Our seasons are flipped. Here's what to bring for November, February, April, August and October.
October 10, 2026 · Christopher Isaacs, Founder & Partner · 2 min read
The first thing to know: South Africa's seasons are the opposite of ours. When it's summer in DC, it's winter in Johannesburg. And the two cities on our trip have different weather on the same day. Johannesburg is dry and high up, about 5,700 feet. Cape Town is on the coast and gets its rain in winter.
The good news: for most of the year, South Africa's climate is mild and sunny, a lot like Southern California. Pack for comfort, and plan for cool mornings and evenings.
By departure
Departure
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Pack
November 6–17, 2027 (early summer)
Warm to hot; afternoon thunderstorms
Warm, sunny, often windy
Light clothes, sun hat, rain jacket, windbreaker
February 13–24, 2028 (summer)
Warm; afternoon thunderstorms
Hot, dry and sunny
Light clothes, sunscreen, a light rain layer
April 4–15, 2028 (autumn)
Mild, sunny days; cooler nights
Warm days, mild evenings
Layers and a light jacket
August 8–19, 2028 (late winter)
Bright, dry days; cold mornings and nights, near freezing
Cool, with rain and wind
Warm coat, sweater, scarf, waterproof shoes
October 10–21, 2028 (spring)
Warm, dry days; cool nights
Mild, sunny, windy
Layers and a windbreaker
Temperatures vary year to year. Check the forecast a week before you fly.
Every departure
Comfortable walking shoes. Constitution Hill, Soweto and Table Mountain all involve walking, some of it uneven.
One smart outfit for a nicer dinner. South Africans dress up more than you might expect.
Layers. Even in warm months, mornings and evenings can be cool.
Sunscreen and sunglasses. The sun is strong at Johannesburg's altitude, even in winter.
A plug adapter. South Africa mostly uses the large three-round-pin plug (Type M) at 230 volts. A universal adapter covers it; check that your chargers handle 230V.
A small day bag that closes properly, for cameras and essentials.
Any prescription medicine in its original packaging, plus a copy of the prescription.
Leave at home
Expensive jewelry and anything you'd hate to lose.
Camouflage or military-style clothing.
Too many outfits. Laundry service is available, and you'll want room for what you bring back.
