Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Weather & Climate

Shamwari Operators

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Climate Chart Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Climate Chart Shamwari Game Reserve – 196-592m / 1,079-1,654ft

Shamwari Game Reserve has a classification of semi-arid to arid and receives an average annual rainfall of less than 450mm/18in. Here, the winter and summer seasons occur opposite to Europe and North America. Rain is fairly evenly distributed all year long. However, it peaks at two times during the year: February–March and October–November. During the midwinter, temperatures can reach freezing point.

Winter –May to September

The winter months consist of cold nights and mornings. Warm clothes are essential, especially for game drives in open vehicles at night and in the morning. There is less rain than in the summer, and the skies are generally clear.

May – Winter is beginning. Temperatures cool to 9°C/48°F in the morning with an average temperature of 22°C/72°F in the afternoon.
June & July – These months are the coldest. Morning temperatures average 7°C/45°F, but it isn’t unusual to reach freezing point at night. Afternoons are around 19°C/66°F.
August & September – It gradually warms to a typical afternoon temperature of 21°C/70°F. Mornings are less cold, with temperatures around 9°C/48°F.

Summer –October to April

Summer is characterized by comfortable temperatures and slightly more rainfall. Some days might be cloudy with drizzle, but it is sunny for the most part.

October & November – It is warmer, with temperatures around 13°C/55°F in the morning and 24°C/75°F in the afternoon. Rain peaks in October.
December, January & February – These months are the warmest of the year. Afternoon temperatures average 28°C/82°F. Mornings are comfortable at around 16°C/61°F. There is less rain in December and January, but it increases slightly in February.
March & April – The wettest month is March, although it still doesn't rain a lot and rarely for days on end. The weather begins to cool with afternoon averages of 26°C/79°F and mornings typically around 14°C/57°F.