Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Weather & Climate

Golden Gate Highlands Operators

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is author of ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Climate Chart Golden Gate Highlands National Park – 1,647-2,542m / 5,404-8,340ft

Winter (May to September) and summer (October to April) in South Africa are experienced at opposite times to Europe and North America. In Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Dry season occurs in winter and the Wet season in summer. Winter gets cold with occasional snow. The park’s relatively high altitude means that winters are cold and summers are mild.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

The winter months are very cold in the morning and remain cool throughout the day. Warm clothes are a necessity. Most days are sunny with very little rain if any at all. There is occasional snow.

May – This is the beginning of winter. Temperatures cool down, typically to around 3°C/37°F in the morning and 17°C/63°F in the afternoon.
June & July – These are the coldest months. An average morning is about 0°C/32°F, but temperatures often dip below freezing at night. Afternoon temperatures are around 14°C/57°F.
August & September – It gradually gets warmer, with an average temperature of 18°C/64°F in the afternoon. Mornings are still cold with temperatures around 5°C/41°F. Rain might start in September and will bring much-needed relief after a long dry winter.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Summer has more comfortable temperatures and regular thunderstorms. Rains rarely last all day and usually come in the afternoon.

October & November – It gets warmer, and temperatures are between 9°C/48°F in the morning and 22°C/72°F in the afternoon. Rain is increasing, and in November, it will rain for many days.
December, January & February – These are the warmest and wettest months with afternoon temperatures averaging 25°C/77°F. Mornings are still cold, but more comfortable at about 11°C/52°F. It will rain most days in the form of afternoon storms.
March & April – It starts to cool down again with an average daily temperature of 22°C/72°F in the afternoon and 8°C/46°F in the morning. Rainfall begins to slow.