South Africa in November: Weather, Tips & Wildlife Safaris
From wildlife watching to urban sightseeing and beachy weather, South Africa is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling activities. And if you want to enjoy the warm, calm and pleasant weather before it gets too crowded, visiting South Africa in November is an excellent plan. Discover nature reserves in the northern part of the country, like Timbavati or Ithala, or sail around Hermanus while whales are still there. South Africa’s weather in November is great for sunbathing and this is the best time for birdwatchers as well.
- Mark Bromley
- From USA
South Africa Weather in November
With warm temperatures and sunny days, November welcomes summer in South Africa. Dry and hot by day and cool at night, the country is waiting for visitors with temperatures between an average low of 13°C and an average high of 25°C. The skies are clear and the days are warm and breezy, which is perfect for relaxing.
Cape Town welcomes sunbathers with an agreeable average high temperature of 25°C by day and an average low of 15°C. In Johannesburg and Kruger, the average maximum daytime temperature lies around 25°C, while the nights can get as chilly as 12°C. The warmth is only interrupted by regular rainfall, often in the form of spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. National parks can still be a good destination, but the weather in South Africa in November brings other spectacular places and things to do under the spotlight.
For a seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit South Africa.
Weather in South Africa in November - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 79 | 79 | 77 | 72 | 68 | 65 | 63 | 65 | 67 | 70 | 74 | 77 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 61 | 58 | 54 | 50 | 45 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 52 | 56 | 59 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 20 | 30 | 50 | 70 | 90 | 100 | 70 | 50 | 40 | 20 | 20 |
| Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 21 | 23 | 25 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 70 | 74 | 77 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 52 | 56 | 59 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 20 | 20 |
Why Visit South Africa in November
Whether you are looking for a vacation immersed in natural beauty and wildlife or planning to spend your days on the beach enjoying the weather, visiting South Africa in November offers you a mix of everything.
- Lesser crowds: Though popular areas begin to fill up towards the end of the month, South Africa is usually quiet in November. Not to mention, prices are pocket-friendly as well!
- Beach weather: The weather in South Africa in November is perfect for a beach holiday around Cape Town or along the coast, in Port Elizabeth and East London. However, Durban and coastal KwaZulu-Natal can have higher temperatures.
- Wildlife safaris: Birdwatching aficionados and animal lovers, in general, will fall in love with South Africa in November. It is the best time of the year to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles and is also the last month of the peak whale-watching season.
- Festive celebrations: There are plenty of activities and things to do in South Africa in November, and Ficksburg Cherry Picking, the oldest crop festival in the country, is one of them.
Where To Go and What To Do
November is the perfect time to explore Cape Town and the Western Cape. Whether you prefer the breezy vibes of Big Bay Beach or the fine white sands of Camps Bay, make sure that you sprinkle your South Africa escapades with unique visits and experiences. Enjoy a boat ride to the famous Robben Island, and learn more about its multi-layered, 500-year-old history. Then pamper your taste buds with a wine-tasting session in the nearby Cape Winelands, a paradise for wine enthusiasts, and hike to the top of Table Mountain for a breath of fresh air and spectacular views.
With November being the last month of the peak whale-watching season in the Western Cape and Hermanus, a road trip along the Garden Route is also a fantastic idea. And, since this month marks the beginning of loggerhead and leatherback turtles' nesting season along the beaches of iSimangaliso, you can add turtle-tracking tours to your itinerary. Birdwatchers will love Cape Town, the best sea bird-watching destination in South Africa. Birds like giant petrels, albatrosses and the rare terns are sure to amaze you. To admire an impressive African penguin colony, travel to Cape Town’s peninsula suburb of Simon's Town.
There are also a few entertaining events to attend when visiting South Africa in November. Ficksburg Cherry Picking is a great option, especially when traveling with a family. Expect delicious foods, craft beer, live performances and, of course, cherries. However, for a bubbly good time, head for the Cape Town Bierfest, an annual gala beer display.
Whether you want a relaxing holiday on the beach, are excited about wildlife safari tours or are looking forward to a fun escapade sprinkled with events and exciting things to do, a trip to South Africa in November promises a memorable holiday for all types of travelers who love warm summer weather. And, in case you are unsure about planning your vacation, ask our local travel experts and they will help you plan a memorable customized trip to South Africa in November.
Check out our tours to South Africa in November for more inspiration.
Other articles:
South Africa in October
South Africa in December
