South Africa in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Cape Town, South Africa: 64°F High • 46°F Low

August in South Africa brings the final, definitive weeks of winter, with reliably dry, sunny days and a pleasant crispness in the air. This inspires locals and visitors to spend their days outdoors. The average temperature in Cape Town hovers between 64°F and 46°F, creating cool, comfortable conditions for all-day exploration, though evenings and early mornings are distinctly cold.

What to Expect

The cusp of spring varies dramatically across South Africa’s diverse geography, offering everything from snow-dusted mountains to wildflower-carpeted deserts and temperate coastlines.

• Northern Lowveld: In Kruger National Park, late winter is in full swing. Feel the comfortable warmth of the midday sun on a game drive through the dry, open bushveld. The days are reliably sunny and warm, perfect for spotting animals as they gather at the last remaining water sources.
• Central Highveld: When you visit Johannesburg and its surroundings, you will find the days clear, sunny, and mild. Feel the gentle sun as you explore a local market or outdoor café. The iconic grasslands are dry and golden, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly.
• Western Cape: In Cape Town and on the Cape coast, a mix of weather prevails. Cool, sunny days are interspersed with rain showers that nourish the fynbos and vineyards. Hear the powerful Atlantic waves crash against the shore as you watch for migrating whales from the coastline on a Touring Cape Town: The World’s Most Adventurous City itinerary.

With the country on the verge of spring, August is the perfect time to experience South Africa's iconic destinations with a sense of clarity and discovery. The pace is unhurried, allowing for moments of genuine connection with nature. On Zicasso’s sample Exquisite South Africa Exploration: Culture to Safari, the beauty of the wild and the grandeur of the landscape merge to provide you with an unforgettable journey.

Kruger National Park • Best Place for a Classic Safari

Experience Africa’s premier wildlife destination at its peak, as the dry season concentrates animals and offers unparalleled viewing opportunities.

What to Expect

• Feel the cool, crisp air of an early morning game drive as you set out in search of the Big Five.
• Hear the profound silence of the bush at night, punctuated by the distant roar of a lion or the call of a hyena.
• See vast herds of elephants and buffalo gathering at rivers and waterholes in the dry, golden landscape.

Hermanus • Best Place for Whale Watching

Discover the whale-watching capital of the world during the peak of the season, when southern right whales arrive to calve and nurse their young. See our Hidden Cape Tour for Active Travelers: Hiking, Kayaking, and More for inspiration.

What to Expect

• Feel the thrill as you spot the enormous silhouette of a whale just meters from the shoreline cliffs.
• Hear the powerful sound of a whale’s tail slapping the water, an explosive noise that echoes across the bay.
• See mothers and their newborn calves interacting in the calm, protected waters, a truly moving spectacle of nature.

Cape Town • Best Place for Iconic Sightseeing

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities, where dramatic natural landscapes and a rich history can be enjoyed without the summer crowds.

What to Expect

• Feel the brisk wind on your face as you stand atop Table Mountain, gazing at panoramic views of the city and ocean.
• See the vibrant, candy-colored houses of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood gleaming under the clear winter sun.
• Hear the stories of South Africa's past during a poignant and powerful tour of Robben Island when you embark on Zicasso’s Luxury and Heritage: Discover South Africa by Train Tour.

Namaqualand • Best Place to Find Spring Wildflowers

On our Mesmerizing Off-the-Beaten Track South Africa Safari, find a surreal escape in this arid landscape when it undergoes a miraculous and ephemeral transformation into a carpet of wildflowers.

What to Expect

• See an endless vista of orange, yellow, and purple daisies that blanket the hills and plains as far as the eye can see.
• Walk along a designated trail in the Namaqua National Park, feeling as if you are the only person in a vast, painted landscape.
• Breathe in the fresh, clean scent of the blooming desert, a unique fragrance that signals the arrival of spring.

August in South Africa is a month of spectacular natural events. The dry, clear weather and quiet landscapes invite you to engage with iconic wildlife and witness seasonal transformations in peaceful solitude. It's a season for creating memories that are rich with the raw, untamed spirit of Southern Africa.

Go on a Classic Dry-Season Safari

Explore South Africa’s legendary game reserves when wildlife viewing is at its absolute best. For more information, see our South Africa Safari Tours and Vacations.

What to Expect

• Feel the anticipation build as your guide follows fresh tracks in the sand, searching for an elusive leopard or a pride of lions.
• See the bushveld in stark, beautiful clarity, as the thinned-out vegetation makes it much easier to spot animals.
• Hear the crackle of a boma fire under a brilliant canopy of stars after a thrilling day of game drives.

Witness the Whale Migration

Journey to the Western Cape coastline to observe one of the world’s most magnificent marine spectacles from land or sea.

What to Expect

• Stand in awe on the cliffs of Hermanus as a 40-ton Southern Right whale breaches completely out of the water.
• Feel the excitement ripple through the crowd of onlookers as a whale’s fluke is spotted just offshore.
• Gaze at the striking sight of these gentle giants moving gracefully through the water on our South Africa Whale-Watching Tour and African Safari. This is a potent reminder of the ocean's power.

Explore the Blooming Wildflower Carpets

Step into a natural wonderland in the Northern Cape as the arid desert erupts in a short-lived, breathtaking display of color.

What to Expect

• Wander through a landscape utterly transformed from dusty plains into a vibrant carpet of orange, yellow, and white flowers.
• Envision the resilience of nature as you witness millions of seeds, dormant for a year, burst into life after the winter rains.
• Contemplate the ephemeral beauty of the scene against the clear blue August sky, feeling the full weight of this remarkable natural spectacle.

South Africa in August is captivating. The clear, dry winter weather creates the perfect conditions for prime wildlife viewing, while the first signs of spring bring the whale migration and blooming wildflowers to the Cape. From the legendary savannas of Kruger National Park to the dramatic coastline of the Western Cape, August welcomes you to explore South Africa with fewer crowds and a refreshing sense of discovery.

If you are eager to start planning your South African August adventures, our South Africa travel guide offers further inspiration, or you can find more information in our South Africa tours and vacations.