When does the rainy season begin in South Africa? Geography of South Africa: population, relief, climate, flora and fauna
South Africa is located in the subtropical and tropical (north of 30 S) zones. Has a decisive influence on the climate of South Africa subtropical zone high atmospheric pressure with constant oceanic highs - the South Atlantic and Indian - and seasonally intercontinental pressure centers.
In winter (in July), the center of the high pressure area is located above the Central Plateau. At this time of the year it is cold there, and the winds blowing from there contribute to the establishment of dry cold cloudless weather in many parts of South Africa. However, in the far south (Cape and Southern Coastal regions) winter is a season of frequent cold, heavy rains, and there the sky is almost constantly overcast.
In summer (January) the center low pressure located above the Central Plateau. Moist air from the Indian Ocean is drawn in there. At the same time, moisture-bearing winds contribute to rainfall in the southeastern and eastern parts of the Great Escarpment and on the Central Plateau. However, in the Cape region, dry and hot weather.
Precipitation amounts decrease to the west from 1900 mm on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains to less than 25 mm on the coast of Namaqualand. Due to the uneven topography, the Cape and Southern Coastal Regions show large local differences in rainfall.
Temperatures in South Africa decrease from east to west. Under the influence of the cold Benguela Current, which follows along west coast, temperatures drop significantly. The average annual temperature at Port Nolloth is 14°C, but on the east coast, influenced by the warm Indian Ocean, temperatures are high, and Durban has an average annual temperature of 22°C. On the other hand, the temperature difference between the northern and southern regions is small as the altitudes increase towards north. The southern tip of the mainland (Cape Agulhas) and Johannesburg (located 1450 km to the north, but at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level) have an average annual temperature of approx. 16° C.
The central plateau differs sharply continental climate with pronounced contrasts between daily and annual temperatures. Summer weather is hot with dazzling sunshine and occasional severe thunderstorms. Kimberley, located at an altitude of 1220 m above sea level, in January has an average maximum temperature of 32 ° C, and an average minimum temperature of 17 ° C. On the other hand, in winter the days are pleasant warm weather(average maximum temperature in July 19°C) due to bright sunlight, but the nights are cold (minimum temperature in July 2°C). Winters are very dry, with almost no precipitation in June, July and August.
Namaqualand is a very dry area, with precipitation varying from a maximum of 200 mm in the mountains of the interior to a minimum of less than 25 mm on the coast. On the coast the weather is cool and temperatures are fairly constant. Outside the zone of influence of the onshore breeze, temperatures rise greatly in summer.
The Cape region has the same favorable climate as the Mediterranean coast of Europe and southern California. Installed in winter rainy weather, and in summer it is dry. Precipitation occurs from May to September. On the coast it usually falls as rain, but in higher mountains (such as Table Mountain near Cape Town) there is occasional snowfall. Their number varies greatly depending on the nature of the relief. In Cape Town, the average annual rainfall reaches 630 mm, while some high mountains usually receive 2540 mm. Temperatures in Cape Town vary greatly throughout the year. In July (winter) the average minimum temperature is 9°C and the average maximum is 17°C; in January (summer) the average minimum temperature is 16°C, and the average maximum is 27°C. Within the area, however, there are large temperature contrasts, which depend on exposure to the moderating influence of the ocean; in the interior valleys, summers are hotter and winters colder than on the coast.
The South Coastal region receives as much rainfall in winter as the Cape region, and in summer as much as the South-East Coastal region.
The southeastern coastal region receives most of the rainfall in summer months, but not a single month here is truly dry. Durban receives 1,140 mm of liquid precipitation per year, with an average of 150 mm in March and only 40 mm in July. In summer there is very warm wet weather with an average maximum temperature of 28°C and an average minimum of 21°C in January. Winters are mild and pleasant with an average maximum temperature of 22°C and an average minimum of 13°C in July.
The Transvaal Low Veldt receives a large number of precipitation, in some places up to 2030 mm. Winters are dry and sunny. High temperatures prevail all year round.
It belongs to those rare corners on our planet that not every tourist gets to. But almost everyone who knows the call of wandering and the aroma of sun-scorched earth dreams of such a trip. Although South Africa, whose climate is very diverse, can provide not only sunny days, but also rainy weeks, when everything around for many kilometers is under the influence of bad weather.
geographical position
South Africa is a fairly young state; today it is not yet a hundred years old. But the history of this place is truly unique and is one of the most ancient on the planet.
South Africa is located in the southern part African continent and extends over more than one million square kilometers. This territory contains nine provinces and three capitals. Few people know that South Africa is one of the richest countries in the world. There are deposits of manganese, diamonds and gold here, and the diversity of flora and fauna can be the envy of recognized leaders on the list of recommended countries to visit.
