Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Weather & Climate

80 Pilanesberg Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Climate Chart Pilanesberg Game Reserve – 1,020-1,608m / 3,346-5,276ft

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is located within an area of summer rainfall. Winter (May to September) is the Dry season and has mild daytime temperatures and cool nights. Warm clothing is recommended for night and early morning game drives. The reserve is in the southern hemisphere, so summer and winter occur at opposite times to Europe, North America and Asia.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is virtually no rainfall during winter and the humidity is very low. These drought-like conditions cause foliage to thin and animals are drawn to permanent water sources, making them easier to see.

May – Temperatures gradually drop, marking the beginning of winter. Average temperatures vary from 6°C/43°F in the mornings to 23°C/73°F in the afternoons.
June, July & August – Warm clothes are essential for the cold mornings (5°C/41°F on average). Skies will be sunny and clear with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C/68°F.
September – Average temperatures are a mild and pleasant 26°C/79°F during the day with cooler mornings (12°C/54°F).

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Regular rains break up the heat. They usually come in the form of afternoon storms. Average daytime temperatures are around 30°C/86°F. Because of the low humidity, the heat is less of a burden when compared to the coastal regions.

October & November – It gets warmer, and the first rains clear the haze in the sky. It rains more as the season progresses. Temperatures range from a typical 16°C/61°F in the morning to 29°C/84°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – These are the wettest months. Rain tends to take the form of short but torrential downpours, usually in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures are typically around 32°C/90°F.
March & April – Rainfall will decrease in March, and it slowly gets colder. This continues in April, which has lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The nights get a bit colder at about 12°C/54°F. Daytime temperatures are pleasant at around 29°C/84°F.