Geography of South Africa: population, relief, climate, flora and fauna. South African Republic climate South Africa climate conditions

The climate of South Africa is tropical, in the south of the country - subtropical. South Africa is located in the very south of the African continent, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. 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 the formation of 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 ° C all year round). WITH).

The climatic conditions in South Africa are very diverse and depend on the height relative to the ocean level and remoteness from it, while even neighboring areas can differ markedly from each other in air temperature. For example, the average annual temperatures 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 is typical for the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, and the central part of the country is characterized by hot summers with occasional thunderstorms and cool winters. The central high-mountain regions are characterized by large daily temperature ranges, and in winter, at night, even frosts occur. In coastal areas, the climate is more humid and is characterized by an abundance of tropical showers.

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 occupies one of the first places in the world in terms of the number of sunny days (!). The sun shines here seven months a year! Here more than half of the solar energy of the entire earth is absorbed per 1 m².

Since South Africa is located in the southern part of the hemisphere, the climatic seasons here replace each other in reverse - when it is winter in the northern hemisphere, in South Africa it is hot summer, when in the northern hemisphere it is summer - in South Africa it is winter. Seasonal differences are more pronounced when comparing the northern part of the country with the southern. But, in general, climatic periods are replaced, almost imperceptibly.

Winter in South Africa

In early December, the hot tropical summer begins in South Africa. This is a very pleasant season of the year, when the weather is sunny and dry, the heat is moderate, if any, and the nights bring coolness. Daytime and nighttime air temperatures rise to a comfortable level, 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 is never warm here and the water temperature warms up to only + 20 ° С. But the water temperature at Port Elizabeth reaches summer time+22°С.

The main beach area of ​​the country can be called the coast of the province of Natal, south and north of Durban. On the shore indian ocean in South Africa, almost always the sun shines, clear weather prevails all year round, regardless of the time of year. The average daily air temperature in Durban during 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 region of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the summer is rainy, but it usually rains only in the afternoon, it is always sunny and dry before lunch. The average daytime air temperature in Pretoria and Johannesburg at this time of the year is +28°C, at night there is a slight cooling - up to +23°C. In the mountainous regions between Johannesburg and the Transkei, air temperatures fall in line with altitude (the higher the - the lower the air temperature.

Cape Town is considered the windiest city in the world. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town during the summer months is +26°C, at night it drops to only +20°C. At this time of the year, the east wind blows here, which is called the "cape doctor". Despite a slight discomfort (since the wind is strong enough), it repels insects and disperses industrial emissions. During the summer, clouds hang over Table Mountain and it is considered one of the landscape attractions of this country.

Despite the seemingly low air temperatures for Africa, the sun is very hot here, and burns very quickly. From the end of February you can see birds gathering in flocks and circling over the beaches and villages. Many birds (for example, swifts and swallows) make a long journey and fly to South Africa from the northern hemisphere to spend the winter, and at the end of summer (winter) are going to return home. So don't be surprised if on the other end the globe, thousands of kilometers from home, you will meet such familiar and dear birds 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 during the day, on average, +26°C, and at night up to +19°C. The warmest in March will be in Durban - up to + 28 ° C during the day, + 25 ° C at night. And if March is still quite suitable for a beach holiday, then starting from April it will be already cool to swim. But, it is at this time that the hunting season opens - all hunting grounds are open. Hunting for baboons, which are widespread in South Africa in large numbers, is especially common, because these monkeys are predators and exterminate young antelopes.

In April, the autumn period begins throughout South Africa. Despite the fact that there is very little rainfall in autumn, at night and in the morning, almost throughout the country, thick fog rises. Autumn in South Africa is not much different from autumn in European latitudes. Many turn yellow deciduous trees, and the vineyards are covered with golden colors of autumn.

The air temperature drops by 2-3 degrees everywhere, and the daily fluctuations become larger. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town in April reaches +22°C, and at night it drops to +17°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in April in the daytime around +24°C, at night up to +19°C. It is still warm in Durban - +25°C during the day, up to +21°C at night.

In May, rains become more frequent in South Africa, cloudy weather begins to prevail, many trees turn yellow. This time is associated with the harvest, so many farmers can be seen in the fields harvesting corn, cotton and sugar cane.

In May, it gets even colder throughout South Africa. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town barely reaches + 19 ° C, and at night it does not exceed + 14 ° C at all, and all because of strong and cold winds. 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. It is also windy in Durban, but it is warmer here - the average daytime air temperature is +24°C, at night up to +20°C.