South Africa's climate has provided such a variety of plants and animals, many of which are truly unique. It amazingly preserved rare species of plants that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet and provided a comfortable life for many species of animals.
Climate of South Africa: briefly about the main things
If we talk briefly about the climate of the Republic of South Africa, then the most important thing that needs to be mentioned is the amount climatic zones. There are twenty of them on the territory of the state; this is not found in any other country in the world! These amazing features The climate of South Africa provided the state with an influx of tourists, who several years ago were able to appreciate the possibilities of recreation in the Republic of South Africa. After all, in one trip you can easily cross several climatic zones and see rare animal species in person.
South Africa: nature and climate
The territory of South Africa is washed by the waters of two oceans at once, which significantly affects the climate of the state. The Indian Ocean brings warm subtropical air, but the Atlantic contributes to the formation of hot and dry air masses over more than half of South Africa. In general, the climate in the country can be described as moderate, which is very unusual for such a geographical location. But do not forget that South Africa is located quite high above sea level and is often exposed to fresh ocean breezes. This feature makes it easy to carry even summer heat exceeding thirty-five degrees Celsius.
The twenty climatic zones existing in South Africa can be divided into:
- tropics;
- subtropics;
- Mediterranean.
The east of the country is characterized by high humidity and high average annual temperatures, which is very similar to the Asian mainland. The north of South Africa can safely be attributed to tropical climate with a lot of rainfall, but the south is simply a Mediterranean paradise. Tourists from Europe often come here and are surprised by the quite pleasant and comfortable climatic conditions.
Climate of South Africa: interesting features
For those who come to South Africa for the first time, the climate can present many surprises and surprises. For example, the scatter of average annual temperatures in different parts countries. It can reach up to ten to twelve degrees, which is absolutely impossible in other countries.
Winter and summer in South Africa are opposite to the usual seasons for residents of Europe and Asia. Summer lasts from October to April in the country, and winter begins in May. Moreover, spring and autumn fly by almost unnoticed; they are very short. Usually the off-season does not last more than two to three weeks. The average monthly summer temperature is twenty-five degrees above zero Celsius; in winter, especially in the desert, the thermometer can drop to zero. During the daytime, even in winter, the air quickly warms up, which allows tourists to visit South Africa at any time of the year.
The influence of climate on the flora and fauna of South Africa
A large area of South Africa is given over to National parks and nature reserves. It is forbidden to hunt in them, and created ideal conditions for the active life of animals. Tourists coming to the African continent try to go on safari to see lions, elephants and rhinoceroses in their natural environment a habitat. They thrive in a large number of climatic zones, and after a ban on their shooting was introduced, they significantly increased their population.
For botanists, South Africa seems like a paradise, because many indoor plants known to us were exported to Europe from here. Today the country boasts the largest number of endemic plants in the world. Now there are more than five thousand species that are found nowhere else in nature. This fact makes South Africa's climate truly special.
Of great interest to scientists is the silver flower, which is a symbol of the country. The fact is that it is found only in South Africa. The climate of the country has a surprising effect on this plant. On the one side climatic conditions allow the flower to grow within one habitat zone, but on the other hand, it is the climate that does not allow the possibility of this plant spreading throughout the territory of the Republic of South Africa.
Square: 1.2 million km2
Population: 49 million people
Capital: Pretoria
Geographical position
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) is located in the extreme south of Africa, south of the Southern Tropic and is washed by two oceans. The cold Benguela Current in the west and the warm Cape Agulhas Current in the east determine the climate and nature of the country. The slightly indented coastline and desert areas of the western coast are not conducive to its intensive development. South coast has a more favorable geographical position for development . On the territory of South Africa there are two small independent states - Lesotho and. (Use the map to determine which countries South Africa borders with.)
Natural conditions and resources
South Africa has the most powerful economic potential in the world and is the only African country classified as a developed country. The Republic of South Africa was proclaimed in 1961.
Most of the country's territory lies above 1000 m above sea level. The geological structure of the territory determined the richness of South Africa in ore and the absence of deposits. The country's subsoil is extremely rich in manganese ores, chromites, platinum, diamonds, gold, coal, iron, etc.
The territory of South Africa is located in the subtropical and tropical zones. The climate is arid, but cooler than in the north of the mainland. Average annual temperatures are +20…+23 °C. The difference in temperatures between the hottest and coldest seasons is only about 10 °C. Annual rainfall ranges from 100 mm on the west coast to 2000 mm on the slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Territory South Africa crosses several large rivers: Orange, Tugela. Largest river South Africa - Orange, the length of which is almost 2 thousand km. Its basin contains the most important industrial and agricultural areas of the country. Large hydraulic structures were built on the river, including reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations. The Drakensberg Mountains are crossed by the Tugela River, which is home to Africa's highest waterfall, the Tugela (933 m).
