Snow in South Africa: How to Handle the Changing Weather
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So you’ve booked that much-anticipated holiday to South Africa. Phew. Now all you need is the right season and the right kind of weather to go with it. You know, something like sunshine and blue skies, with no rain or snow in sight. How naive of you! After all, this is the Cape Town region we’re talking about, which experiences heavy rainfall most of the year and has a higher probability of encountering snow sometime during September and June. However, there are many ways to tackle these issues – from researching local weather patterns in advance to packing the right kind of clothes for your trip when you get there. Here are a few recommendations on how to handle snow in South Africa:
Decide on the activities you want to do while you’re there.
The first thing you’ll want to do is decide on the activities you want to do while you’re there. Are you planning on going hiking or skiing? Are you interested in visiting Kruger National Park or the Drakensberg Mountains? Do you want to spend some time on a wine farm? Depending on the activities you’ve chosen, you’ll want to make sure you choose a suitable month to go. For example, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, you’ll want to go during the dry season (June to September). If you want to go skiing, on the other hand, you’ll want to visit during the wet or “winter” season (June to August).
Research South African weather patterns in advance
Once you’ve decided on your activities, it’s time to research South African weather patterns in advance. Fortunately, there are a number of websites that provide detailed forecasts for the region. You can also check out a site like The Weather Channel, which provides global weather forecasts to get an idea of what to expect. You can also ask the locals about weather patterns in the area. Other tourists who have visited before might be able to provide you with some helpful advice. If you’re traveling with a tour operator, they might also be able to give you a heads-up on what to expect. At the very least, you’ll be able to learn more about the weather in the area, which will come in handy when it comes to packing.
Pack warm, waterproof clothes
You’ll want to pack warm, waterproof clothes when you visit South Africa. After all, the weather in the region is pretty unpredictable. The best way to handle the cold weather is to pack multiple layers of clothing. You’ll want to bring a warm jacket, a scarf, a warm pair of gloves, a hat, and a scarf or a shawl. If you visit the Drakensberg Mountains, you’ll also want a pair of hiking boots. As for dealing with the rainy season, you’ll want to bring an umbrella and a rain jacket. While you might get caught in the rain a few times, it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself in a torrential downpour. That said, it’s a good idea to bring waterproof gear just in case.
Set up travel alerts
While planning your trip, setting up travel alerts is a good idea. You can set up an alert for snowfall, heavy rains, or extreme temperatures in the region, letting you know when the conditions are unsafe. Most airlines will issue travel advisories when conditions are dangerous, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these. As you get closer to your trip, you can contact your airline or tour operator to see if they have any alerts to report. If you’re driving to South Africa, you’ll also want to set up road alerts. From traffic conditions to road closures, you can set up road alerts to stay informed about the driving conditions in the area. For example, if you’re coming from the United States, you’ll want to check out the State Department’s travel alerts page.
Stay indoors if it’s snowing heavily.
If it’s snowing heavily in the region, it’s best to stay indoors. Visiting the sights, visiting a vineyard, or hiking in the snow is not safe and only puts you, your friends, and your travel companions at risk. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts, and stay indoors until the heavy snowfall has passed. Even though you’ll want to stay indoors during the snowfall, you can take advantage of the weather by visiting a nearby museum or art gallery or shopping at the local marketplace. You can also try your hand at snow art or relax indoors, reading a book or watching a movie. Whatever you do, don’t let the snow stop you from having a great trip.
Conclusion
Visiting a place in the off-season is often cheaper than visiting a popular destination during its high season. You’ll have the benefit of avoiding the crowds and lines and lower prices on everything from food to souvenirs. When it comes to snow in South Africa, it’s essential to remember that snowfall is unpredictable. You never know when the conditions will be unsafe, so it’s essential to stay informed about the weather patterns in the region. You can avoid having a bad experience by setting up travel alerts, staying indoors if it’s snowing heavily, and packing warm, waterproof clothes.
