Weather in South Africa in November

Visit South Africa in November to experience the vibrant transition of spring into early summer, when the weather is noticeably warmer and the scenery is lush and inviting. This month is characterized by comfortable to hot temperatures and a combination of bright sunny days interspersed with occasional rain, mostly in the evenings. Wildflowers continue to grace the landscapes and the climate provides the perfect backdrop for relaxing countryside vacations and dynamic city walks. Our guide will help you navigate the weather in South Africa in November, ensuring an unforgettable trip.

South Africa in November at a glance

November marks the beginning of summer. Inland areas start heating up while the coast stays milder. 

• Expect daytime temperatures around 77 to 82 °F (25 to 28 °C) across most of the country, with cooler nights inland, dipping to about 54 to 61 °F (12 to 16 °C).
• You might get some afternoon thunderstorms, especially later in the month.
• Tourist numbers are picking up but still manageable.
• Travel costs are still manageable too. You’ll sidestep the steeper prices of the high season but still have access to plenty of services and activities.
   

What is the weather like in South Africa in November?

November in South Africa is the start of summer, so you’ll get warm temperatures, longer days, and a general shift toward sunnier weather across most of the country. It’s hot and dry in the west, especially around Cape Town, while the central and eastern regions start to see more humidity and afternoon thunderstorms.

The weather in South Africa in November can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. Inland areas like Johannesburg or Kruger tend to be hot during the day, with highs around 77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C), and cooler in the evenings. Coastal regions, like Durban or the Yard Route, stay milder thanks to the sea breeze. This is a great time to plan your South African itinerary.

This is also the beginning of the rainy season in many parts of the country. You might get short, heavy showers in the afternoons, especially up north and east, but they usually clear up quickly. The Western Cape is one of the few regions where November is part of the dry season.

Want a smoother trip? Our South Africa local travel experts can create a custom itinerary just for you.

Temperatures in South Africa in November

The weather in South Africa in November sees a wide range of temperatures across the vast and varied landscape, transitioning into the warm early summer months. On average across the country, high temperatures range from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C), with minimums dropping to 59°F - 68°F (15°C - 20°C) in the evening. 

This range indicates a warm climate throughout the country, with heat being more pronounced in northern regions compared to cooler coastal areas in the south. Learn more and compare the weather in different months with our guide to the best time to visit South Africa.

Northern Regions

Temperatures are generally higher in the northern parts of South Africa, including Limpopo Province and parts of the northwest. Daytime highs can reach around 86°F (30°C), and evening lows rarely fall below 68°F (20°C). 

This warm weather is ideal for visiting nature reserves and national parks, although you should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, which are common at this time of year.

Interior Plateau

The interior plateau, which includes cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, experiences slightly cooler temperatures compared to the northern regions. Average daytime temperatures hover between 77°F and 82°F (25°C and 28°C), with nighttime temperatures dropping to between 59°F and 64°F (15°C and 18°C). 

Coastal Areas

Along South Africa's extensive coastline, covering the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, temperatures are moderated by the ocean. Daytime temperatures in coastal areas such as Cape Town and Durban range from 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C), while cool nights average 57°F to 64°F (14°C to 18°C). 

The coastal climate is milder and less prone to the extreme heat and sudden storms found inland, making it ideal for beach vacations, coastal walks, and enjoying the spectacular scenery of places like the Yard Route.

Is November a good time to visit South Africa?

 November is a great time to be in South Africa, as spring shifts into early summer. The weather is warm and mostly dry, with long, sunny days across much of the country. It’s a good month for being outdoors hiking, heading to the beach, or going on safari.

But how to plan a trip to South Africa that makes the most of the weather in November? This is the start of the “green season,” so landscapes are fresh and blooming, especially in places like Namaqualand. It’s also when you’ll start seeing baby animals in game reserves, which adds something special to wildlife drives. Game viewing in Kruger and other parks is still strong before heavier summer rains arrive.

On the coast, the Indian Ocean is warm enough for swimming, especially around Durban and along the Yard Route. Cape Town’s beaches are still too cold for most, but the weather is pleasant for visiting the city’s big draws like Table Mountain and the Winelands. You might even catch the tail end of whale season in Hermanus. 

It’s still shoulder season, so places are generally less crowded and prices a bit lower than in December.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• Warm, sunny weather transitioning from spring to early summer
• Ideal for safaris, beach walks, and trekking
• Vibrant blooming countryside with returning bird species
• Less crowded tourist destinations
• More affordable accommodations before December high season
   

What about crowds and costs?

November is one of the best times to visit South Africa in terms of visitation and tourist prices, making it a good time if you're looking for a balance between pleasant weather and low-key crowds.

