Africa. Climatic conditions

The climate of Africa can be described as a unique phenomenon due to its location.

Africa is the only continent in the world that lies on two sides of the equator.

Interestingly, the equator is not only Earth divides into two hemispheres, it also divides the African continent almost equally.

The climate is very big influence on the nature of the area, because it determines the weather patterns, as well as shifts weather conditions.

The soil of the area, flora and fauna, various sectors of the economy, as well as

The formation of certain climatic conditions in Africa is influenced by a variety of factors that subsequently determine the life and livelihoods of people who live in a particular type of climate.

Africa is tracked to be the hottest continent, due to its location in the hottest climatic zones.

Interesting is the fact that three of the four climatic zones on the continent are repeated twice.

Due to the fact that Africa is crossed by the equator, around which the equatorial climatic zone has formed, the remaining climatic zones mirror each other.

Subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate belt found twice on the continent.

Equatorial climate zone of Africa

The equatorial belt occupies an area along the Gulf of Guinea and runs all the way to the depression in the Congo and.

The equatorial warm air mass, which determines the weather conditions, prevails here all year round.

In this part of Africa there are no seasons with temperature fluctuations and changes in weather conditions, it is constantly very hot here and it often rains. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.

365 days a year the year stays here heat- from 24 °C to 28 °C.

The equatorial climate is characterized by abundant rainfall. During the year, in different parts of the equatorial part of the continent, from 1500 to 2500 mm of precipitation falls.

Because of this, very high humidity and heat are formed, which are difficult to endure, relief comes from the coolness of the night.

In the African equatorial part, one can observe constant cloudiness and frequent fogs.

Almost every day before lunch, clouds gather, which in the afternoon, in the late afternoon, materialize in rain or a thunderstorm.

They present a splendid abundance of plant and animal life which has not been fully explored.

On two sides of the equator, as well as from the east of the equatorial belt, subequatorial climatic zones stretch out.

This climatic zone is also very hot, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 30 °C in summer and 15 to 17 °C in winter throughout the year.

Subequatorial climatic zone of Africa

In the subequatorial climatic zone, rainy and dry seasons are clearly visible.

The duration of rains, as well as the numerical indicators of precipitation, decrease as the belt moves away from the equator.

This most directly affects the flora of the area.

In places where there is not enough rainfall, tree vegetation practically does not grow, lush forests are replaced by light forests, which smoothly turn into shrouds.

It is very interesting to note the alternation of the rainy season in the subequatorial climatic zones and the predominance of the dry season.

At a time when in one of the subequatorial zones of Africa there is a rainy season, which brings the equatorial air mass, in the other subequatorial zone at this time the air mass from the tropics dominates, which entails the onset of the dry season.

Tropical climate zone of Africa

A characteristic feature of this climate is dry hot weather and a minimum amount of precipitation, which decreases with distance from the center of the continent and further into its interior.

Africa, for the most part, is located in a tropical climate, so there are a lot of deserts, the formation of which is facilitated by dry air, a remote location from the ocean, as well as increased pressure due to tropical air masses.

These are ideal conditions for the development of numerous deserts and savannahs.

The Sahara is the largest desert on the planet, which is located in tropical Africa. Not a single drop of precipitation may fall here for years, and it is extremely difficult for a person to stay here.

The air is filled with fine dust and very often strong winds blow, which create sand dust storms.

Wind and dust form fanciful out of the sand.

The tropical zone, in addition to aridity, has a very sharp daily temperature difference.

During the day, the thermometer rises above 40 ° C, heating the sand and air, and at night the temperature drops sharply by a couple of tens of degrees and can drop down to negative values.

The maximum air temperature around the world was recorded in the Libyan desert of the African tropical zone and reached 58 ° C.

The northern coast, as well as the extreme south of the mainland, occupies the subtropical zone, which is characterized by a change in air masses and the division of the year into seasons.

The average temperature in a year is about 20 °C. It varies significantly depending on the summer and winter seasons.

Subtropical African climate

The subtropical belt of Africa in the northern and southwestern parts of the continent is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and moderate rainfall in winter.

