Phinda Private Game Reserve

Weather & Climate

Phinda Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Climate Chart Phinda Private Game Reserve

Climate Chart Phinda Game Reserve – 48-112m / 157-367ft

Phinda Game Reserve, being in the southern hemisphere, has a winter and summer that occur at opposite times as in Europe and North America. Winter is from May to September and summer is from October to April. Phinda’s climate is subtropical and the Wet season falls during the hot and humid summer months. Winters are dry and characterized by cool nights and pleasantly warm days.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

Although occasional showers can occur due to the park’s closeness to the coast, there is very little rain during winter. The heat is more bearable than during summertime, and the skies are sunny and clear.

May – As average temperatures cool to 13°C/55°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon, the summer comes to an end. Rains decrease, along with the humidity.
June, July & August – Afternoon temperatures are pleasant at around 24°C/75°F. At night, the average drops to 12°C/54°F, causing mornings to be rather cold. It is essential to bring warm clothing.
September – This month means a rise in temperatures, averaging 26°C/79°F during the day. Mornings are warmer at around 16°C/61°F. Rains begin, often in the form of thundershowers.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Afternoon thunderstorms are typical during the hot, humid summer, but it seldom rains all day.

October & November – It sometimes rains all day and regularly rains during the afternoon. Temperatures average between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – It rains almost every day, but mostly in the form of afternoon storms. The average daytime temperature is 32°C/90°F, although it can climb much higher. The morning has more pleasant temperatures of around 19°C/66°F.
March & April – There is less rain and humidity. Afternoon temperatures fall to a more bearable level, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are a comfortable 17°C/63°F.