The soils are varied and mostly fertile: red-brown, black, gray-brown. A significant part of the territory in the center and in the east is occupied by savannas. Along the banks of the rivers there are preserved rainforests. In the south, subtropical forests and evergreen shrubs are common. The country's flora numbers about 16 thousand species, dominated by savannah formations. In the most humid areas there are savannas with palm trees and baobabs, in the Karoo there is a deserted savannah (dry-loving trees, shrubs and succulents (aloe, spurge, etc.). In the Kalahari, the peculiar ones are of particular value - pens, in which moisture accumulates after rains and appears lush grass is good food for sheep.
In the Cape floristic region (region) there are more than 6 thousand plant species, most of which are endemic. The flower of the silver tree (protea) has become national symbol SOUTH AFRICA. Deserts and mountains, river valleys, a significant length of the ocean coast determine the diversity of animals and flora SOUTH AFRICA. Most diverse animal world in national parks, the most famous of them are Kruger, Kalahari-Gemsbok, in which all representatives of the animal world are concentrated, including endemics. About 200 species of snakes, more than 40 thousand species of insects are known in the country, and pockets of malaria mosquitoes and tsetse flies have been preserved.
South Africa is the richest country in Africa in terms of reserves mineral resources. Climatic conditions allow for growing crops all year round.
Population
The ethnic composition of the South African population is very complex. About 80% of the country's citizens are black Africans who belong to various ethnic groups (Zulu, Xhosa, Suto, etc.). The population of European origin is less than 10%. The third largest group of the population of South Africa are mulattoes and mestizos. There is a significant population of Asian origin.
Population density 37 people/sq. km. The most densely populated areas are Cape Town and Durban. Over 35% of the population lives in cities. Since the late 90s. Natural population growth due to morbidity has sharply decreased and has been negative since 2005.
In terms of the employment structure of the population, South Africa is a post-industrial country (65% of the working population is employed in the service sector, more than 25% in industry).
The high level of economic development has made it possible to solve many social issues And ethnic relations. Previously, the majority of the local population was oppressed. The apartheid policy lasted 45 years in South Africa. She preached racial oppression of the colored population, the creation of reservations for blacks, the ban on mixed marriages, etc. In 1994, the apartheid political regime was overthrown as a result of general elections and the refusal of whites to renounce their monopoly on power. South Africa was restored to the world community.
Cities
The capital is the city of Pretoria (more than 800 thousand people). The urban population is 64%. South Africa is dominated by small towns with a population of up to 10 thousand people. In addition to Johannesburg (3.2 million people) and, the largest cities are port cities - Cape Town,.
Industry
The country's economy produces 2/3 of the continent's GDP. The country's economy is determined by its mining industry. About 52% of the country's exports come from mining products. The country ranks second in the world in diamond mining and third in uranium ore mining. Almost all types of minerals, excluding oil, are found in South Africa. Coal mining is developed - South Africa ranks third in the world in terms of coal use.
Closely related to the mining industry is the production of gold bars (25% of world production) and platinum. The main center of gold mining is Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, the “economic capital” of the country. Several dozen gold mines operate here, and an urban agglomeration has formed (about 5 million people). The country's industry of specialization is ferrous metallurgy. South African steel is the cheapest in the world. Non-ferrous metallurgy is represented by the production of most non-ferrous metals: from copper, antimony and chromium to rare earth metals.
The service sector is developing rapidly. The banking sector and trade have received the greatest development. The service sector accounts for up to 62% of GDP.
Agriculture
In agriculture, livestock breeding plays a leading role, primarily sheep breeding for wool. Sheep wool and leather form a significant part of exports. Cattle and goats are also raised. South Africa is the world's largest producer of mohair from the wool of Angora goats (South African mohair is considered the best in the world). They are also involved in breeding ostriches.
For development Agriculture affected by droughts, 1/3 of all lands are susceptible. Cultivable lands make up about 12% of the territory. The main grain crops are corn, wheat, sorghum. South Africa provides itself with all basic food products, exports sugar, vegetables, fruits and berries, and citrus fruits. Many lands are infertile and require constant fertilization.
Transport
The main interregional mode of transport in South Africa is rail. Railways connect port cities with. The role of road transport is increasing, accounting for 80% of all transport in the country. The most important seaports are Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, etc.
