Does it Snow in South Africa?

Does it snow in South Africa?

This is a common question from tourists seeking to travel to South Africa. It is essential for a tourist to prepare adequately for a country’s weather before they leave.

Generally, most of Africa has very favourable weather all-year round. While it is true that some parts can get uncomfortably hot, particularly due to the numerous deserts scattered across the continent, the cold seasons generally are not extreme.

South of the Sahara, most countries enjoy very moderate weather, and are pleasant vacation hotspots especially during winter in Europe or America.

South Africa, being Africa’s leading tourist destination, also enjoys great weather for the most part.

It is not uncommon to ask a South African whether it snows in their country, and the answer is No. Actually many South Africans have never touched snow with their own hands.

But the truth is that it does in fact snow in South Africa, but if you only live or are visiting the big cities, you will not encounter any snow.

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Among the areas of South Africa where it snows include:

Hogsback – in the Amatola Mountains in the Eastern Cape.

Clarens – on the foothills of the Maloti mountains, between Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal.

Underberg – a town on the foothills of the Drakensberg.

Sutherland – one of the coldest towns in South Africa.

Matroosberg – about 2 hours outside Cape Town.

Sani Pass – also on the foothills of the Drakensberg

Basically, all these places where snow is experienced in South Africa are high altitude areas.

Does it Snow in Cape Town?

Snow is occasionally experienced in the mother city of South Africa. Technically its more hail, but that does not stop excited locals from baptizing it snow.

Between June and August, temperatures fall low enough for snow to fall in certain areas, but Cape Town’s main hubs often do not see any. But a few hours drive from the city, you might start encountering landscape covered in snow.

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Does it Snow in Johannesburg?

The more appropriate question should be, has it snowed in Johannesburg?

Snow has indeed fallen in Johannesburg, but it is rare enough to be big news. Every 5 or so years, some snow may be seen in the city, but this is not usually counted as true snowing.

So, if you are planning your trip to Joburg, you can rest assured there won’t be snow.

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Does it Snow in Pretoria?

As another of South Africa’s major cities, some travelers may be wondering what the weather is like in Pretoria. In 2012, a surprising amount of snow fell in Pretoria. But this was the first time since 1981 that such an amount was witnessed.

So, while snow can fall in Pretoria, this is an extremely unlikely scenario.

Does it Snow in Durban?

This is another city where the cold season can get quite uncomfortable. However, in the city of Durban, you are likely to live a full lifetime without ever seeing snow.

You’ll need to drive for hours to see any.

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