The southeast is dominated by a subtropical humid climate.

It contributes to the fact that throughout the year, precipitation is distributed fairly evenly.

Date: 03.04.2017

Climate of Africa

Africa's climate is determined by its geographic location- most of it is located between the tropics and is characterized high values total, solar radiation (180-200 kcal / cm 2 per year). Africa is considered the hottest continent. On the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea and in the Congo depression, the average temperatures during the year are + 25 ... + 26 ° С. Average summer temperatures are high in the north of Sudan, in the Sahara (+30…+ 32°С; in the western part up to + 38°С); in El-Aziziya (Libya) observed the highest temperature on Earth: + 58 ° C. In subtropical latitudes in summer from + 16 ... + 22 ° С. Average winter temperatures at 20° s. and y.sh. are + 16°С; in the subtropics - about + 10 ° С.

The climate of Africa is influenced by trade winds blowing from the tropics to the equator . Wet air masses brings to Africa from the Indian Ocean southeast trade wind, dry brings the weather from Eurasia northeast trade wind.

The climate of the coast of the mainland is influenced by warm currentsMozambique and Cape Agulhas, washing the eastern coast of Africa south of the equator, increase and even out the temperatures of the coast; The Canary and Benguela cold currents reduce temperatures and increase the aridity of the western coast of Africa in the tropics. For example, under the influence of the Begel Current, the Namib Desert was formed.

The Drakon and Cape Mountains delay easterly trade winds on the windward slopes, causing redistribution precipitation.

The main circulation process over Africa is the transfer of tropical air by trade winds blowing from high pressure belts (from the tropics) to the equatorial part with low atmospheric pressure.

over northwest Africa installed high pressure- the spurs of the Azores high, from which tropical marine air flows, warms up quickly and does not form precipitation on the coast mediterranean sea and in the Sahara, where the Sahara Low is being formed.

Along the West Coast winds blow from the eastern part of the Azores high. The main source of poor moisture is hidden moisture by fogs and dews.

In northeast Africa from 5° S along the low coast of the Somali peninsula, the southwest monsoon blows, which is directed to India. Rain falls only in the interior mountainous regions of the peninsula. East Africa, south of the equator, also receives very little rainfall.

V Saharan the minimum overflows the continental tropical air from the South African maximum, which is established in the Southern Hemisphere in winter over South Africa in tropical latitudes. Pressure rises over the Sahara (Sahara High), dry; circulation unfavorable for precipitation persists along the Atlantic coast.

to the eastern slopes of the Etbay Ridge and the Ethiopian Highlands, poor precipitation from the Red Sea is brought by northeast winds flowing from the Arabian Peninsula.

In East Africa, south of 5 ° S, precipitation falls mainly on the eastern slopes of the plateau, as well as in its western mountainous regions, where monsoon flows from the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

V South Africa trade winds from the Indian Ocean bring abundant rainfall to the eastern slopes of Madagascar and the Drakensberg Mountains up to subtropical latitudes.

Africa is located in seven climatic zones: equatorial (humid and hot season throughout the year), two subequatorial (warm all year round, two seasons - summer rainy and winter dry), two tropical (continental, marine), two subtropical (wet warm winters, dry hot summers).

Along the western edge of South Africa from 6° S up to the subtropics, the anticyclonic circulation of the eastern margin of the South Atlantic High operates, which is especially stable in tropical latitudes, where exceptional aridity persists.

According to seasonal patterns of circulation, temperature and precipitation on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea and in the Congo Basin, allocate constantly humid and hot equatorial type of climate(from 5-7° N to 2-3° S). Here is the wettest place in Africa - Debunja (at the foot of Mount Cameroon, 9655 mm of precipitation per year); in other areas falls at least 1500 mm.

In the north and south, the equatorial climate gradually turns into subequatorial(equatorial monsoons) with summer wet and winter dry seasons. The duration of the latter increases from 2 to 10 months, and the annual precipitation decreases from 1800 mm to 300 mm. North of 20°N and south of 18° S The climate of Africa is tropical, in the Northern Hemisphere it is desert, very dry.