As this is the shoulder season, the period between the low season and the busy high season in December and January, you can enjoy relatively lower prices for accommodation and services compared to the peak months. This time allows traveling at lower costs without sacrificing the quality of attractions.

Crowds are smaller in November, providing a closer look at popular attractions, from Table Mountain in Cape Town to the vineyards of the Western Cape and the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park. For travelers who appreciate both the warmth of early summer and the tranquility before the vacation rush, November offers the perfect combination of moderate prices, fewer tourists, and a full range of South African attractions.
 

Where to go in South Africa in November

November is a great time to be in South Africa. Spring is in full swing, with jacaranda trees blooming in the cities and newborn animals starting to appear in game reserves. It’s warm across most regions, but not yet packed with vacation crowds. That makes it a good month for safaris, road trips, and beach time. Here are some of the best places to visit in South Africa in November.

Kruger National Park

By November, Kruger starts to fill with young animals. You’ll likely see newborn impala, zebra, and wildebeest, often just finding their feet. With predators nearby, this can make for dramatic sightings. Things are still relatively dry, so wildlife tends to stick close to rivers and waterholes, making it easier to find them. Early morning and late afternoon game drives work best as the midday heat picks up. The southern part of the park usually has higher animal concentrations, but with fewer tourists around this time of year, you can expect a quieter experience across the reserve. 

Cape Town

November is one of the best times to visit Cape Town. The weather is usually settled, which is good news if you’re planning to take the cable car up Table Mountain or spend time at the beach. Places like Clifton and Camps Bay start drawing people in, but it’s still not too busy. The V&A Waterfront gets livelier, with restaurants opening up their patios and local markets running regularly. November is also one of the better months for cage diving near Gansbaai, and you can still catch the penguins waddling along Boulders Beach. In the nearby winelands, vineyards in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are lush with new growth, and outdoor tastings are comfortable without being too hot.

Yard Route

November is a fantastic month for a Yard Route itinerary. Spring flowers are still out, and the landscape feels fresh before the full heat of summer arrives. Knysna’s lagoon is calm, and it’s a good time for boating or trying the local oysters. Tsitsikamma’s canopy tours and hikes through coastal forest are running at full pace, and if you're after something more intense, Bloukrans Bridge still has bungee jumping. In Hermanus, whale season is winding down, but there’s still a chance to see southern right whales close to shore. Beaches in this region start to warm up too, and places like Wilderness or Plettenberg Bay have a laid-back feel without the high-season rush. 
 

What to do in South Africa in November

November is a good time to be in Portugal if you're into a slower, more local kind of travel. Here are some of the best things to do in South Africa in November.

The Ficksburg Cherry Festival

One of our top South Africa travel tips is to try to seek out the festivals happening during your trip. The Ficksburg Cherry Festival is South Africa's oldest harvest festival, held in the eastern part of the Free State. Celebrating the cherry harvest, the festival offers the opportunity to take part in cherry-picking tours, enjoy a variety of cherry-flavored foods and drinks, and experience the local culture through music, dance, and craft markets. 

This is a delightful event for families and anyone who wants to enjoy the beautiful scenery and agricultural heritage of the Free State.

The 947 Ride Joburg

For sports enthusiasts, the 947 Ride Joburg is one of the world's largest timed bike rides. It attracts thousands of professional and amateur cyclists, offering a unique way to experience the streets and sights of Johannesburg on two wheels. 

Participating in or watching the event creates a lively and energetic atmosphere, demonstrating the city's commitment to promoting physical activity and sustainable transportation. 

The Kirstenbosch Craft and Food Market

The Kirstenbosch Craft and Food Market in Cape Town, while not a festival, is well worth a visit for those visiting in November. It takes place on the last Sunday of the month and offers a wide range of craft goods, gourmet food, and live music within the grounds of the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Yards. It is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy local crafts, food, and the great outdoors.

Plan your trip with our South Africa itineraries

If you're heading to South Africa in November, it’s worth sketching out a plan ahead of time. These sample itineraries can help you figure out how to divide your days between the cities, the bush, and the coast.

• South Africa 7 days itinerary: Spend three days in Cape Town exploring Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and nearby winelands. Then fly to Kruger for three or four days of early morning game drives, downtime in the bush, and stargazing.
• South Africa 10 days itinerary: Start with three days in Cape Town, plus a drive down the Cape Peninsula to see Cape Point and Boulders Beach. Then split your remaining days between Kruger safari time and the coastal Yard Route.
• South Africa 14 days itinerary: Begin with four days in Cape Town and wine country, then road trip the Yard Route with stops in Wilderness and Addo. Finish in the northeast with Kruger safaris, Blyde River Canyon, and a day in Johannesburg.