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

Average Temperatures in Cape Town: 77°F High • 59°F Low

March signals the transition from summer to autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing some of the best weather of the year. Temperatures across the country are pleasantly mild as the peak summer heat subsides, generally ranging from the 60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. The northern safari regions remain warm and the landscapes are a vibrant green after the rainy season. In the Cape, March is known for its glorious, sunny days and calm conditions, while brief, gentle rain showers can occur, keeping the scenery lush.

What to Expect

The early autumn weather creates perfect conditions for travel, offering everything from warm, subtropical beach days to idyllic, sun-drenched explorations in the Winelands.

• The Western Cape: In Cape Town and the Winelands, experience beautiful, late-summer conditions. Feel the warm sun and gentle breezes, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor dining. See the vineyards, heavy with ripe grapes, bustling with the energy of the harvest.
• The KwaZulu-Natal Coast: In Durban, the climate remains subtropical and warm. Feel the invitingly warm water of the Indian Ocean, ideal for swimming and surfing. The humidity begins to drop, making it very comfortable to explore the city’s beaches and promenades.
• The Northern Interior: In Kruger National Park, the landscape is a stunning, dense emerald green. Hear the vibrant chorus of insects and birds echoing through the thick foliage. The summer rains have subsided, but water is plentiful and the animals are active.

With the peak-season crowds beginning to thin and the weather at its most pleasant, March is an ideal time to explore South Africa’s diverse destinations. From the celebratory atmosphere of the Winelands to the lush wilderness of its national parks, the country offers myriad experiences.

Cape Town • Best Place for Sightseeing

Explore South Africa’s “Mother City” when the weather is arguably at its best. The mild, sunny days of March are perfect for discovering the city’s natural wonders and wonderful culture, all with fewer crowds than in summer.

What to Expect

• Feel the gentle autumn breeze as you take the open-air cable car to the top of the iconic Table Mountain.
• See the city’s stunning coastline and vibrant neighborhoods, like the Bo-Kaap, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon.
• Hear the lively sounds of musicians and entertainers along the bustling V&A Waterfront as you dine al fresco.

The Cape Winelands • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Visit the enchanting towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch during the most exciting time of year: the grape harvest. The entire region is alive with a festive spirit, making it an incredibly romantic destination for a getaway.

What to Expect

• Feel the festive energy of a harvest celebration as you join in the grape-stomping festivities.
• See the beautiful vineyards at their most bountiful, with rows of vines heavy with ripe fruit ready for picking.
• Taste award-winning wines, freshly pressed grape juice, and exquisite cuisine during a romantic vineyard picnic.

The Garden Route • Best Place for Families with Children

Journey along this scenic coastal drive when the weather is mild and the conditions are perfect for a multitude of family-friendly adventures, from beaches and forests to animal sanctuaries.

What to Expect

• Feel the thrill of ziplining through the canopy of the ancient Tsitsikamma Forest.
• See the magnificent Knysna Heads from a boat cruise on the tranquil lagoon, keeping an eye out for dolphins.
• Hear the joyful laughter of your children as they interact with rescued elephants or birds at one of the many local wildlife sanctuaries.

Kruger National Park • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Experience a more intimate and personal safari as the summer crowds dissipate. The park remains beautifully green and full of life, offering a unique and peaceful wildlife-viewing experience.

What to Expect

• Feel a sense of tranquility on game drives with fewer other vehicles, allowing for undisturbed wildlife sightings.
• See a lush, emerald-green bushveld, a stunning backdrop for photography, with many newborn animals still finding their feet.
• Hear the sounds of the bush more clearly, from the alarm call of a bird to the distant roar of a lion, in the quiet of the shoulder season.

March is a month of unique seasonal events and ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. Enjoy the country’s world-famous wine culture, search for the Big Five, or hike through breathtaking mountain scenery in crisp, clear weather.

Partake in the Grape Harvest

Immerse yourself in the heart of South Africa’s wine heritage by participating in the annual grape harvest in the Cape Winelands, a tradition filled with energy and celebration.

What to Expect

• Feel the satisfying snip of the shears as you help harvest bunches of ripe, juicy grapes directly from the vine.
• See the entire winemaking process unfold, from picking and crushing to the first stages of fermentation.
• Taste the sweet, freshly-pressed grape juice and be among the first to sample the young wines of the new vintage.

Explore the Cape Peninsula to the Tip of Africa

Take a spectacular journey along the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula to its rugged, mythical tip. March offers crystalline days perfect for this world-famous scenic drive, which winds past sheer cliffs and pristine white-sand beaches at the point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

What to Expect

• Feel the fresh, salty wind as you travel along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads.
• See the charming colony of endangered African penguins waddling along the protected sands of Boulders Beach from a special viewpoint.
• Hear the crash of the Atlantic Ocean against the cliffs as you stand at the historic lighthouse at Cape Point, surrounded by the wild fynbos of the pristine nature reserve.

Hike the Drakensberg Mountains

Explore the towering peaks and lush valleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crisp, mild autumn weather makes it a perfect time to tackle the trails of this majestic mountain range.

What to Expect

• Feel the cool, refreshing spray from powerful waterfalls, still flowing strong after the summer rains.
• See vibrant green landscapes stretching out below you from a high mountain pass, and discover ancient San rock art hidden in sandstone caves.
• Hear the profound silence of the vast wilderness, broken only by the cry of a soaring eagle or the rush of a clear mountain stream.

From world-class cities and fertile Winelands to unspoiled wilderness and dramatic mountain scenery, March unveils South Africa's multifaceted charms. With its idyllic weather, vibrant harvest events, and thinner crowds, this transitional month provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable African adventure in a truly spectacular country.

For additional information and insights tailored to your journey, explore our comprehensive South Africa travel guide. You can also find new ways to create your perfect getaway with our South Africa tours and vacations.