In the Sahara, precipitation drops to 100 mm per year or less; Eastern Sahara is the driest region in Africa(10-20 mm of precipitation per year).

Along the west coast, the climate is oceanic desert with high relative humidity. In the southern hemisphere in the tropics three sectors :

in the west - oceanic desert,
in the center - continental moderately arid and arid,
in the east - sea trade winds with a summer maximum of precipitation.

The outskirts of Africa lie in subtropical climatic zones.Mediterranean climate in northern Africa: on the windward slopes of the Atlas - typical,in its hinterland and on the coast of Libya and South Africa- semi-desert and desert.South Africa has a typical Mediterranean climate; observed on the southwestern windward slopes of the Cape Mountains; subtropical monsoon with a summer maximum of precipitation -on the southeastern edge; semi-desert and desert -in the hinterland.

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Africa. Physical and geographical position. History of research and development

The African continent crosses the equator, that is, most of it is located between the tropics. Naturally, this situation greatly influenced the climate of Africa. It is also influenced by such climatic factors as the trade winds, features of the circulation of air masses, ocean currents and features of the relief of the mainland and its latitude.

General climate characteristics, briefly

When describing general characteristics climate of Africa, first of all, we must not forget that winter and summer in different hemispheres come in different months:

North hemisphere : winter in December, January, February;
Southern Hemisphere : Winter in June, July, August.

Summer in Africa is very hot. The thermometer does not fall below +20 degrees. Winter also does not claim to be particularly "cold".

Even in the coolest regions of South Africa, the thermometer does not fall below +8 degrees. Thus, it is not surprising that the lowest position of the sun in this region is similar to the position of the sun in central Russia on the day of the summer solstice.

Rice. 1 Climate of Africa. climate map

In general, according to its climatic conditions, Africa is very clearly divided into 4 regions:

North Africa(dry and hot; tropical deserts and dry-loving Mediterranean forests);
South Africa(dry and hot; tropical deserts);
Central Africa(humid; equatorial and subequatorial moisture-loving forests);
East Africa(moderately humid; savannahs and woodlands predominate).

Rice. 2 East Africa in summer (savannas and woodlands)

African climate types

There are several climatic zones in Africa. Since the equator crosses the mainland in half, they repeat to the north and south of it. So in Africa (judging by climate map) there are 7 climatic zones (on both sides of the equator):

Equatorial climate zone

Humid and hot climate. The average temperature fluctuates around +23-+28, and the daily temperature amplitudes are much more significant than the annual fluctuations. There is a lot of precipitation (up to 2000 mm), they fall evenly throughout the month. It can be said. That in this belt there is always one season.

Subequatorial climate zone

In the south and north of the continent, the situation is almost the same. The average temperature keeps around +23-+25. Drops in summer a large number of precipitation is less in winter. There is a seasonal change in the movement of air masses, monsoons are frequent. It is in this belt of the African continent that the deepest and longest rivers flow.

Tropical climate zone

In the tropical part of the continent, in the north and south, the situation is somewhat different from each other. Although in both parts of the tropical belt is dry and hot weather.

There is practically no precipitation in the northern part of the continent. In summer, the temperature can stay at around +40 degrees (the absolute maximum was recorded in the Libyan desert - +58 degrees), in winter - +18 degrees.

Rice. 3 Libyan Desert

In the southern parts it is colder and there is more rainfall. In the west (Namib Desert) precipitation is practically absent. In summer and winter, the temperature is almost the same (average annual - from +20 to +15 degrees). In the east (Dragon Mountains) the humidity is the highest. This is facilitated by the movement of air masses from the equator and their collision with warm air coming from the ocean.

It was in the tropical zone of both hemispheres that desert spaces were concentrated. Due to the absence of clouds, the daily temperature fluctuation in the desert is very high. During the day, the sun can heat sand and stones to a temperature of +70, and at night the whole space cools down and, in some cases, the thermometer can drop below zero. In the deserts, African simum winds often blow, and at night you can hear the crackling of stones.