South Africa is the only highly developed country in Africa. South Africa is known in the world as the leader in gold production - 25% of world production. The South African economy accounts for 2/3 of the continent's GDP.
Total area: 1,219,912 sq. km. It is 5 times larger than Great Britain, 2 times larger than France and equal in territory to Germany, France and Italy combined. Border length: 4750 km. It borders Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Coastline: 2798 km.
Population: about 40 million people. Ethnic groups: black - 75.2%, white - 13.6%, colored -8.6%, Indian - 2.6% Official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sutho, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Pedi. Religion: Christianity (68%), Hinduism (1.5%), Islam (2%), animism, etc. (28.5%).
Capitals: Cape Town (parliament), Pretoria (government), Bloemfontein ( Supreme Court). The population of Cape Town is 2,350,157 people, Johannesburg is 1,916,063 people, and Pretoria is 1,080,187 people. Form of government: republic Administrative division: 9 provinces - Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North Western Province, Northern Cape, Northern Province, Western Cape.
Natural resources of South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is located in the south of the African continent, in tropical and subtropical latitudes Southern Hemisphere. The territory of South Africa makes up 4.2% of the continent's area (1221 thousand sq. km). The country's most characteristic landscapes are natural areas savannas and woodlands, semi-deserts and deserts, replacing each other from east to west. The plateaus and plateaus slope steeply to the coastal lowlands in the east and to the depression in the south. The windward slopes are overgrown with subtropical evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs.
In the north, South Africa has land borders that run mainly through sparsely populated semi-arid and desert areas. In the northwest it borders with Namibia, in the north with Botswana and Zimbabwe, and in the east with Mozambique and Swaziland. The Kingdom of Lesotho is located in South Africa as an enclave. In the west the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, and in the south and east by the Indian Ocean. This location of the country determines the presence of various natural landscapes.
The relief of South Africa is characterized by a predominance of high plain plateaus. About half of the territory has an altitude of 1000 to 1600 m, more than 3/4 is located above 600 m above sea level, only a narrow strip of coastal lowlands in the west, south and east does not exceed an altitude of 500 m.
IN general outline The relief is determined by the internal plateaus and coastal plains of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The plateau descends from southeast to northwest. Its most elevated parts are located on the border with Lesotho (more than 3600 m), and the least elevated parts are in the river basin. Mololo (less than 800 m).
The coastal plains stretch in a narrow strip in the east, south and west of the country. In the extreme south the coastal lowland is very narrow; to the north it gradually expands to 65-100 km.
South Africa statistics
(as of 2012)
Diversity geological structure, the outcrops of ancient crystalline, often metamorphosed rocks determined the country's exceptional wealth in mineral resources. In total, 56 types of mineral raw materials were discovered on its territory. In a relatively small area there is a truly unique set of a wide variety of minerals: chromium, coal, iron, nickel, phosphates, tin, copper, vanadium; the world's largest supplier of gold (more than 15,000,000 troy ounces per year). South Africa ranks first or one of the first in the world in reserves and production of platinum, diamonds, antimony, uranium and manganese ores, chromites, asbestos, andalusite, etc. The only drawback of the mineral resource base is the lack of proven oil reserves. In this regard, coal occupies the main place in the country's fuel and energy balance.
Climate of South Africa
The country is located in the subtropical region, and north of 30° south. sh.-tropical climate. Average annual temperatures throughout the territory are positive (from +12° to +23°C). The difference in temperatures between the “coldest” and the “hottest” zones is about 10°C. This difference is determined not so much by latitude as by relief and fluctuations in absolute heights. As altitude increases, the amplitudes of daily and annual temperatures, the possibility of frost and their duration also increase.
Rivers of South Africa
The lack of moisture in most of the country does not contribute to the emergence of large lake-river systems. The density of the river network is extremely uneven. Most of the permanent rivers belong to the Indian Ocean basin. The largest of them are: Limpopo, Tugela, Umgeni, Great Cay, Great Fish, Sandis, Gaurits, etc. In most cases, these are short, rapids rivers originating on the eastern and southern windward slopes of the Great Escarpment. They are full-flowing, predominantly rain-fed, with a summer maximum water flow.
The largest river in South Africa, the Orange River (tributaries Vaal, Caledon, Braque, etc.) has a length of 1865 km and belongs to the Atlantic Ocean basin. It flows through arid inland plateaus and becomes very shallow in its lower reaches. A number of large hydraulic structures were built on the river and its tributaries. To the north of the middle reaches of the Orange River there are several seasonal rivers (Nosob, Mololo, Kuruman, etc.) belonging to the internal drainage area of the Kalahari Plain.