Summer in South Africa

In June in South Africa begins winter period. The weather is very unpredictable throughout the day. Also, climatic conditions vary from location - in some regions in winter time year it is very comfortable, in others it is very cold. On the territory of the savannahs and plains, precipitation is extremely rare, but in the mountains it often snows and the air temperature can drop below 0°C. When moving north from Cape Town 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 a cold current, sardines come to the shores and remain for spawning. 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 who are lucky enough to find a flock of sardines underwater will be very impressed. Everywhere sharks and dolphins are circling, which are seized by a thirst for easy money, and birds crashing into the water.

In winter, the coasts of South Africa are very cool, the winds blow and it rains from time to time. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town in winter is about +17°C, at night it is very cool, only up to +12°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg during the day +19°C, at night, too, up to +12°C. In Durban it 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 midst of winter, you can see snow, and not a little. Sometimes there is snow in large cities, but there it melts quickly.

Tourists wandering into South Africa in the middle of winter are in for a stunning sight. In July, whales come to the coast en masse and stay close to the coast until October. Off the coast of South Africa, whales give birth and raise their young. At this time, they approach the shore so close that they can be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, ships full of tourists often go out to sea, who want to see a huge whale up close!

August is the last winter month in South Africa. This is the best time to visit the southern 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, the air temperature begins to rise everywhere, precipitation becomes less, and the sun shines more and more often. Water in rivers and lakes is getting warmer, its temperature is about +15°C. The vegetation of plants is actively developing, everything around blooms and smells. This time is the best for visiting national parks and trips to remote places of the country.

Perhaps only in South Africa you can see so many flowers at the same time. Literally all lawns inside cities and fields outside of civilization are covered with them. 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 types 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 pass in a month. Cape Town at this time is very picturesque - its botanical gardens and flower gardens are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world! average temperature air in Cape Town in September + 18 ° C, at night up to + 14 ° C, but the ocean off the coast of the city at this time of the year is very cold - no more than + 15 ° C. It will be very warm in September in Pretoria and Johannesburg, here the average daily air temperature rises up to + 26 ° C, at night, as a rule, about + 20 ° C. But in Durban, it is still not hot - the air temperature warms up only to + 23 ° C during the day, falling to + 20 ° C at night. But the ocean on this side of the coast is a little warmer, and in September it 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 and emitting an incredible aroma throughout. The smell of these flowers makes women all over the world look for perfumes that are at least a little like it.

In October, the average daytime temperature in Cape Town already reaches +21°C, at night it drops to +16°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in October there are wonderful air temperatures - during the day, on average, + 27 ° C, at night + 22 ° C, and in Durban during the day + 23 ° C, at night + 20 ° C. In some mountainous regions of the country, strong daily temperature fluctuations when the air cools down below 0°C at night. Most a large number of rainfall in the mountains falls at this time.

November is the last spring month- a great time to travel around the country. It is especially pleasant this month to visit Blyde River Canyon. At this time, in good spring weather, a view of 120 kilometers around opens here, it seems as if the whole earth is visible. This place is nicknamed "God's Window".

The November air temperature in the country is beautiful: 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 during the day, on average, +23°C, at night about +21°C.

Rainfall in South Africa is unevenly distributed and fluctuates significantly from west to east. In the northwest of the country annual amount precipitation does not exceed 200 mm of precipitation per year. The eastern regions of South Africa receive between 500 mm and 900 mm of precipitation per year, and sometimes the amount of precipitation there exceeds 2,000 mm of precipitation 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 occasionally it can rain with thunder and lightning and get a little colder. But remember: high season in South Africa starts from December 20 to January 5, when most people take their annual vacation, the prices for accommodation, air tickets 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 vicinity 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 rest of the months are of little use for a beach holiday - it is cold, windy and sometimes very rainy.

The spring months - from September to November - are the best time to visit the Western Cape, the time when magnificent wild flowers and daisies bloom in the Namaqualand Valley. 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 and those cannot resist the spring mood, and even here all the streets bloom with a colorful carpet. Therefore, if you need really colorful photos, 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, it is preferable to visit in winter months between July and September. At this time, here you can see large numbers of hippos, crocodiles and white rhinos.And here is one of the best reserves Africa and the most famous park in South Africa - the Kruger National Park - it is better to visit from May to October, when the dry season is, 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 of the animals gather at this time of the year near the reservoirs.

