South Africa in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Western Cape (Cape Town & Cape Peninsula)

A persistent late-summer heat lingers into March with temperatures often still in the low 20s to high 20s°C, and the southerly wind eases on many days allowing calmer seas for boat trips to Robben Island and penguin viewing at Boulders Beach. Occasional frontal systems start to arrive late month giving a first wet day or two; bring a light waterproof if you’re doing coastal drives. Whale season in Hermanus begins to quiet, and the crowds thin compared with January.

Southern Cape & Garden Route (Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn)

March brings a slightly drier spell and warm late-summer days that are excellent for road-tripping the Garden Route: Plettenberg Bay’s beaches stay busy and the Tsitsikamma trails are less windy than in peak summer. The Klein Karoo around Oudtshoorn begins to cool at night, making accommodation in converted farmhouses appealing. Watch for seasonal showers that freshen rivers and waterfalls, improving canyoning and river activities.

Eastern Cape & Wild Coast (Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth to Coffee Bay)

March ushers in slightly cooler weather and a decrease in humidity; days are warm and ideal for coastal hikes along the rugged Wild Coast cliffs and tidal pools near Coffee Bay. The summer-swell surfing season continues, and birdlife is abundant in the estuaries around Port Alfred. Road conditions to remote villages may deteriorate after heavy summer rains, so rent a vehicle with good clearance if exploring off the main routes.

KwaZulu‑Natal & the Drakensberg (Durban, Pietermaritzburg, uKhahlamba/Drakensberg)

Warm, humid days in March still make coastal swimming pleasant while the inland escarpment starts to cool; leaves in the higher Drakensberg valleys show early autumn hints. Ranger-guided hikes remain available but check weather, as summer storms can produce lightning and trail erosion. Tourist numbers thin slightly after the New Year; pack both light coastal layers and warmer layers for mountain bivouacs.

Highveld & Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Magaliesberg, Pilanesberg)

March offers a more settled feel as the bulk of summer rains taper; daytime temperatures remain warm but humidity begins to ease, making evenings comfortable in suburbs like Sandton and Maboneng. Autumn leaf colour starts to show in parks and the Highveld’s skies clear more often, ideal for open-air cultural events. Trails on the Magaliesberg are good for late-afternoon walks before cooler nights set in.

Lowveld & Kruger Region (Mbombela/Nelspruit, Hazyview, Kruger National Park)

March shows the wet season beginning to taper but afternoons can still produce dramatic thunderstorms; daytime temperatures remain high while mornings start to feel less oppressive. The bush is green and teeming with young antelope and bird activity, making for rewarding photographic opportunities if you can handle the humidity. Road conditions improve between storms, but always check with park management about track passability.

Northern Cape & Kalahari (Kimberley, Upington, Namaqualand, Kgalagadi)

March brings a slight drop from peak summer heat and occasional thunderstorms can cool the air briefly and raise hopes for better spring floral displays. Daytime highs still often sit well into the 30s°C but nights begin to become more comfortable. Travelers to Augrabies Falls and the Orange River should check for any sudden flood releases upstream after storms and schedule strenuous walks for early morning hours.