In conditions of lack of surface water, the The groundwater. They are used by both industrial enterprises and many farms central and western regions of the inland plateau. Desalination plants operate on the West Coast sea water, water purification is carried out for reuse at industrial enterprises.
Soils of South Africa
The most widespread soils in the country are chestnut and red-brown soils. These two types of soils occupy almost half of the country's territory - from the West Coast to the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains (the Kalahari region, the Middle and almost the entire High Weald, vast areas of the Bushveld, and in the south the Great and Little Karoo). The presence of these soil types is determined by climatic conditions, primarily the amount of precipitation. Light brown and red-brown soils are characteristic of desert-steppe regions, and chestnut soils are characteristic of dry steppes.
Black, chernozem and chestnut soils are common in the eastern High Veldt and Bushveld. The black ferruginous soils of dry savannas, which farmers call “black peat,” are fertile. At higher elevations, more leached red soils are often found.
Coastal areas have a wide variety of soils. On the East Coast, in the lowest parts, fertile red soils and yellow soils of subtropical regions are developed. The southwest coast is an area of fairly fertile brown soils.
All soils require the application of mineral and organic fertilizers. Along with this, constant fight against soil erosion is necessary. Improper plowing of slopes and excessive grazing lead to destruction of soil structure and erosion. The arid climate creates the problem of artificial irrigation. Only 15% of South Africa's land is suitable for agriculture.
Flora of South Africa
The flora of the country is rich and diverse. In total, there are about 15 thousand plant species that belong to two floristic regions - Cape and Paleotropical. The predominant vegetation is the savanna zone and the semi-desert and desert zone.
The appearance of savannas changes depending on the amount of precipitation. In the most humid areas grow various palm trees, baobabs, podocarpus, valuable breeds trees and cereal grass; Low Weld-park savanna, or mopane savanna (from the name of the widespread mopane tree); Bushveld-acacia-euphorbia savanna, dominated by various types of acacias, evergreen shrubs and light groves of trees shedding their leaves in dry time of the year.
The semi-desert and desert zone occupies the western coastal plain, vast areas of the Upper, Greater and Lesser Karoo and the driest parts of the Kalahari.
In the northwestern regions of this zone, succulents, or “rock plants” grow; in the Kalahari, near the Namibian border, sandy soils are dominated by cereals. In arid areas, karroos have an abundance of succulents various shapes. Among leaf succulents, aloe and acacia are often found; among stem succulents, euphorbia is widespread, and there are shrub succulents.
The High Weld is occupied by a zone of grassy steppes (grasveld). More than 60% of the grassveld territory is covered with cereals; in the more humid eastern regions, high themeda (up to 1 m) is common, in drier areas it is low (not higher than 0.5 m). This is the best feed for livestock on natural pastures. Various species of bearded vulture and fescue are also present.
The Cape floristic region is a center of ornamental flora of world importance. In a relatively small area, 800 km long and less than 10 km wide, over 6 thousand plant species from 700 genera grow, most of them endemic. Evergreen hard-leaved shrubs and various perennial plants dominate here. The flora of the Cape region has a number common families and childbirth with the flora of Australia, South America(family Proteaceae and genus sundew) and Europe (sedge, reed, flax, nettle, buttercup, rose, feather grass, etc.).
About 2% of the country's territory is occupied by forest. In light subtropical forests on chestnut soils Such valuable species as ironwood and aromatic wood grow. Reserved coniferous forests consist of yellow wood. The East Coast retains small areas of moist subtropical evergreen forests of ficus, Cape boxwood, Cape redwood and Cape ebony, with a variety of vines and epiphytes. Significant afforestation work is being carried out along the mountain slopes, plantations of pine and cedar, Australian acacia and eucalyptus are being created. By 1990, artificial forest plantations accounted for more than 1 million hectares.
Fauna of South Africa
The fauna belongs to the Cape subregion of the Ethiopian zoogeographical region. It is represented by predators ( wild cats, hyenas, jackals, panthers, cheetahs, lions), numerous ungulates, elephants. Several species of civets, the long-eared dog, several genera of golden mole rodents, and 15 genera of birds are endemic. The country has up to 40 thousand species of insects and 200 species of snakes, up to 150 species of termites, and in the northeast there is a hotbed of tsetse flies and malaria mosquitoes.