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 expanses of Africa.

The time from July to October is excellent for whale watching. It is during this period that they massively sail to the coast of South Africa, there are a lot of them here, at the same time they begin to breed here.

In the winter months, it is better to exclude the coastal cities of South Africa from visiting - it is damp, dank, cold and rainy here. The mountainous region of the country is also famous for its special climate - in winter it can be very cold here and knee-deep snowdrifts.

Tours in South Africa – specials of the day

Answer from Helga[guru]
The climate is tropical and subtropical.
Average January temperatures 18-27°C, July 7-10°C;
The seasons in South Africa are the opposite of the seasons northern hemisphere. Summer is from October to March and the temperature fluctuates on average between 15°C at night and 35°C at noon. Winter lasts from June to August with temperatures ranging from 0°C or even lower at night (Kalahari Desert, Drakensberg) to 20°C at noon. Spring (August - September) and autumn (April - May) are short.
Temperatures in South Africa decrease from east to west.
Under the influence of the cold Benguela current, following along the west coast, temperatures drop significantly. The average annual temperature in Port Nollot is 14°C, however, on the east coast, under the influence of the warm Indian Ocean, temperatures are high, and in Durban the average annual temperature is 22°C. On the other hand, the temperature difference between the northern and southern regions is small, as the altitudes increase 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 is characterized by a sharply continental climate with pronounced contrasts of daily and annual temperatures. In summer it's worth hot weather with blindingly bright sunlight and occasional severe thunderstorms. Kimberley, located at an altitude of 1220 m above sea level. m., 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 weather is pleasantly warm during the day (the average maximum temperature in July is 19 ° C) due to bright sunlight, but the nights are cold ( the minimum temperature in July is 2°C). Winters are very dry, with little to no rain in June, July and August.
Namaqualand is a very dry area: the amount of precipitation varies 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 coastal breeze, temperatures rise strongly in summer.
The Cape region has the same favorable climate as the Mediterranean coast of Europe and southern California. Rainy weather sets in in winter, and dry in summer. Precipitation occurs in May-September. On the coast, they usually fall as rain, but in the higher mountains (for example, on the Table Mountain near Cape Town) there are occasional snowfalls. 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 Southern Coastal Region receives as much precipitation in winter as the Cape Region and in summer as much as the Southeast Coastal Region.
The Southeast Coastal Region receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, but no month is truly dry. In Durban, 1140 mm of liquid precipitation falls annually, with an average of 150 mm in March and only 40 mm in July. In summer, very warm, humid weather with an average maximum temperature 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 Weld receives a high amount of precipitation in summer, up to 2030 mm in some places. Winters are dry and sunny. High temperatures prevail throughout the year.

South Africa- a highly developed country, a piece of Europe on the African continent. Well thought out tourist infrastructure, high level population life and a stable economy - not quite typical for Africa, is it? But in South Africa, it's all real. And even the climate here is conducive to itself: a comfortable air temperature almost all year round, a warm ocean, and even opportunities for extreme skiing create optimal conditions for recreation. It would seem like heaven on earth? But even in paradise there are weather quirks that you should prepare for before the trip.

Climatic zones of South Africa

The climate in South Africa is surprisingly mild. There are no extreme temperature peaks here. Although the country is located on the African continent, and there is a desert on its territory, unbearable heat is rare here.

The location in the southern hemisphere makes the climate of South Africa directly opposite to the European one: winter - in summer, summer - in winter.

Geographically, South Africa is located in the tropics, but the weather on its territory is determined more by the influence of oceanic air masses, and only partly by relief.

South Africa is the only country on the African continent with such a diverse population. 1/3 of local residents are ethnic Europeans.

In winter, dry, cool weather reigns in the country. High area atmospheric pressure creates optimal conditions for visiting. In summer it gets hotter due to the influence of air masses from the Indian Ocean, which bring the rainy season.

The climatic zones of South Africa can be divided as follows:

• West Coast. The cold Bengal current in the Atlantic Ocean has the main influence on the formation of the climate in the western part of the country. Here is the Namib Desert and the city of Cape Town. There are very few rainfalls. For several years, not a single rain may fall in the desert area at all. This is due to the fact that although the air masses carry moisture to the continent, but because of the Great Ledge, they are blocked from moving inland.
• Central South Africa. These are predominantly mountainous areas, so daily temperature fluctuations are a common phenomenon that characterizes altitudinal zonality. Frosts are common in winter.
• East Coast. Unlike the western regions, in the east there is high humidity and a significant amount of precipitation - up to 1200 mm / year.

