uMkhuze Game Reserve

Weather & Climate

uMkhuze Operators

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Climate Chart uMkhuze Game Reserve – 26-350m / 85-1,148ft

In South Africa, summer and winter are experienced at opposite times to Europe and North America. Since uMkhuze Game Reserve experiences rainfall during the summer (October to April), this is considered the Wet season. Winter (the Dry season) is pleasantly warm and occurs from May to September. uMkhuze has a subtropical climate, which means the summers are hot and humid.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is almost no rain in winter, although an occasional shower could occur due to the park’s closeness to the coast. The temperatures are less oppressive than in the summer and skies are generally clear and bright.

May – The rain and humidity lessen while average temperatures drop to 13°C/55°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Cold mornings follow nighttime temperatures of around 12°C/54°F. This makes warm clothing a necessity. Afternoons are pleasant, with temperatures of around 24°C/75°F.
September – The rain comes with the beginning of spring, usually in the form of thundershowers. Afternoon temperatures rise to an average of 26°C/79°F. Mornings are warmer, with temperatures around 16°C/61°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

The heat is intense during the summer and humidity is substantial. Rain is frequent, but mostly falls in the afternoons. Heavy thunderstorms are common.

October & November – It rains during most afternoons and sometimes it rains all day. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – The heat and humidity is intense. Afternoon storms happen almost daily. Although it can get much hotter, average daily temperatures are around 32°C/90°F. The most pleasant time of day is early morning, with averages of 19°C/66°F.
March & April – Average afternoon temperatures become more tolerable at 31°C/88°F. It rains less frequently and the humidity decreases. Mornings are fair at 17°C/63°F.