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South Africa: When to go

South Africa is a year-round destination and the weather is largely defined by the locations you visit. South Africa's seasons run in reverse to the Northern Hemisphere, therefore the summer months are from mid-September to early May, peaking from mid-November to late January when the temperatures reach their hottest. This is peak season and local schools, universities and some businesses often shut for the summer holidays. The summer rains also bring wonderful thunderstorms in the in the mid to northern regions of the country.

February is often touted as the most popular month to travel as temperatures are still warm and rain has not arrived in the Cape. The winter months from mid-May to early September are not as cold as Europe, however this time of year is the rainy season in the Cape.

The weather in the country plays a vital role when deciding on your holiday.  The vastness of South Africa means that thought has to go into your planning to maximise the experience, for example, the best time to see game is from May to August as the parched earth makes it easier to see animals. The whale watching season times with their migration from around July to October.

South Africa is an overnight flight directly from London to Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town. The duration of the flight is 11 - 11.5 hours.

These international airports are hubs for domestic flights as well as flights to neighbouring countries. British Airways and Virgin operate direct flights into all these airports.

South Africa does not require visas for UK passport holders.

Please note: The immigration rules for minors are still in effect. South Africa has strict rules and documentation requirements for minors travelling into the country. Please check the following website for more details and updates on the visa requirements:

Please contact your GP or travel health specialist to check what vaccinations you require. A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving (or in transit for more than 12 hours) from an endemic area.

Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes’ direct flight from London.

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