During the colonization of South Africa, many animal species were almost exterminated. Currently, the fauna is well preserved only in nature reserves and national parks. The largest and most famous of them: National Park Kruger, "Hluhluwe", "Kalahari-Hemsbok". In the Kruger National Park you can see lions, leopards and cheetahs, elephants and hippos, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes. Anteaters live here, feeding on termites, for which the Boers call them “earth piglets.” In “Hluhluva”, along with the listed animals, in the bush-overgrown valleys (rivers) there are rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses and crocodiles, and white rhinoceroses, which have become very rare, have been preserved. Flamingos, pelicans and various herons nest on the lakes, and among the ungulates live the African warthog and waterbucks. Many snakes, among which the python is not uncommon. About 20 species of antelope have been preserved in the Kalahari-Hemsbock National Park. South Africa is home to many very rare species these graceful, fleet-footed animals. Here you can see the wildebeest, the eland antelope, the hemobok antelope, the rare gray-brown nyala, and the dwarf antelope. Until now, in the Kalahari and arid regions of the velds, antelopes provide food and clothing to the Bushmen and Hottenton tribes.
The climate of South Africa is tropical, in the south of the country it is subtropical. South Africa is located in the very south of the African continent, and on one side is washed by Atlantic Ocean, on the other - Indian. At the same time, the western coast of the country is washed by the cold Bengal Current, and the eastern coast by the warm Mozambique Current. Sea currents have a huge impact on shaping the country's climate. Thus, the eastern coast of South Africa has average air temperatures approximately 6°C higher (due to the warm Mozambique Current) than parts of the western coast located at the same latitude (in the area of the Bengal Current, the water temperature does not rise above +18° all year round WITH).
Climatic conditions in South Africa are very diverse and depend on the altitude relative to ocean level and the distance from it, while even neighboring areas can differ markedly from each other in air temperature. For example, average annual temperature in Cape Town and Pretoria are the same, although these cities are separated from each other by almost ten degrees of latitude (!).
A pronounced subtropical climate with high humidity characterizes the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, while the central part of the country has hot summers with rare thunderstorms and cool winters. The central high mountain regions are characterized by large daily temperature amplitudes, and in winter, at night, even frosts occur. In coastal areas, the climate is more humid and is characterized by an abundance of tropical rainfall.
In general, the climate in South Africa is very comfortable and healthy. The country is free of malaria and yellow fever, which are present in many African countries. South Africa ranks one of the first in the world in terms of the number of sunny days(!). The sun constantly shines here for seven months a year! More than half of the solar energy of the entire earth per 1 m² is absorbed here.
Since South Africa is located in the southern part of the hemisphere, climatic seasons here they replace each other in reverse - when it is winter in the northern hemisphere, it is hot summer in South Africa, and when it is summer in the northern hemisphere, it is winter in South Africa. Seasonal differences are more pronounced when comparing the northern part of the country with the southern. But in general, climatic periods change almost imperceptibly.
Winter in South Africa
At the beginning of December, the hot tropical summer in South Africa begins. This is a very pleasant season of the year, when the weather is sunny and dry, the heat, if any, is moderate, and the nights bring coolness. Day and night air temperatures rise to comfortable levels, for beach holiday, marks, and tourists can soak up the sun to their heart's content. Exactly at summer period, from December to March, the water temperature in the oceans reaches its maximum, while the Atlantic here is never warm and the water temperature warms up only to +20°C. But the water temperature near Port Elizabeth reaches summer time+22°C.
The main beach area of the country can be called the coast of the province of Natal, south and north of Durban. On the shores of the Indian Ocean in South Africa, the sun almost always shines, clear weather prevails all year round, regardless of the time of year. Average daytime temperature air temperature in Durban in the summer months is +28°C, at night up to +25°C. You can swim here throughout the year - the water temperature in the ocean reaches +24°C in summer and up to +20°C in winter.
In the Johannesburg and Pretoria area, summer is rainy, but it usually rains only in the afternoon; it is always sunny and dry until lunchtime. The average daytime air temperature in Pretoria and Johannesburg at this time of year is +28°C, with a slight drop in temperature at night – up to +23°C. In the mountainous areas between Johannesburg and Transkei, air temperatures fall in accordance with altitude (than more height – the lower the air temperature).
Cape Town is considered the windiest city in the world. The average daytime temperature in Cape Town during the summer months is +26°C, dropping to only +20°C at night. It's blowing here at this time of year Eastern wind, which is called "Cape Doctor". Despite the slight discomfort (since the wind is quite strong), it repels insects and disperses industrial emissions. During the summer, clouds hang over Table Mountain and it is considered one of the country's scenic attractions.
Despite the apparent low temperatures air for Africa, the sun here is very hot and burns very quickly. From the end of February you can see birds gathering in flocks and circling over beaches and villages. Many birds (for example, swifts and swallows) travel a long distance and fly to South Africa from the northern hemisphere to spend the winter, and at the end of summer (winter) they are going to return home. So, don’t be surprised if on the other side of the globe, thousands of kilometers from home, you meet birds that are familiar and dear to you...