Subtropical climate zone

If we compare the southeastern and southwestern coasts of Africa, then in the same season, with the same climatic zone, there is a sharp change in climate. The southwest (subtropical Mediterranean climate) has dry and hot summers, while winters are also warm but humid. On the southeast coast, summers are hot and humid (due to warm air masses from the Indian Ocean). And the winter is cold and dry (the Cape Mountains prevent the penetration of precipitation).

table"Characteristics of the climatic zones of Africa"(data from this table can be used in geography lessons grade 7).

climate zone	Average temperature (summer and winter)	Pressure (high, low)	Precipitation
Equatorial	+ 25 (during the year)	Low (throughout the year)	Lots of rainfall (throughout the year)
subequatorial	Summer - +24 Winter - +18	Summer is low Winter - high	Summer is wet Winter is dry
Tropical	Summer - +32 Winter - +18	High (within a year)	Dry climate (throughout the year)
Subtropical	Summer - +25	In summer - high In winter - low	Summer is dry Winter is wet

The impact of climate on the diversity of natural and flora Africa obviously. The climate also influenced the pattern of the river network and the regime of rivers. So, where the humidity is higher, the rivers are longer and more full-flowing. They feed mainly on rainfall. Inland waters Africa also have a certain influence on the formation of Africa's climate.

Despite the fact that the African continent has the largest waterless desert in the world, it also has the second most full-flowing river in the world - the Congo and the second longest river in the world - the Nile (in terms of full-flowing and length, the Nile and the Congo "bypassed" only South American Amazon).

Rice. 4 River Nile, Africa

What have we learned?

The climate in Africa is mostly hot, but humidity, like pressure, is also different in different climatic zones. The climate of the mainland is influenced by various climatic factors. Not the last role is played by the oceans, relief and inland waters.

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Africa is the hottest continent in the world. It is located mainly in tropical and equatorial latitudes, and therefore receives a significant amount of solar radiation (in the northern part, the total radiation exceeds 836 kJ / cm 2 per year, in the rest of the territory - on average more than 669 kJ / cm 2). This reason determines the predominance of high positive temperatures in Africa.

In the main territory of the mainland, the average annual temperature exceeds +20°C. In summer, the air temperature in the Sahara rises to +40°C and higher, and the surface of the stones heats up to +70°C. In northern Africa, the highest air temperature on Earth (+58.1 ° C, Tripoli) was noted. Even on the northern and southern outskirts of the mainland, entering the subtropical average temperature winter months does not fall below +8...+12°C. However, the cold highland climate is represented on the peaks of the Ethiopian Highlands and the East African Plateau. In the equatorial latitudes, in the Congo depression and on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, there are no differences in seasons - the air temperature throughout the year is about + 25 ° С.

Climatic conditions Africa is formed not only under the influence of seasonal differences in the heating of the northern and southern parts of the mainland. The distribution of temperatures and especially precipitation is related to the circulation of the atmosphere. Most of Africa is characterized by trade wind circulation. In the northern part of the mainland, the trade winds pass over land and carry dry tropical air. In South Africa, the trade winds come from the Indian Ocean and carry more wet air, cause heavy rains in the mountains of Madagascar and on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.

In subequatorial latitudes, a seasonal change of air masses is characteristic: in the summer of the corresponding hemisphere, the trade winds are replaced by equatorial monsoons. In the extreme north and south of the mainland, in subtropical latitudes, there is also a seasonal change in atmospheric circulation: in the winter of each hemisphere, the western transfer of moderate air masses dominates here (it rains), and in summer these territories are under the influence of high-pressure subtropical anticyclones (dry sunny weather) .

It's interesting that rainfall in Africa is distributed almost zonally. Their number decreases symmetrically in both directions from the equator to the tropics, where it reaches minimum values, and then increases again on the subtropical outskirts of the mainland. In equatorial latitudes, approximately between 5 ° N.S. and 5°S, precipitation is regular and plentiful. In the basin of the Congo River (Zaire) and on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, up to 2000-3000 mm of precipitation falls annually. And on the windward slopes of the Cameroon massif - up to 9000 mm. In subequatorial latitudes, up to about 17-19 ° N.L. and y.sh. the amount of precipitation decreases from 1500 to 300-250 mm at the borders with tropical deserts. In the tropics, up to 30°N. and 30° S, extremely insufficient moisture. The vast Sahara is especially dry - 50 mm or less precipitation per year. Here evaporation is 20-25 times higher than actual evaporation. In the subtropics of Africa, the amount of precipitation increases again: up to 300-500 mm on the Libyan-Egyptian coast of the Mediterranean Sea and up to 500-800 mm on the windward slopes of the Atlas and Cape mountains.

