Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

Weather & Climate

12 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Climate Chart Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve – 41-581m / 135-1,906ft

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve’s winter and summer fall at opposite times of the year to those seasons in Europe and North America. Summer corresponds with the Wet season and winter with the Dry season. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi has a subtropical climate. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and humid. Dry winters (May to September) are pleasantly warm.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is very little rainfall in winter, but there might be the occasional shower because of the closeness to the coast. The heat is less oppressive than in summer, and skies are usually cloudless.

May – The end of summer means that it rains less and the humidity drops. It is cooling down, and the average temperatures are 12°C/54°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Afternoons are pleasant with temperatures around 23°C/73°F, but this drops to 11°C/52°F at night. Cold mornings should be expected. It is advisable to bring warm clothing.
September – This month brings the spring season. Temperatures rise gradually, and the average daytime temperature is 26°C/79°F. Mornings are less cold with temperatures around 15°C/59°F. It will start raining now with a few true thundershowers.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

It is very hot and humid during the summer. It rains a lot, but mostly in the afternoon. Heavy thunderstorms can be expected.

October & November – Rain in the afternoon is common and sometimes it might rain all day. Temperatures are between 17°C/63°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – These months tend to be hot and humid. There is a storm most afternoons. The average temperature in the afternoon is 31°C/88°F, but peak temperatures are a lot higher. Early morning temperatures average 18°C/64°F.
March & April – It cools down a little, and temperatures are around 30°C/86°F in the afternoon. It rains less and the humidity decreases. Mornings are mild at 16°C/61°F.