Climate by region:

• Western Cape. It includes Cape Town. Here prevails subtropical mediterranean climate . Dry summer (December-February), Cold winter(June August). Strong winds are typical.
• Houteng. Center - Johannesburg. Subtropical climate. May-April is the peak rainy season. But the city itself is located in the highlands, so there is dry comfortable weather all year round.
• Kazulu-Natal. Center - Durban. Climate - subtropical oceanic , suggesting hot summer (up to +34°C) and warm winter. Snow falls in the Drakensberg mountains.
• Eastern Cape. In Port Elizabeth - subtropical climate . You can go on a safari here all year round, and for a beach holiday, you should choose the time between November and March.
• Mpumalanga. Subtropical climate. The coolest area is Kruger Park, in other areas the weather is much friendlier.
• Northwest. Most of the territory is occupied by the Kalahari Desert. The climate is appropriate.
• Limpopo. tropical climate . The northern part of the Kruger Park, which is located in this area, is unfavorable in terms of climate in October-March (up to +45°C).

Water off the coast of South Africa warms up to a maximum of + 26 ° C. The exception is the Atlantic Ocean, where, due to the Bengal Current, the water rarely exceeds +18°C.

Tourist seasons in South Africa

The tourist peak of visits to South Africa falls on November-December. Interestingly, at this time - the rainy season. The fact is that during this period the weather is the hottest, and the water in the ocean is the warmest. So that the rains do not spoil your vacation, you should go away from the central regions - to the coasts, where there is less rainfall. By the way, thunderstorms and showers in South Africa are usually a matter of night hours, so the sun often shines during the day. The smallest amount of precipitation occurs during the rainy season in the south of the country.

A characteristic feature of the weather in South Africa is when it is sunny in the morning in the summer, and it rains with thunderstorms in the late afternoon. The exception is the west coast and Cape Town - there is a rainy period only in winter. The largest amount of precipitation falls in the north of the country.

The best time for nature watching and traditional safari is the period from May to August, when the grass is not so high, and there is maximum visibility around. For beach activities it is better to choose the period from November to mid-March.

Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the budget of South Africa. Every year, due to the natural diversity, almost a million tourists visit the country.

What to bring

In Cape Town, located on the west coast of South Africa and washed by the cold Bengal current, it is rarely hot. But it is often cold. A long-sleeved sweater or even a sweater with a jacket will not interfere even in the African summer.

For a safari, you need not so much T-shirt shorts as a windbreaker, a warm pullover, a hat, or bondana, sneakers or boots. On a night safari, you need to dress even warmer. In the cold season, take with you: gloves, fleece hat, windbreaker, raincoat.

You should not take on a safari, or in general for a trip to South Africa, khaki clothes. There is an ambiguous attitude towards her here.

A separate issue is malaria. For its prevention, it is not a vaccination that is done (this is a big delusion), but special medications are taken orally. Before the trip, you should definitely consult a doctor and protect yourself from such an unpleasant ailment. But it is worth noting that South Africa is not included in the "malaria" zone, plus you need to take into account the travel season. If dry - there is nothing to be afraid of, if the rainy season - at your discretion. It is mandatory to have a yellow fever vaccination when entering the country. Unconditionally - the availability of medical insurance.

Be sure to bring repellents, sunscreen, Sunglasses, closed clothing and hats.

The banking system is well developed in South Africa, but there are still places (gas stations, for example) where they do not accept credit cards you have to pay in cash. It is better to have dollars with you than euros.

Of the must-have things for traveling in South Africa: comfortable clothes made of cotton materials for safaris and excursions, smart clothes for restaurants, a woolen sweater for night or evening walks, a windbreaker when visiting Cape Town.

Weather in South Africa by months

December-February

Summer begins in South Africa in December. There is not much precipitation, the air temperature is comfortable. In Cape Town up to +26°C and very cool at night - maximum +16°C. In the south up to +28°С, in the northeast +32°С. The temperature in the Indian Ocean is up to +25°С. The African summer continues in January-February. There is little rainfall, the average temperature in the country during the day is + 26 ° С. The water in the Atlantic Ocean is +19°C, in the Indian Ocean up to +25+26°C. In January, you should not go to Durban, there is a peak in rainfall.

