Weather in South Africa in April

Plan your trip to South Africa in April and discover a country transitioning gracefully from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall. April finds itself nestled within the shoulder season of South Africa, meaning quieter attractions, lower prices, and clear skies fantastic for wildlife viewing. Here is our guide to the weather in South Africa in April.

South Africa in April at a glance

April is a great month to visit South Africa, with mild fall weather, fewer crowds, and excellent conditions for both city time and wildlife viewing.

• The weather is mostly dry and comfortable, with cooler evenings and less intense heat than summer, especially inland.
• Average temperatures are around 55 to 77°F (13 to 25°C) in Cape Town, and about 57 to 82°F (14 to 28°C) in Johannesburg and Kruger National Park regions.
• April is a very good time to visit because safaris start improving as vegetation thins out, while coastal areas still feel pleasant.
• Crowds are low to moderate, with fewer international visitors than peak summer, though school vacation periods can bring short spikes.

What is the weather like in South Africa in April?

April is one of the best months to be in South Africa. Summer has passed, but the weather is still warm enough to spend your days outdoors. It’s harvest time in the Cape Winelands, so vineyard visits come with fall colors and grape picking. Along the coast, towns like Knysna and Hermanus are calm and clear, and road trips are easy. Inland, the weather stays dry, which makes it a good time for safari trips.

The bush is starting to thin out, so animals are easier to spot, especially around waterholes. There are fewer tourists compared to December and January, so you won’t have to jostle for space at major attractions. Accommodation tends to be more affordable too. It’s a good month for mixing nature with culture, and you won’t need to worry too much about rain. Just pack layers — mornings and evenings can cool off quickly. This can be a great time to plan your South Africa itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in April

The weather in South Africa in April means gradually lowering temperatures. While the northern regions remain relatively warm, coastal areas experience milder temperatures, and inland regions are cooler.

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Coastal areas

In April, coastal areas of South Africa (cities like Cape Town and Durban) generally experience mild to warm temperatures. Daily highs typically range from 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C), with cooler evenings and mornings.

Interior plateau

On the interior plateau, April temperatures in South Africa can vary. During the day, temperatures usually range from 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C), with cooler nights ranging from 46°F to 59°F (8°C to 15°C).

Northern regions

In April, the northern regions of South Africa, such as Johannesburg and Pretoria,  tend to be warmer compared to other areas. Daytime temperatures often reach between 77°F to 90°F (25°C to 32°C), with nighttime temperatures ranging from 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C).

Is April a good time to visit South Africa?

Yes, April is generally a favorable time to visit South Africa, with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall compared to the preceding months. In popular destinations like Cape Town, April brings pleasant weather with mild temperatures great for for outdoor activities such as hiking Table Mountain or exploring the scenic coastline.

In regions like Kruger National Park, April marks the beginning of the dry season, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.

While April generally sees fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates compared to the peak summer months, it's advisable to book accommodations and tours in advance, especially if you plan to visit popular tourist spots. Additionally, it's wise to pack layers and be prepared for occasional rain showers, particularly in coastal areas and regions like the Yard Route. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to South Africa. 

• Comfortable temperatures and less rainfall
• Beginning of dry season excellent for Kruger wildlife viewing
• Pleasant weather for hiking Table Mountain
• Fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates
• Animals gather at water sources making them easier to spot

What about crowds and costs?

In April, South Africa experiences moderate tourist traffic. While it may not be as busy as the summer months (December to February) or the winter high season (June to August), April still sees a decent number of tourists, particularly around Easter vacations and school breaks.

For this reason, if you’re planning a trip in April, you might want to avoid the end of the month.

As for costs, April often falls within the shoulder season, meaning accommodation and tour prices might be slightly lower compared to the peak months. However, it's you’ll want to double-check your itinerary, as prices can vary depending on specific destinations and events happening during this month.

April is a great alternative if you are seeking a balance between manageable crowds and reasonable costs while still enjoying pleasant weather.  If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit South Africa. 

Where to go in South Africa in April

April is one of the best times to visit South Africa. It’s fall in the Southern Hemisphere, so the heat softens, the skies stay clear, and crowds are low. Wildlife viewing improves, harvest season begins in wine country, and it’s still warm enough for coastal drives and beach time. Here are some of the best places to visit in South Africa. 

Cape Town and the Yard Route

April hits a sweet spot in Cape Town. The summer crowds are gone, but the weather holds—warm days, cooler nights, and good visibility from Table Mountain. The Yard Route is ideal this time of year too. You can road trip along the coast without summer traffic, and still enjoy stops for hikes, swims, and wine tastings.

Kruger National Park

Kruger starts its dry season in April. The grass thins, water sources shrink, and animals become easier to spot. Temperatures are more comfortable than in summer, and malaria risk is lower. It’s not as dusty as peak dry season, so you get a good mix of green landscapes and active wildlife. Learn more about the best time to visit Kruger.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

April is grape harvest season in the Cape Winelands. That means wine festivals, vineyard tours, and golden late-afternoon light over the valleys. It’s one of the most scenic times to visit. The air is crisp in the mornings, but you’ll still find plenty of sun during the day. Great for hiking, eating, and slow travel.

What to do in South Africa in April

April is all about variety. You can do safaris, mountain hikes, coastal drives, or food and wine trips—all in one go. Conditions are stable and comfortable across much of the country, which makes it a great month to mix and match regions. Here are some of the best things to do in South Africa.

Go on safari in better conditions

April marks the start of South Africa’s prime safari window. Parks like Kruger, Addo, and Madikwe get drier, so animals start to cluster around rivers and waterholes. Days are warm but not scorching, and early mornings are easier to manage. You’ll still want layers for game drives, especially at dawn.

Road trip the coast

With lighter traffic and mellow weather, April is a great time for a road trip. The Yard Route and the Whale Coast are both in good shape—expect open beaches, scenic mountain passes, and lots of local farm stalls along the way. Inland mountain towns like Montagu and Swellendam are especially pretty with fall colors. This is for many one of the best road trips in South Africa.

Catch harvest season in wine country

April is when the grapes are coming in. Wineries are active, the vines start turning red and gold, and restaurants bring in seasonal produce. Many estates host harvest lunches, wine tastings, and picnics under the trees. It’s a slower pace, with fewer tour buses and more locals out enjoying the end of the season. For more advice, see our South Africa travel tips.