On the territory of Africa, there are equatorial, two subequatorial, two tropical and two subtropical climatic zones.

equatorial belt - a constantly hot and humid climate is formed on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea (up to 7-8 ° N) and covers a significant part of the Congo basin (between 5 ° N and 5 ° S). Average monthly temperatures are high - +25...+28°C. There is a lot of precipitation (up to 2000 mm or more), they are evenly distributed over the months. However, there are two particularly rainy periods - spring and autumn. These precipitation maxima are associated with strong evaporation at the zenithal position of the Sun at these latitudes.

Subequatorial belts - (northern and southern) - encircle the equatorial climatic zone, merge in the east of the mainland and extend from 17 ° north latitude. up to 20° S The subequatorial monsoon climate occupies approximately 1/3 of the territory of Africa. Equatorial air dominates in summer, brought by equatorial monsoons (humid summer), dry tropical air, brought by trade winds, prevails in winter (dry winter). Annual temperature amplitudes compared to equatorial belt increase. The hottest time of the year is at the beginning of the rainy season (up to +30°C). However, even in the coolest months of the year, the temperature does not fall below +18...+20°C. The duration of the wet period is reduced in the direction from the equator to the tropics from 10 to 3-2 months. Annual precipitation in the plains decreases from 1500 to 250 mm.

tropical belts (northern and southern) extend up to 30°N. and 30° S They cover almost the entire Sahara and the Kalahari Basin with its marginal uplifts. Continental tropical air is kept in these zones all year round and the trade winds dominate. The average temperatures of the warmest month are +30...+35°С, the coldest - not lower than +10°С. Temperature amplitudes are very significant: annual - about 20°С; daily - up to 40-50°C. There is little precipitation - no more than 50-150 mm per year. They fall sporadically, in the form of rare and short-term showers. Special climatic conditions within the tropical zones are created on the western coast of Africa (the Atlantic Sahara and the Namib Desert - site). Cold currents pass here. The relative humidity of the air is high, but there is very little precipitation. But in the cold night hours, abundant dews and fogs form on the coast. Temperatures are relatively low for tropical latitudes: in summer - about +20°С, in winter - about +15°С. The east coast of South Africa has a humid tropical climate. This is facilitated by warm currents near the coast, over which the southeast trade wind is saturated with moisture and gives abundant rainfall on the windward slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.

subtropical belts (northern and southern) occupy the outskirts of the mainland in the north and south. The Atlas Mountains, the Libyan-Egyptian coast and the foothills of the Cape Mountains have a subtropical Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and warm, wet winters. On the African coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the average July temperatures reach +27...+28°C, January temperatures - +12°C. On the Cape coast, the temperature of the warmest month does not exceed +21°С, the coldest - +13...+14°С. In the extreme southeast of Africa, within the subtropical zone, the climate is subtropical monsoon, with hot, rainy summers and relatively cool and dry winters. In summer, humid air from the Indian Ocean enters the coast. As in the tropical belt, it rains on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains. In winter, the Cape Mountains prevent the penetration of moist westerly winds and relatively little precipitation falls.

South Africa- a highly developed country, a piece of Europe on the African continent. Well thought out tourist infrastructure, high level population life and a stable economy - not quite typical for Africa, is it? But in South Africa, it's all real. And even the climate here is conducive to itself: a comfortable air temperature almost all year round, a warm ocean, and even opportunities for extreme skiing create optimal conditions for recreation. It would seem like heaven on earth? But even in paradise there are weather quirks that you should prepare for before the trip.

Climatic zones of South Africa

The climate in South Africa is surprisingly mild. There are no extreme temperature peaks here. Although the country is located on the African continent, and there is a desert on its territory, unbearable heat is rare here.

