South Africa is a country that has four seasons, each with unique weather patterns. However, these seasons are opposite of the ones in the United States.
When do the seasons change in south Africa?
In South Africa, the seasons are opposite of those in the United States. When winter comes in one part of the world, it’s summer in another—and vice versa!
South Africa’s seasons are determined by the position of the sun in the sky during a 24-hour period.
In winter (June through August), you will find two high tides per day and two low tides per day; there is no midday high tide or midnight low tide. This means that if you were at sea level on South Africa’s coast during these months, your height above sea level would change by only a few meters as compared with what it would be during other parts of any year.
In spring (September through November), you would see three high tides per day and three low tides per day at this same location near where we live along South Africa’s coast. Again, if you went out onto our pier on any given morning during those months and checked for yourself what time each type of tide occurred (high/low), then returned home before sunset for lunch or dinner later that afternoon—you’d have noticed that even though twelve hours had passed between visits to our pier—the cycle has repeated itself: now there are still five hours left until tomorrow morning’s next high tide occurs!
Summer—1 December—28 February
Summer is the longest season in South Africa and runs from 1 December until 28 February. The weather during this time of year is warm and dry, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 28°C. Summer is the best time to visit the Cape Town area as it has its own summer rainfall pattern, so you can enjoy long stretches of uninterrupted sunshine, clear skies and warm temperatures (depending on the month).
The Kruger National Park also experiences this summer rainfall pattern, so it becomes popular at this time of year too! The winter rainfall starts in March/April when most animals will have finished mating and are preparing for their annual migration back into their territories. This period also coincides with many birds finishing breeding which means you’ll see large flocks flying overhead towards their northern destinations as they make their way back north for the breeding season.
Winter—1 June—31 August
Winter in South Africa is from 1 June to 31 August. Winter temperatures vary from 20°C to 25°C, and rainfall is less than in summer. Snowfall is common on higher ground in the east and northeast of the country, but not so much elsewhere.
The best time to visit Cape Town depends on what you want to do there: if you want wildlife or surfing, then winter is the best time; if you want wine tasting and beautiful scenery, then summer would be better!
Spring—1 September—30 November
Spring is the season of renewal, with warmer temperatures that help plants and flowers grow. Spring is also when most people in South Africa travel to their holiday destinations, as it marks the end of winter and a time for people to take some time off from work or school.