December is the peak of the tourist season in South Africa, so prices at this time, especially for travel services, are marginal. Many people come here on Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 25th. On January 1, South Africa celebrates the New Year.

March-May

Since March, the air temperature begins to gradually decrease. The coldest weather on the west coast. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is practically unsuitable for swimming - it is already cold (+17°C). You can swim in the Indian Ocean - up to + 23 + 24 ° С.

Human Rights Day falls on March 21st. National holiday, Freedom Day, is celebrated on April 27th.

June August

The African winter has begun. Most of the area is quite cold. Snow falls in the mountains, frosts are frequent.

South Africa has opportunities for ski holidays. Dragon Mountains and Veld are the focus of ski holidays in South Africa. Surprisingly, at the end of the world, on the African continent, there is everything for great skiing or snowboarding. The season in the Dragon Mountains is June-August. There is little natural snow cover here, therefore, using the "minus" at night, on ski resorts launch snow cannons. Thus, a two-meter snow cover and densely carved slopes create skiers good conditions for riding.

At this time, the safari season begins in the south of the Kruger Park. In August, you should go to Cape Town. There, off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the whale season begins. It lasts until the end of March.

September-November

September is a great time for a safari in Limpopo. November is the rainy season.

Take a ride on the Rovos Rail retro train through the most picturesque corners! This is a historic train, the carriages of which were specially coupled in 1911 for the European royal family. If there is such an opportunity, be sure to use it and go on a several-day train tour! The season is from September to April.

September 24 is Heritage Day. The national parks of South Africa are a real natural treasure of the planet. The Kruger National Park is amazing place, where the kingdom of animals dominates in their natural habitat over 350 km of the original savannah. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is best visited from March to November. Mountain Zebra National Park is famous for its unique zebra population, and Addo Elephant National Park is famous for its elephants.

Weather in cities and resorts by months

Pretoria

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	29	28	27	24	22	19	20	22	26	27	27	28
Average minimum, °C	18	17	16	13	8	5	5	8	12	14	16	17

Monthly weather in Pretoria

Bloemfontein

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	31	29	27	23	20	17	17	20	24	26	28	30
Average minimum, °C	15	15	12	8	3	-2	-2	1	5	9	12	14

Bloemfontein weather monthly

Durban

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	28	28	28	26	25	23	23	23	23	24	25	27
Average minimum, °C	21	21	20	17	14	11	11	13	15	17	18	20
Rain, mm	134	113	120	73	59	38	39	62	73	98	108	102

Durban weather monthly

East London

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	sen	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, °C	26	26	25	24	23	21	21	21	21	22	23	25
Average minimum, °C	18	19	18	15	13	11	10	11	12	14	16	17

“Those who have visited Africa at least once definitely want to return...” - these words of the famous traveler Bernhard Grzimek surprisingly accurately describe the feelings of visiting South Africa. It is difficult to see all the sights of this country at one time. Boundless savannahs, beaches of two oceans, national parks, nature reserves and silent deserts await guests of this South African state.

vegetable and animal world South Africa is amazing. The rapid development of industry did not prevent the South Africans from preserving the rich nature, for which nature reserves were created, which are part of the world cultural heritage. The most famous is the Kruger National Park, the kingdom of animals. Antelopes, zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, elephants and rhinos live here. The famous park is located at the junction of several climatic zones: tropical and subtropical.

Safari is a journey to the heart wildlife, touching the original. South Africa perfect for such a close acquaintance. Here you will be offered traditional daytime and exciting night safaris, safaris on hot-air balloon and one of the most amazing and unusual safari- by private jet Pilatus PC12.

Programs

Three countries in one trip
Traveling with children. Cape Town - Durban - Sun City - Johannesburg

Climate of South Africa

There are several climatic zones and climatic zones in South Africa - from the desert zone to the Mediterranean climate zones and subtropics. The seasons in South Africa are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer - from October to March (with temperatures from 15°C at night and 35°C during the day), winter - from June to August (with temperatures from about 0°C at night and up to 20°C during the day). Spring (August - September) and autumn (April - May) are short. In general, the climate is even and mild throughout the year with a low average annual rainfall of 502 mm and big amount sunny days. Temperature sea ​​water differs in different areas - from the cool water of the Atlantic (12°C-17°C in the Cape Town area) to 21°C-26°C on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

Average annual temperature air (°C):

Average annual rainfall (mm):

When is the best time to go

The best time to travel is from October to April.