The location in the southern hemisphere makes the climate of South Africa directly opposite to the European one: winter - in summer, summer - in winter.

Geographically, South Africa is located in the tropics, but the weather on its territory is determined more by the influence of oceanic air masses, and only partly by relief.

South Africa is the only country on the African continent with such a diverse population. 1/3 local residents are ethnic Europeans.

V winter time the country is dominated by dry, cool weather. The area of high atmospheric pressure creates optimal conditions for visiting. In summer it gets hotter due to the influence of air masses from the Indian Ocean, which bring the rainy season.

The climatic zones of South Africa can be divided as follows:

West Coast. The cold Bengal current in the Atlantic Ocean has the main influence on the formation of the climate in the western part of the country. Here is the Namib Desert and the city of Cape Town. There are very few rainfalls. For several years, not a single rain may fall in the desert area at all. This is due to the fact that although the air masses carry moisture to the continent, but because of the Great Ledge, they are blocked from moving inland.
Central South Africa. These are predominantly mountainous areas, so daily temperature fluctuations are a common phenomenon that characterizes altitudinal zonality. Frosts are common in winter.
East Coast. Unlike the western regions, in the east there is high humidity and a significant amount of precipitation - up to 1200 mm / year.

Climate by region:

Western Cape. It includes Cape Town. Here prevails subtropical mediterranean climate . Dry summer (December-February), cold winter (June-August). Strong winds are typical.
Houteng. Center - Johannesburg. Subtropical climate. May-April is the peak rainy season. But the city itself is located in the highlands, so there is dry comfortable weather all year round.
Kazulu-Natal. Center - Durban. Climate - subtropical oceanic , suggesting hot summers (up to +34°C) and warm winters. Snow falls in the Drakensberg mountains.
Eastern Cape. In Port Elizabeth - subtropical climate . All year round you can go on a safari here, and for beach holiday It is worth choosing a time between November and March.
Mpumalanga. Subtropical climate. The coolest area is Kruger Park, in other areas the weather is much friendlier.
Northwest. Most The area is occupied by the Kalahari Desert. The climate is appropriate.
Limpopo. tropical climate . The northern part of the Kruger Park, which is located in this area, is unfavorable in terms of climate in October-March (up to +45°C).

Water off the coast of South Africa warms up to a maximum of + 26 ° C. The exception is the Atlantic Ocean, where, due to the Bengal Current, the water rarely exceeds +18°C.

Tourist seasons in South Africa

The tourist peak of visits to South Africa falls on November-December. Interestingly, at this time - the rainy season. The fact is that during this period the weather is the hottest, and the water in the ocean is the warmest. So that the rains do not spoil your vacation, you should go away from the central regions - to the coasts, where there is less rainfall. By the way, thunderstorms and showers in South Africa are usually a matter of night hours, so the sun often shines during the day. The smallest amount of precipitation occurs during the rainy season in the south of the country.

A characteristic feature of the weather in South Africa is when it is sunny in the morning in the summer, and it rains with thunderstorms in the late afternoon. The exception is the west coast and Cape Town - there is a rainy period only in winter. The largest amount of precipitation falls in the north of the country.

The best time for nature watching and traditional safari is the period from May to August, when the grass is not so high and the maximum visibility around is maintained. For beach activities it is better to choose the period from November to mid-March.

Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the budget of South Africa. Every year, due to the natural diversity, almost a million tourists visit the country.

What to bring

In Cape Town, located on the west coast of South Africa and washed by the cold Bengal current, it is rarely hot. But it is often cold. A long-sleeved sweater or even a sweater with a jacket will not interfere even in the African summer.

For a safari, you need not so much T-shirt shorts as a windbreaker, a warm pullover, a hat, or bondana, sneakers or boots. On a night safari, you need to dress even warmer. In the cold season, take with you: gloves, fleece hat, windbreaker, raincoat.

You should not take on a safari, or in general for a trip to South Africa, khaki clothes. There is an ambiguous attitude towards her here.

