate with hot summers and warm, rainy winters. (Remember that the seasons are the other way round from Europe, since South Africa is in the southern hemisphere.)

The following chart is a quick reference to the predominant weather conditions during different months of the year. However, please remember that there are no hard and fast rules.