South Africa

#ffffff;" />large numbers of tourists take seasonal holidays.
Imagine relaxing in the sun on a South AfricanBut the very best weather settles in during
beach while the folks back at home are enduringFebruary and lasts through March. Book your
all the discomforts of winter. Because Southholiday for this period, and you can avoid the
Africa is in the southern hemisphere, its seasonsworst of the South African summer rush. To get
are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Thean even better jump on the crowds, as well as
summers are generally balmy, and in the winteran opportunity for bargain rates, you might want
months the temperatures seldom dip to the lowsto consider taking your holiday during the
of northwestern Europe or North America. Only“shoulder months” of autumn or
occasionally does snow fall. When you plan yourspring. October and April can be great times to
holiday in this country which has so many diversevisit South Africa.
attractions be sure to time it with the seasonThe Secret Season
that will be most suitable to your needs andThe South African winter, which lasts from May
budget.to August, has very unpredictable weather. It can
When Beaches Beckonbe cold and rainy one day, and gloriously warm
The peak tourist season in South Africa is fromand sunny the next. Veteran South African
the first week of November to the last week oftourists call this the Secret Season. They know
March. That is when the temperatures reach thefrom experience that if they come here for a
80s F (high 20s C) in centres like Cape Town andweek or two at this time of year, they are going
Johannesburg, and slightly lower in Kruger Nationalto enjoy at least a few unforgettable days of
Park. It is during this period that tourists flock tosplendid weather. The bonus is that hotel and
the long stretches of sandy beaches to swim inresort rooms can be had at bargain rates. When
sun-warmed water, and enjoy boating, surfing,you are planning your Secret Season holiday in
wind surfing, and other aquatic recreationalSouth Africa, keep in mind that the country has
activities. South African residents join the rushschool holidays in July and August.
during their summer vacation period, fromSeeing the Animals
December 1 to January 15, and during the twoThe hot summer months of South Africa are
weeks surrounding Easter. You will always findexcellent for beach culture, but they are not the
plenty of room to spread your blanket on thebest time for going on safari. At this time of year
beach, but at this time of year the hotels andthe animals are hidden by long grass, and they do
resorts tend to fill up quickly, so it’s anot tend to gather at watering holes. Visitors will
good idea to book your accommodations well inhave a much better opportunity of seeing South
advance.Africa’s exotic wildlife after the rains of
Escape the CrowdsApril. The weather might be humid, but for wildlife
The most popular time to visit South Africa islovers this is the best time to see animals in their
from November through January, as that is whenown element.