Rainy season in South Africa
South Africa has two rainfall regimes. Most of the country, including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, gets its rain in summer from October to March, while Cape Town and the Western Cape get theirs in winter.
Conditions right now
Summer storms on the Highveld
On the Highveld, rain mostly arrives as afternoon and evening thunderstorms that build over hot ground. The first storms usually come in October, and December to February is the wettest period. Hail is a real hazard from October to January, and storms can be intense but short, often clearing by nightfall. Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast are humid, with rain spread over a longer summer season.
Cape Town is the exception
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate. Cold fronts sweeping in from the Atlantic bring most of its rain between May and August, while summer is dry, sunny and often windy. The city’s dams fill in winter, which is why a run of dry winters led to the severe water crisis of 2017 and 2018.
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Johannesburg?
From about October to March, with the most rain from December to February, mostly as afternoon thunderstorms.
When does it rain in Cape Town?
Mainly in winter, from May to August. Summers are dry.
When is hail season on the Highveld?
Mainly from October to January, during the early part of the summer thunderstorm season.