How to get there

Many international airlines fly to South Africa.

South African Airways operates regular daily flights from Moscow to Johannesburg and Cape Town with Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), British Airways (via London) & Aeroflot (via Zurich, Paris, London, Frankfurt) and back.

The airline operates daily flights from Moscow to South Africa (Johannesburg) via Dubai.

The following airlines also operate regular daily flights to South Africa:

Emirates (via Dubai), Lufthansa, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, British Airways, Air France Iberia, Qatar Airways, Swiss.

South Africa - information about the country

Official name

Republic of South Africa.

The country has three capitals - Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (parliamentary) and Bloemfontein, where Supreme Court.

South Africa is divided into nine provinces: Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, North West Province, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Free State, Houteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo.

Geography

State in southern Africa. In the northeast, it borders with the state of Mozambique, in the north - with Zimbabwe and Botswana, in the northwest - with Namibia. On its territory there are two small enclave states - the mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland. South Africa is located in the very south of the continent, its coast is washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. total area exceeds 1.2 million sq. km.

Population

The total population of South Africa is 43.7 million people. Various nationalities and ethnic groups live on the territory of the country. The black Bantu people make up 77.6% of the total population; mestizos - descendants of Malagasy, Indians and Malays - 8.7%; white population - 10.3%; Indians - 2.5%.

Difference in time

Moscow time minus 2 hours.

South Africa has 11 official languages. The most common is Zulu. English language considered native by less than 9% of the population, but it is widely used in everyday life.

mobile connection

Owners of mobile phones operating in the GSM-900/1800 standard can also use them in South Africa.

The monetary unit is the South African rand (R) equal to 100 cents with the international symbol ZAR. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 rand and coins in denominations of 5, 2, 1 rand, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The rand exchange rate is approximately 6 rand per 1 US dollar.

The visa is issued at the South African Embassy in Moscow.

You can import duty-free into South Africa: 400 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 2 liters of wine; 1 liter of other alcoholic beverages. A strict ban applies to the import of weapons and drugs. You can not import vegetables and fruits. You can bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency into South Africa. However, the import of local currency is limited to 500 rand per person.

It is not allowed to export rough diamonds from South Africa, and for precious metal products and diamonds, you must have an appropriate certificate from the store.

tourist areas

In South Africa, there are 9 provinces that differ from each other not only in climate, landscape, but often also in the ethnic composition of the population.

Western Cape- the most famous and developed province of South Africa. Cape Beautiful is home to Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula with the legendary Cape of Good Hope, wine regions and the famous Garden Road. Virgin landscapes of untouched nature, two oceans washing the shores of the province, a mild Mediterranean climate and at the same time excellent infrastructure allow the Western Cape to be the most important tourist region in South Africa.

Eastern Cape- located east of the Western Cape and is distinguished by picturesque mountainous landscapes and a beautiful ocean coast, indented by lagoons and rocky cliffs. Here are located national parks, characterized by the richest fauna and untouched nature, such as the Eddo National Park, the Shamwari Parks, where all the representatives of the "Big Five" live, the Kwandwe Reserve, as well as a number of other natural oases.

IN KwaZulu Natal- Durban is located, and the sandy beaches of the warm Indian Ocean are adjacent to the green hills of Zululand and the majestic Dragon Mountains. Here is the kingdom of the Zulus, the relic lake of Santa Lucia, the breathtaking canyon of the Blyde River, the magical caves of Sadwala, as well as the well-preserved museum cities of the gold rush era.

Houteng- the most populous and at the same time the smallest province in South Africa. Johannesburg is located here - a giant metropolis, financial, industrial and transport center. Here is one of the three capitals of the country - Pretoria.

northern cape- the largest in area and, at the same time, the most sparsely populated province of the country. Here are the "diamond capital" of the Kimberley, the Kalahari desert, the Augrabis waterfalls, the Orange River, here you can watch the annual miracle - the flowering of the Namaqualand valley.

Mpumalanga– the province is famous for its picturesque hilly landscapes and the most famous national reserve Kruger Park.

Northwest- here, in the middle of the traditional bush, is the famous Sun City, offering all kinds of water activities, Africa's largest casino and entertainment complex, and national park Pilangsberg.

Limpopo(formerly Northern Province) - rich in historical sites, wildlife sanctuaries, hunting grounds, cultural heritage, health resorts and the wide African plains.