Spring in South Africa
March is the last hot month in South Africa; the end of the month can be described as the beginning of autumn. The average daily air temperature in Cape Town is +25°C, dropping to +19°C at night, in Pretoria and Johannesburg the average daytime temperature is +26°C, and at night to +19°C. Durban will be the warmest in March - up to +28°C during the day, +25°C at night. And if March is still quite suitable for a beach holiday, then starting in April it will be cool to swim. But it is at this time that the hunting season opens - all hunting grounds are open. Hunting for baboons, which are found in large numbers throughout South Africa, is especially common, because these monkeys are predators and destroy young antelopes.
In April, autumn begins throughout South Africa. Despite the fact that in autumn there is very little precipitation, at night and in the mornings, thick fog rises almost throughout the entire country. Autumn in southern Africa is not much different from autumn in European latitudes. Many are turning yellow deciduous trees, and the vineyards are covered with the golden colors of autumn.
The air temperature everywhere decreases by 2 - 3 degrees, and daily differences become greater. The average daytime air temperature in April in Cape Town reaches +22°C, and at night it drops to +17°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in April in the daytime it is about +24°C, at night up to +19°C. It’s still warm in Durban – +25°C during the day, up to +21°C at night.
In May, showers become more frequent in South Africa, cloudy weather begins to prevail, and many trees acquire a yellow tint. This time is associated with the harvest, therefore, in the fields you can see many peasants harvesting corn, cotton and sugar cane.
In May, it becomes even colder throughout South Africa. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town barely reaches +19°C, and at night it is no more than +14°C, all due to strong and cold winds. It is a little warmer in Pretoria and Johannesburg - up to +22°C during the day, but at night it is also cool - no more than +15°C. Durban is also windy, but it is warmer here - the average daytime temperature is +24°C, at night up to +20°C.
Summer in South Africa
Winter begins in South Africa in June. The weather behaves very unpredictably throughout the day. Also, climatic conditions vary depending on location - in some regions it is very comfortable in the winter, while in others it is very cold. In the savannas and plains, precipitation is extremely rare, but in the mountains there is often snow and the air temperature can drop below 0°C. When moving from Cape Town north along the Atlantic coast, the climate becomes drier and hotter - the Namib Desert approaches. Here the coast is inhabited by large colonies of birds (gulls, gannets, pelicans, flamingos and many others), and the cold Bengal Current significantly lowers the temperature of the Atlantic waters. With the cold current, sardines come to the shores and remain to spawn. And they are followed by predators - sharks, seals, dolphins and others, therefore, the winter period is considered the best time for diving in these places. Those lucky enough to find a school of sardines underwater will be very impressed. There are sharks and dolphins circling everywhere, overcome by a thirst for easy money, and birds crashing into the water.
In winter, the coasts of South Africa are very cool, windy and occasionally rainy. The average daytime air temperature in winter in Cape Town is about +17°C; at night it is very cool, only up to +12°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg it is +19°C during the day, and at night, too, up to +12°C. Durban is a little warmer - +21°C during the day and up to +17°C at night, not beach weather at all. In the mountains in the middle of winter you can see snow, and quite a bit. Sometimes there is snow in large cities, but there it melts quickly.
A stunning sight awaits tourists wandering into South Africa in the middle of winter. In July, whales swim to the shores en masse and stay close to the coast until October. Off the coast of South Africa, whales give birth and raise their calves. At this time, they come so close to the shore that they can be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, ships full of tourists often go out to sea, wanting to see a huge whale up close and personal!
August is the last winter month in South Africa. This is the best time to visit the southern part of the Kalahari Desert. From mid-August to mid-September the desert is covered with millions of flowers. The entire desert burns with orange fire, occasionally diluted with yellow or blue glades.
Autumn in South Africa
From the very first days of September, spring begins in South Africa! At this time, air temperatures begin to rise everywhere, precipitation becomes less, and the sun shines more often. The water in rivers and lakes is warming, its temperature is approximately +15°C. Plant vegetation is actively developing, everything around is blooming and smelling. This is the best time to visit national parks and trips to remote places in the country.
Perhaps only in South Africa can you see so many flowers at the same time. They cover literally all lawns inside cities and fields outside civilization. In spring, the Kalahari Desert continues to bloom, where there are 3,000 species of flowers (!), of which about 1,500 are unique (!), which are not found anywhere else on earth. And in Namaqualand another 4,000 species of flowers bloom (!), 1,000 of which are unique. Here the flowers dry up with the onset of summer, and the place turns into a desert.
