South Africa possesses a warm, temperate climate that, as a result of factors such as altitude and proximity to the coast, varies greatly between regions.

Average temperatures in Cape Town (on the west coast) are 20 degrees Celsius in summer and 12.6 degrees Celsius in winter. In Durban (on the east coast) these go up to an average of 23.6 degrees and 17 degrees in summer and winter, respectively. In the interior, Johannesburg (which lies at a height of 1753 meters above sea level) sees temperatures of 19.4 and 11.1. Unlike the rest of the country, Cape Town experiences winter rainfall.

The climate on the east coast is subtropical. In summer, temperatures in excess of 30 degrees are not uncommon, and humidity, too, is typically high. Rainfall occurs mainly during late spring and summer and during this time daily late-afternoon thunderstorms are the norm.

Given its considerable height above sea-level, Johannesburg (situated on the interior plateau area known as the 'Highveld') experiences a favorable year-round climate. Summer temperatures are warm yet mild and though cold at night, winter days are seldom overly unpleasant. Summer rainfall can be expected on the Highveld and the annual average in the region is around 600mm.

Seasonal breakdown

Summer: December - February
Autumn: March - May
Winter: June - August
Spring: September - November