Car rent

In South Africa, any driver who is at least 23 years old and has a valid international license can rent a car. driver's license with a photograph.

Restaurants

In South Africa, there are a huge number of excellent restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Mexican, Indian, Arabic, Jewish cuisines are present along with traditional South African cuisine. After dinner at a restaurant, vacationers can go to one of the many nightclubs and dance there until the music stops.

For children

Elephant Park (Knysna Elephant Park) - located 20 km from Knysna, the Garden Road route. In natural conditions, but under the supervision of people, several young elephants live. You can chat with elephants, stroke them, it is interesting for both children and adults. And you can order an individual walk with elephants and a mahout through the forest.

Sun City - located 2.5 hours from Johannesburg. For children - a water park with water slides, a beach and artificial waves, themed events are held, for example, Treasure Hunt. Hundreds of children's slot machines, many walking paths and nearby the Pilansberg Nature Reserve.

Reserve "Monkeyland" (Plettenberg).

Located next to Plettenberg. A unique opportunity to see different kinds monkeys and forest birds in the natural conditions of the subtropical forest. Professional guides will take you through the park and tell you about the inhabitants living in it.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (Cape Town) - located in the port of Cape Town and is an entertainment center with an Oceanarium; cinema center (IMAX); museums; a hall of multi-colored pebbles - "scratch-patch". Here you can make sea cruises, watch live fur seals on the pier.

The cities are home to shops and malls offering everything from famous brands to handicrafts.

Souvenir shops offer a huge variety of ethnic souvenirs.

There are also convenience stores at gas stations. In supermarkets you can only buy wine, beer and strong alcohol they are not for sale.

National holidays

Entertainment

The country has a large number of entertainment facilities - clubs, theaters, casinos; sports infrastructure.

Safety

In all major cities and most reserves, tap water is purified and completely drinkable. The danger of malignant malaria exists in certain areas of the country on the border with Mozambique (the Kruger Park area (Mpumalanga, Northern Province) and northeast KwaZulu Natal). For prevention, it is recommended to take special medications (Laream).

The widest part of Africa is located in the center of the hot zone of illumination. The whole continent is caressed by the sun all year round, receives a huge amount of energy from our luminary. The climate of Africa is determined by geographical location, air circulation, the influence of the oceans, and the nature of the underlying surface. According to the combination of these main factors on the mainland, climatic zones(basic and transitional): subtropical, tropical, subequatorial and equatorial. In this order, they are replaced in the northern hemisphere from north to south.

General characteristics of the African climate

The equator crosses the continent roughly in the center. Northern - more large part mainland - extends to mediterranean sea in the north and the Arabian Peninsula of Eurasia in the northeast. South of the equator lies a narrow part of Africa, resembling a triangle in shape. The area from the equator to the Northern Tropic receives about 200 kcal/cm2 per year. The average figure for the total solar radiation on the mainland is 160 kcal/cm2 per year.

The climate of Africa is diverse, heat and moisture are distributed unevenly, especially in desert regions. Maximum amount precipitation is received by the southwestern foot of the Cameroon volcano - up to 10,000 mm / year. Africa surpasses other continents in terms of temperature, being the hottest of them. The largest number solar heat falls on the land mass located between the Northern and Southern tropics.

We will describe the climate of Africa according to the position of the territories of the continent relative to the equator. This is the main climate-forming factor on which heating depends. earth's surface, and from it - air. An important role belongs to other conditions: atmospheric circulation, the nature of the relief, the features of the underlying surface, the position relative to other continents, oceans. The main and transitional types of climate in Africa:

• Equatorial.
• Subequatorial (humid in the south, arid in the north).
• Tropical desert.
• Subtropical Mediterranean.

Equatorial climate of Africa

In the center of the mainland, near the 0° parallel, a hot and humid climate is formed. The equatorial belt covers the territory from 6 ° N. sh. up to 5°S sh. in the Congo basin in the east, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, it reaches 8 ° N. sh. The conditions of this region are determined by equatorial air masses - hot and humid; it rains throughout the year. The air in January and July heats up to an average of +25 ° C, 2000-3000 mm of precipitation falls annually. The moisture coefficient reaches 1.5-2 (excess).

evergreen forests

The equatorial climate of Africa creates favorable conditions for warm and moisture-loving plants. The equatorial region of Africa is covered with dense evergreen forests - hylaea. It is difficult for animals and people to be under the canopy of the forest, where it is gloomy and stuffy, the air is saturated with the smells of decaying litter and the scent of orchids.

