Lifestyle
South Africa — Living: Climate
South Africa averages 18.3°C over the year and about 464 mm of precipitation (national averages for 1991-2020, World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, CRU TS 4.07 data), with January the warmest month and July the coolest.
Why this matters
Understanding South Africa's climate is essential for relocating individuals to plan for their living arrangements and daily activities.
Key facts
- Average annual temperature: 18.3°C (national average, 1991-2020)
- Warmest month: January, 23.7°C on average
- Coolest month: July, 11.7°C on average
- Average annual precipitation: 464 mm (1991-2020)
- Wettest month: January, 71 mm on average
- Driest month: July, 12 mm on average
Steps
- Understanding the Regional Climate — Relocating individuals should research the specific climate of their intended region, as climate varies significantly across the country.
Costs
- Climate-Related Costs (e.g. heating, cooling, insulation): Varies depending on the region and personal choices
Timelines
- Time to Adjust to the Climate: Several weeks to months, depending on individual adaptability
Required documents
- None specifically related to climate, but understanding local climate conditions may influence housing choices
Common mistakes
- Underestimating the impact of climate on daily activities and planning
Monthly averages, 1991-2020 (national)
January: 23.7°C, 71 mm February: 23.5°C, 65 mm March: 21.8°C, 57 mm April: 18.4°C, 33 mm May: 15.0°C, 19 mm June: 11.9°C, 14 mm July: 11.7°C, 12 mm August: 13.5°C, 14 mm September: 16.6°C, 19 mm October: 19.3°C, 39 mm November: 21.0°C, 56 mm December: 22.7°C, 68 mm
What these figures do not cover
These are country-wide averages. Climate varies a lot between regions, coasts, mountains and cities, and individual years differ from the long-term average. Heat waves, humidity, air quality and seasonal hazards are not covered here.