Already in September, in the west of the country there are more and more sunny days, and it rains even less often - only 2 - 3 rains can fall in a month. Cape Town is very picturesque at this time - its botanical gardens and flower beds are considered one of the most beautiful in the world! average temperature the air temperature in Cape Town in September is +18°C, at night up to +14°C, but the ocean off the city’s coast at this time of year is very cold – no more than +15°C. It will be very warm in September in Pretoria and Johannesburg, here the average daytime air temperature rises up to +26°C, at night, as a rule, around +20°C. But in Durban, it is not yet hot - the air temperature during the day warms up only to +23°C, falling at night to +20°C. But the ocean on this side of the coast is a little warmer, and in September it already warms up to +18°C.
In October it gets even warmer in South Africa. This month, Pretoria is rightfully considered the most beautiful city in the country. The fact is that the whole city is planted with trees called “Jacaranda”. In October, these trees begin to bloom, coloring all the streets in purple while releasing an incredible aroma everywhere. The smell of these flowers makes women all over the world look for perfumes that are at least a little similar to it.
In October, the average daytime temperature in Cape Town already reaches +21°C, and at night drops to +16°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in October there are wonderful air temperatures - on average +27°C during the day, +22°C at night, and in Durban +23°C during the day, +20°C at night. In some mountainous areas of the country, strong daily temperature fluctuations occur in the spring, when the air cools to below 0°C at night. The highest amount of precipitation in the mountains occurs at this time.
November is the last spring month– a great time to travel around the country. Particularly enjoyable this month is a visit to the Blyde River Canyon. At this time, in good time spring weather here you can see 120 kilometers around, it seems as if you can see the whole earth. This place was nicknamed "God's Window".
November temperatures in the country are excellent: the average daytime temperature in Cape Town is +22°C, although at night it drops to +17°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in November it is very comfortable during the day - about +27°C, at night up to +22°C. In Durban, the average temperature is +23°C during the day, and around +21°C at night.
Rainfall in South Africa is unevenly distributed and varies significantly from west to east. In the north-west of the country, annual precipitation does not exceed 200 mm of precipitation per year. The eastern regions of South Africa receive between 500 mm and 900 mm of rainfall per year, and sometimes receive more than 2,000 mm of rainfall per year. The central part of the country receives, on average, 400 mm of precipitation per year, and this figure increases as you approach the coast.
When is the best time to go to South Africa? You can go to South Africa in any month, here best time to visit the country depends only on your desires. If you dream of visiting the extraordinary Cape Town, the best time to travel is the summer months - from December to March. At this time, it is usually warm and sunny here, only sometimes it can rain heavily with thunder and lightning and get a little colder. But remember: high season in South Africa starts from 20 December to 5 January, when most people take their annual holiday, prices for accommodation, flights and car rentals will be very high. And although Cape Town is beautiful at any time of the year, it will be most comfortable here in the summer.
If you are going to South Africa for a beach holiday, then feel free to go to the outskirts of Durban for a good wave and the most warm sea in the country. Beach holidays here are possible in the summer months - from December to March, this time is considered the warmest and most comfortable. Here you can relax on the gorgeous beaches, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, diving or fishing. But the remaining months are unsuitable for a beach holiday - it is cold, windy and sometimes very rainy.
The spring months - September to November - are the best time to visit the Western Cape, when the Namaqualand Valley is home to magnificent wild flowers and daisies. In addition, it is in spring that everything around blooms, every flower, every plant in the country blooms and emits a fragrant aroma. Even the big cities of South Africa cannot resist the spring mood, and even here all the streets bloom with a colorful carpet. Therefore, if you need truly colorful photographs, go to South Africa in the spring months.
Numerous national parks in South Africa can be visited at any time of the year, but, for example, reserves in Zululand, in northern Natal, are preferably visited in winter months between July and September. At this time, hippos, crocodiles and white rhinoceroses can be seen in large numbers here.And here is one of the best reserves Africa and the most famous park South Africa - Kruger National Park - best visited from May to October, which is the dry season, and the months of September and October are especially favorable. At this time, you can see the maximum diversity of the local fauna, because most animals gather near water bodies at this time of year.
The autumn months - from March to the beginning of June - are the hunting season in the country, and if you are a big fan of hunting, you can try your hand at the vastness of Africa.
The time from July to October is excellent for whale watching. It is during this period that they swim en masse to the coast of South Africa, there are a lot of them here, and at the same time they begin to reproduce here.
In the winter months, it is better to exclude the coastal cities of South Africa from visiting – they are damp, dank, cold and rainy. It is famous for its special climate mountainous region countries - in winter it can be very cold here and knee-deep snowdrifts.
Tours to South Africa – specials of the day