A separate issue is malaria. For its prevention, it is not a vaccination that is done (this is a big delusion), but special medications are taken orally. Before the trip, you should definitely consult a doctor and protect yourself from such an unpleasant ailment. But it is worth noting that South Africa is not included in the "malaria" zone, plus you need to take into account the travel season. If dry - there is nothing to be afraid of, if the rainy season - at your discretion. It is mandatory to have a yellow fever vaccination when entering the country. Unconditionally - the availability of medical insurance.

Be sure to bring repellents, sunscreen, sunglasses, closed clothing and hats.

The banking system is well developed in South Africa, but there are still places (gas stations, for example) where credit cards are not accepted, you need to pay in cash. It is better to have dollars with you than euros.

Of the must-have things for traveling in South Africa: comfortable clothes made of cotton materials for safaris and excursions, elegant clothes for restaurants, a woolen sweater for night or evening walks, a windbreaker when visiting Cape Town.

Weather in South Africa by months

December-February

Summer begins in South Africa in December. There is not much precipitation, the air temperature is comfortable. In Cape Town up to +26°C and very cool at night - maximum +16°C. In the south up to +28°С, in the northeast +32°С. The temperature in the Indian Ocean is up to +25°С. The African summer continues in January-February. There is little rainfall, the average temperature in the country during the day is + 26 ° С. The water in the Atlantic Ocean is +19°C, in the Indian Ocean up to +25+26°C. In January, you should not go to Durban, there is a peak in rainfall.

December - Peak tourist season in South Africa, so prices at this time, especially for travel services, are marginal. Many people come here on Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 25th. On January 1, South Africa celebrates the New Year.

March-May

Since March, the air temperature begins to gradually decrease. The coldest weather on the west coast. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is practically unsuitable for swimming - it is already cold (+17°C). You can swim in the Indian Ocean - up to + 23 + 24 ° С.

Human Rights Day falls on March 21st. The national holiday, Freedom Day, is celebrated on April 27th.

June August

The African winter has begun. Most of the area is quite cold. Snow falls in the mountains, frosts are frequent.

South Africa has opportunities for ski holidays. Dragon Mountains and Veld are the focus of ski holidays in South Africa. Surprisingly, at the end of the world, on the African continent, there is everything for great skiing or snowboarding. The season in the Dragon Mountains is June-August. There is little natural snow cover here, therefore, using the "minus" at night, on ski resorts launch snow cannons. Thus, a two-meter snow cover and densely groomed slopes create good skiing conditions for skiers.

At this time, the safari season begins in the south of the Kruger Park. In August, you should go to Cape Town. There, off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the whale season begins. It lasts until the end of March.

September-November

September is a great time for a safari in Limpopo. November is the rainy season.

Take a ride on the Rovos Rail retro train through the most picturesque corners! This is a historic train, the carriages of which were specially coupled in 1911 for the European royal family. If there is such an opportunity, be sure to use it and go on a several-day train tour! The season is from September to April.

September 24 is Heritage Day. National parks South Africa is a real natural treasure of the planet. The Kruger National Park is an amazing place where the animal kingdom reigns in their natural habitat over 350 km of primordial savannah. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is best visited from March to November. national park"Mountain Zebra" is famous for the number of unique zebras, and "Addo Elephant National Park" - elephants.

Weather in cities and resorts by months

Pretoria

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	29	28	27	24	22	19	20	22	26	27	27	28
Average minimum, °C	18	17	16	13	8	5	5	8	12	14	16	17

Monthly weather in Pretoria

Bloemfontein

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	31	29	27	23	20	17	17	20	24	26	28	30
Average minimum, °C	15	15	12	8	3	-2	-2	1	5	9	12	14

Bloemfontein weather monthly

Durban

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	28	28	28	26	25	23	23	23	23	24	25	27
Average minimum, °C	21	21	20	17	14	11	11	13	15	17	18	20
Rain, mm	134	113	120	73	59	38	39	62	73	98	108	102

Durban weather monthly

East London

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	26	26	25	24	23	21	21	21	21	22	23	25
Average minimum, °C	18	19	18	15	13	11	10	11	12	14	16	17