Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit South Africa
Discover the cheapest and most expensive times to visit South Africa, plus the best months for great weather without peak season prices.
Planning a visit to South Africa and not sure when you should go? Depending on when you go can impact the cost, so let's explore the cheapest and most expensive times to visit South Africa—the season you choose will affect everything from airfare and hotel rates to tour prices and park fees.
Most Expensive Time to Visit South Africa
The most expensive time to visit South Africa is during its peak tourism months when the weather is ideal and major events drive up demand for flights, hotels, and guided tours.
- Summer Holiday Season (Mid-December to Mid-January)
South Africa’s school holidays mean packed beaches, full hotels, and high domestic travel demand. Popular destinations like Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth see prices spike by 30–50% or more. - Easter School Holidays (Late March to Early April)
A short but busy holiday period where families travel locally and abroad. Expect high prices and limited availability for popular game lodges and coastal stays. - Kruger Safari Peak (June to August)
These dry winter months are the best for wildlife viewing, drawing in international tourists. Luxury safari lodges in Kruger and Sabi Sands are often booked a year in advance at premium rates. - Cape Town Summer Events (February)
Festivals like the Cape Town Art Fair and Cape Town Cycle Tour draw thousands, making hotels more expensive and harder to find.
Cheapest Time to Visit South Africa
The cheapest time to visit South Africa is during the low season, when international and domestic tourism is at its quietest.
- Late Autumn to Early Winter (May to Mid-June)
Cooler temperatures mean fewer beachgoers and lower hotel rates, especially in Cape Town and Durban. Safari prices drop before the June peak. - Late Winter (Mid-July to Mid-August)
While still good for safaris, avoiding the luxury lodges and opting for self-drive or budget accommodations can give you some of the lowest rates of the year.
Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa on a Budget
If you want pleasant weather and reasonable prices, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit South Africa.
- Spring (September to Early October) – Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and lower rates before the summer rush.
- Late Autumn (May) – Comfortable conditions for sightseeing, fewer crowds, and discounted rates on hotels and tours.
South Africa Seasonal Cost & Travel Demand
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Dec – Mid-Jan | 💲💲💲 Highest | Summer holidays, peak domestic and international travel |
| Late March – Early April | 💲💲 Very High | Easter holidays, popular family travel season |
| June – August | 💲💲 Very High | Prime safari season in Kruger and Sabi Sands |
| February | 💲💲 High | Cape Town festivals and major events |
| May – Mid-June | 💲 Lowest | Low season, fewer tourists, best deals |
| Mid-July – Mid-Aug | 💲 Lowest | Off-peak, budget-friendly safari options |
| Sept – Early Oct | 💲 Low | Shoulder season, great weather before summer |
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