Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Weather & Climate

Kgalagadi Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Climate Chart Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – 868-1,197m / 2,848-3,927ft

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park lies in a semi-arid region with an average rainfall of 150mm/5.9in in the southwest to 350mm/13.8in in the northeast. It has its winter and summer at opposite times than in Europe and North America. The park lies in a summer rainfall area, and sporadic rain occurs from October to April. There is a strong contrast in day and night temperatures.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

The winter season has no rain. The nights tend to be very cold, and frost is common. Daytime is pleasant.

May – Winter clothing is needed for early morning. The summer season comes to a close with typical temperatures of 6°C/43°F in the morning and 25°C/77°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Again, winter clothing is needed for almost any activity scheduled for mornings when it commonly drops below freezing (average temperature of just 2°C/36°F). Afternoons will be mild with clear skies and temperatures of around 23°C/73°F.
September – Temperatures increase to an average of 29°C/84°F in the afternoon. Mornings are still cold, but more tolerable at an average of 7°C/45°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Typical daytime temperatures range from a steady 33°C/91°F to a peak of 45°C/113°F or more. Occasional rain breaks the heat and usually comes in the form of dramatic storms, often followed by dust storms.

October & November – The first rains cleanse the haze from the sky. Rainfall is still low and usually only occurs in the afternoon. Temperatures are between 13°C/55°F in the morning and 32°C/90°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – These are the hottest months. Temperatures average around 35°C/95°F, but peak temperatures can reach much higher. Early mornings are lovely with temperatures around 19°C/66°F. Occasional showers clear the air and lower the heat.
March & April – With average daytime temperatures of 31°C/88°F and nights of 15°C/59°F, the summer heat begins to wane. Rains still occur occasionally, but by the end of April, it is mostly dry.