Clear skies, deep turquoise water, and the almost constant presence of the sun – February in Cape Town and surrounds is the ideal time for beach days, water sports, and wine farm visits. In contrast, you’ll have a wet safari upcountry in the Kruger region.
February is the last month of summer in South Africa. In Cape Town and the Western Cape, this is usually the hottest time of the year, while safari destinations continue to see a lot of rainfall, filling up watering holes in the wilderness. Migratory birds are still present in game reserves and national parks, and you may see baby animals poking their heads out of the lush vegetation.
Weather in February
Kruger National Park and surrounding areas are green thanks to the rains, which start around October. Water sources are abundant, so finding wildlife during game drives can be more challenging compared to the dry season. However, temperatures are still hot with highs of 34 °C/93 °F coupled with high humidity. In Cape Town, temperatures can reach highs of 29 °C/84 °F and lows of 18 °C/64 °F. This is coupled with bright blue skies and little to no rain.
Average Weather in February
Kruger and Surrounds
Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
Min | 18℃ | 64℉ | 3 inches |
Max | 34℃ | 93℉ | 4.3 inches |
Cape Town
Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
Min | 18℃ | 64℉ | 0.4 inches |
Max | 29℃ | 84℉ | 1.2 inches |
National Parks to Visit in South Africa During February
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain is a Natural World Heritage Site partly due to the incredible plant life and tree species that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. Take on the hiking trails or wander along the nature paths to enjoy the spectacular views all around you. Remember to bring water and sunscreen with you, as February is a hot month.
Tswalu Kalahari Private Wildlife Reserve
Tswalu is a year-round safari destination, with exciting sightings no matter the month. Summer brings dramatic thunderstorms and showers, causing the landscape to flourish. This is the time of the year when animals have their young – so you may see adorable newborns – and migratory birds make an appearance.
The Garden Route
If you dream of spending days relaxing on pristine beaches and going on watersports adventures, the Garden Route in February is fantastic! The warm weather in the Western Cape makes iconic destinations like Plettenberg Bay and Knysna perfect coastal retreats for beach holidays.
Activities to Do in South Africa in February
- Birdwatching safaris
- Photographic safaris
- Beach days and water sports