Weather in South Africa in March

As March rolls around, South Africa bids farewell to summer and welcomes a gentle fall bringing with it a more relaxed pace. This shoulder season month is a great time to relish the favorable weather conditions while dodging the crowds that typically inundate tourist hotspots during peak months. Here is our guide to the weather in South Africa in March.

South Africa in March at a glance

March marks the beginning of fall in South Africa, delivering warm days, mild evenings, and excellent conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

• Average temperatures range from 59°F to 82°F (15°C to 28°C), varying by region with Cape Town particularly pleasant
• Excellent time to visit with comfortable weather, grape harvest season, and good safari conditions
• Shoulder season offers moderate crowds and better value pricing after the peak summer vacation period

What is the weather like in South Africa in March?

The weather in South Africa in March brings the end of summer and the start of fall. In most places, that means warm days and less rain. The Cape region stays dry, with maybe just a few showers all month. Inland areas like Johannesburg might still get some late-afternoon thunderstorms, but nothing too disruptive. Rainfall tends to drop across the board, especially along the coast.

March is a sweet spot for travel. It’s not as hot as peak summer, but still warm enough for wine tasting, hiking, and coastal drives. In Kruger and other national parks, wildlife becomes easier to spot as the bush starts to thin. Ocean temperatures stay warm enough for a swim, and popular sites like Table Mountain or the Yard Route are less crowded than in December or January.  This is a great month to plan your South Africa itinerary. 

Average daily temperatures in March

The weather in South Africa in March depends on the region—with northern regions experiencing warmer temperatures, coastal areas having milder weather, and inland regions being cooler. This variation allows for a wide array of activities suitable for different preferences, from enjoying safaris and beaches to exploring mountains and vineyards. 

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Coastal areas

During March, coastal areas of South Africa (cities like Cape Town and Durban) typically experience mild to warm temperatures. Daily highs generally range from 72°F to 86°F (22°C to 30°C), with cooler evenings and mornings.

Interior plateau

In March, temperatures on the interior plateau of South Africa vary. Daytime temperatures usually range from 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C), with cooler nights ranging from 50°F to 64°F (10°C to 18°C).

Northern regions

March in the northern regions of South Africa, such as Johannesburg and Pretoria, tends to be warm. Daytime temperatures often reach between 82°F to 95°F (28°C to 35°C), with nighttime temperatures ranging from 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C).

Is March a good time to visit South Africa?

Yes, March can be a fantastic time to visit South Africa. As the end of summer approaches, March brings warm temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences.

In destinations like Cape Town, the pleasant weather is perfect for enjoying the city's beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and vibrant cultural scene.

In national parks such as Kruger, March is also an excellent time for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation begins to thin out, making it easier to spot animals gathering around water sources. However, March falls within the rainy season in some parts of the country, so it's advisable to pack waterproof gear and be prepared for occasional showers, especially along the eastern coast and in regions like the Yard Route. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to South Africa. 

• Warm summer temperatures
• Excellent wildlife viewing conditions
• Perfect Cape Town beach weather
• Some rainfall on eastern coast
• Thinning vegetation aids animal spotting

What about crowds and costs?

In March, South Africa typically experiences moderate tourist traffic and favorable pricing. Tourist traffic during this month can vary depending on specific events and vacations, but generally, it is not as crowded as the peak summer months. It can be appealing time to visit if you're hoping to avoid large crowds while enjoying pleasant weather.

The month falls between the busy summer season (December to February) and the onset of the cooler fall months, offering a sweet spot for tourists.  If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit South Africa. 
 

Where to go in South Africa in March

March is a sweet spot in South Africa. The weather stays warm but not too hot, and rains haven’t really kicked in yet. Here are some of the best places to visit in South Africa. 

Cape Town

You’ll get great conditions in Cape Town in March. Clear skies and long days are ideal for heading up Table Mountain or lounging at beaches like Clifton or Camps Bay. The city’s outdoor markets and restaurants stay busy but not overcrowded. Kirstenbosch Yards shows off local plants as fall begins. If you’re into food and wine, the nearby winelands are in harvest season, and it’s easy to combine day trips with a few glasses of something local. 

Kruger National Park

By March, summer’s humidity starts dropping, and visibility improves as water sources shrink. That makes it easier to spot animals gathering near rivers and pans. Big cats tend to be more active, and the birdlife is still strong with summer migrants hanging around. There’s also less traffic than in peak season, especially in private reserves. You get good game viewing with a quieter atmosphere.  Learn more about the best time to visit Kruger.

Yard Route

The Yard Route is in its element in March. Warm days and cooler evenings make for easy drives and stops along the way. You can hike through forests, relax on beaches, or take part in adventure activities like bungee jumping and zipper-lining. Towns like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Hermanus all have their own rhythm, and it’s a great time to move between them. You’ll find space to explore without the December crowds.
 

What to do in South Africa in March

March in South Africa means stable weather and fewer crowds, which makes it easier to explore the country’s variety. Safari conditions start to improve as the bush thins out. Coastal towns are still lively, but not overrun. Vineyards are busy with harvest, and city life feels laid-back but still active. Here are some of the best things to do in South Africa.

Cage dive with great whites

This is a good time to go cage diving near Gansbaai or Mossel Bay. Visibility is strong, and shark activity tends to pick up in late summer. If you're near Cape Town, most operators can arrange trips with same-day returns. You don’t have to dive to get a thrill—surface viewing from the boat is often dramatic enough.

Head into the Winelands

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are both in full swing during the March harvest. Many vineyards offer behind-the-scenes tours and tastings straight from the barrel. It’s a good chance to visit before the peak tourist season, and restaurants tend to highlight seasonal produce like figs and wild herbs alongside local wines. This is for many one of the best road trips in South Africa.

Hike Table Mountain

The weather is usually clear and calm in March, which makes for great hiking. You can take the straightforward Platteklip Gorge route or try a more adventurous path like Skeleton Gorge. If your legs are done by the time you hit the top, the cable car runs down until sunset.

Wakkerstroom Music Festival

This small classical music festival brings a mix of chamber performances and open-air concerts to the countryside in Mpumalanga. It's an easy excuse to explore this part of the country, especially if you like birdwatching or quiet mountain walks between sets. For more advice, see our South Africa travel tips.
 

Planning your itinerary

These South Africa itineraries are meant as a starting point: use them to plan, then tweak them to match your pace and interests.

• South Africa itinerary 7 days: One week gives you time to focus on a specific region—like Cape Town and the Yard Route or Johannesburg and a safari. It’s short, but with smart planning, still packed with highlights.

• South Africa itinerary 10 days: With 10 days, you can see more of the country. Combine city life with time in the bush and a stretch of coast. It’s a well-rounded intro to South Africa’s landscapes, culture, and wildlife.

• South Africa itinerary 14 days: Two weeks lets you travel at a more relaxed pace or dive deeper into multiple regions. You’ll have time for both a classic safari and the coast, plus detours to the winelands, mountains, or less-visited towns.