Impenetrable sparsely populated natural area V last years intensively studied. Wood is cut down to obtain valuable timber for export. Mahogany, abachi (African maple) and other species are mined.

Subequatorial climate zone

It occupies vast expanses of the mainland from 20 ° S. sh. up to 17° s. sh. More than 1/3 of Africa is located in areas of subequatorial climate. In the eastern part transition belt is not interrupted by the equatorial one, in the southern hemisphere it does not reach the Atlantic Ocean.

Characteristics of the African climate in the subequatorial region of the continent:

1. Temperature conditions and humidity are determined by the alternating influence of tropical and equatorial air masses. As a result, seasons are formed - wet and dry.
2. Hot and humid air of the equatorial latitudes dominates in summer, dry tropical air mass comes in winter, it becomes a little cooler.
3. The rainless season lasts from 2 to 10 months. The average annual air temperature is over +20 °С, about 1000 mm/year of precipitation will fall (in the southern part of the belt).
4. The duration of the humid period and the average annual precipitation decrease towards the margins of the subequatorial belt.
5. IN northern regions less rain falls, the hot breath of the desert is felt. The hottest period of the year falls at the beginning of the rainy season, when the average monthly temperature exceeds +30 °C.
6. The cool months of the humid period are characterized by temperatures around +20 °C and above.

Savannah

Except geographical location and atmospheric circulation, the features of Africa's climate are determined feature relief of the mainland. The margins of the continent are uplifted; compared to the interior regions, they are located higher above sea level.

Mountain ranges and massifs in the north, east and southeast limit the influence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans on the climate of the savannah zone, which stretches within the subequatorial belt. Features of flora and fauna in this part of the continent are determined by the alternation of the wet and dry seasons, the lack of moisture for the formation of full-fledged forests, full-flowing riverbeds.

tropical belt

Features of the climate of Africa in the region of the Northern and Southern tropics - the dominance of hot and dry air masses. Areas with an arid tropical climate and a significant daily temperature range extend in the north and south of the mainland up to the 30th parallel. A significant area of ​​the continent is influenced by an arid tropical climate. In this zone, the highest average monthly rates are noted: +35 ... 40 ° С.

The North African massif receives a lot of solar radiation and very little moisture. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 20°C. Snow lies on the mountain peaks in the tropics, and desert and semi-desert territories lie at the foot. The most extensive lifeless areas: in the north - the Sahara, in the south - the Namib.

Deserts and semi-deserts

There are areas in the Sahara where temperature minimums and maximums (-3 and +58 °С) were recorded. The daytime temperature on hot sand and stones reaches +60 ... 70 °С, at night it can drop to +10 °С. Daily temperature fluctuations reach 50 °С.

Precipitation in the deserts of Africa falls from 0 to 100 mm / year, which is extremely small. Rains sometimes do not reach the surface of the earth - they dry up in the air. Humidification is poor, Kuvl. = 0.1-0.3. The life of the desert population is concentrated in oases - places where groundwater comes out. Agriculture, cattle breeding, tourist services are developed.

Subtropics of Africa

The extreme south and a narrow strip of the northern coast are occupied by areas of subtropical climate. This is a transitional zone, the features of which are determined by the properties of air masses in temperate and tropical latitudes. The subtropical climate is characterized by dry and rainy seasons, a significant influx of moisture, which contributes to the development of agriculture. The maximum number of rains in the northwestern and southwestern regions of the African continent occurs in the winter months, in the southeast the rainy season is summer.

The subtropics of Africa and other areas of the mainland attract numerous tourists. World famous resorts are located on the coast of the Mediterranean and Red Seas, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The main direction of tourism development and types of recreation in North Africa is beach, sightseeing. In the savannas - safari, jeep. Less visited areas - impassable moist forests and uninhabited desert areas.

What is the climate in Africa now and in the past? The answer to this question lies in the beds of dry rivers (wadis), the ruins of once prosperous cities, covered by the sands of the Sahara. African climate is becoming arid, deserts are advancing in the north and south. A striking contrast to this phenomenon are floods, when rivers overflow their banks and flood coastal areas. Scientists suggest that catastrophic natural processes may be associated with intensive felling of tree plantations, widespread construction of cities, roads, development of agriculture and cattle breeding.