What is the Coldest Place in South Africa?

Have you ever wondered what is the coldest place in South Africa?

Since we’re talking about a country known for its scorching hot temperatures, arid deserts and exotic wildlife, you might be surprised to know what right here on the African continent – you can experience very cold temperatures, and I mean, sub-zero temperatures!

Did you know: South Africa is the only country in Africa that sees yearly snowfall? Most of it actually falls in Lesotho – a small, landlocked country within South Africa!

For more facts about Lesotho, here’s 48 interesting facts about Lesotho, aka the Kingdom in the Sky

Anyway, regular snowfall and sub-zero temperatures may come as a surprise to those who have always thought Africa to be a hot continent all-year-round.

But when you think about it, South Africa is the southernmost country on the continent, the furthest from the equator – 2,116 miles (3,398km) away, so it makes sense that there is cold weather here.

Essential South Africa Travel Resources:

For more useful travel information on South Africa, check out these articles:

✪ 18 Best Things to Do in Cape Town
✪ Ultimate Packing List for South Africa (+ FREE Cheatsheet)
✪ 28 Incredible Things to Do in Johannesburg
✪ What to See and Do in Lesotho: Africa’s Best Kept Secret

What is the Coldest Place in South Africa?

Matroosberg, Western Cape

So where is the coldest place in South Africa? It’s considered to be the town of Matroosberg in the Western Cape province. Located approximately 120km east of Cape Town, Matroosberg is known for its cold temperatures and snowfall during the winter months.

The Matroosberg Reserve, which is located on the mountain, is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and various other winter sports. The temperatures at the mountain peak can fall as low as -15°C during the winter. The area surrounding the mountain also experiences very low temperatures during the winter season.

Drakensberg Mountains, Free State & KwaZulu-Natal

Another place in South Africa that is known for its cold temperatures is the Drakensberg Mountains, which are located in the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces. Thabana Ntlenyana is the highest point in the Drakensberg and in southern Africa, and temperatures at the summit can drop as low as -20°C in the winter.

The Drakensberg is also known for its snowfall, and thus is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

It’s worth bearing in mind these places have cold temperatures only during the winter months from May to August, and in the rest of the year, the temperatures can be quite mild.

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Sutherland, Northern Cape

Finally, one more place in South Africa that experiences cold temperatures is the town of Sutherland, in the Northern Cape province. Sutherland is widely known as one of the coldest towns in South Africa, with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C during the winter. The town is situated in the Karoo – a semi-desert region known for its clear, starry skies and cold night temperatures.

Interestingly the Karoo is also home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), one of the largest single optical telescopes in the southern hemisphere. Moreover, it is a popular destination for stargazing, due to the lack of light pollution.

Which province has the coldest winter in South Africa?

The Western Cape province, where Cape Town is located, is generally considered to have the coldest winters in South Africa. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. During the winter months, which normally runs from May to August, the temperature in the Western Cape can fall to around 10-12°C (50-54°F) during the coldest days, though the average is between 13-16°C (55-60°F).

It’s worth remembering that although the Western Cape province is known for its cold winter, the province is very large and temperatures can vary depending on the location within the province, for example, coastal cities like Cape Town tend to be milder in comparison to inland regions like Matroosberg.

Does it ever snow in South Africa?

As a matter of fact, it does snow in South Africa, although it is relatively rare and mostly confined to specific areas in the country. The areas that are most likely to experience snowfall are the high-lying regions in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape provinces, such as the Drakensberg Mountains, the Matroosberg Mountains, and the Swartberg Mountains.

The snowfall in these areas usually occurs in the winter months, from May to August, and it tends to be light and doesn’t last for long. However, in some years, the snowfall can be heavier and longer lasting, with the snow gathering on the ground for several days.

Bear in mind that snowfall in South Africa is very rare in the low-lying areas and coastal cities, like Cape Town and Durban, and it’s not uncommon for people living in these areas to have never seen snow in their lives.

What is the coldest place in Africa?

The coldest place recorded in Africa is considered to be the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, situated in the north of Tanzania close to the border with Kenya. The summit, Uhuru Peak, sits at an altitude of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, and the temperature can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F) during the night.

Mount Kilimanjaro is well known for its unpredictable weather, and climbers have to be prepared for extremely cold and windy conditions. The temperature can change suddenly, so is important for climbers to prepare in advance with proper clothing and equipment to protect themselves from the freezing cold.

It’s worth noting that temperatures on the mountain depend on the altitude – so the higher you climb, the colder it gets.

General Information about South Africa

 

• Area: 1,221,037 km squared
• Capital cities: Cape Town, Pretoria, Blemfontein
• Population: 59.39 million
• Largest city: Johannesburg
• Founded: 1910 (Union of South Africa), 1961 (independence from the UK)
• Famous Residents: Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Mahatma Gandhi, Thabo Mbeki, Jans Smuts, Charlize Theron, Trevor Noah

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FAQs:

Is Cape Town colder than Johannesburg?

Cape Town and Johannesburg are located in completely different regions of South Africa, and therefore have different climate patterns. In general, Cape Town is known to have much milder temperatures compared to Johannesburg, especially during the winter months.

Cape Town, being located on the southern coast, has a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. During the winter months, the temperature in Cape Town drops to around 10-12°C (50-54°F) during the coldest days but typically ranges between 13-16°C (55-60°F).

Johannesburg, on the other hand, is located inland and towards the north, it has a subtropical highland climate with mild to warm summers and cool to cold winters. During the winter months, the temperature in Johannesburg can drop to around 0-5°C (32-41°F) during the peak of winter, but averages between 5-10°C (41-50°F).

However, as discussed earlier, places like Matroosberg, Drakensberg and Sutherland can be colder than Cape Town during the winter months.

What is the coldest place in Africa?

The coldest place recorded in Africa is considered to be the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, situated in the north of Tanzania close to the border with Kenya. The summit, Uhuru Peak, sits at an altitude of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, and the temperature can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F) during the night.

Mount Kilimanjaro is well known for its unpredictable weather, and climbers have to be prepared for extremely cold and windy conditions. The temperature can change suddenly, so is important for climbers to prepare in advance with proper clothing and equipment to protect themselves from the freezing cold.

It’s worth noting that temperatures on the mountain depend on the altitude – so the higher you climb, the colder it gets.

Which province has the coldest winter in South Africa?

The Western Cape province, where Cape Town is located, is generally considered to have the coldest winter in South Africa. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. During the winter months, which normally runs from May to August, the temperature in the Western Cape can fall to around 10-12°C (50-54°F) during the coldest days, though the average is between 13-16°C (55-60°F).

Is Bethlehem the coldest place in South Africa?

Bethlehem is a small town situated in the Free State province of South Africa and it is known for its cold winter temperatures. The Free State province is located in the heart of the country close to the border of Lesotho and is known for its dry, continental climate with large temperature variations between the seasons.

During the winter months from May to August, the temperature in Bethlehem can fall to around 0-5°C (32-41°F) during the coldest days, although the average ranges between 5-10°C (41-50°F). Bethlehem is also known for its strong winds which can make the temperature feel colder.

Moreover, places like Matroosberg, Drakensberg and Sutherland, which are located in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces respectively, are known to experience colder temperatures during the winter months, sometimes even dropping to -15°C (-59°F).

Does it ever snow in South Africa?

As a matter of fact, it does snow in South Africa, although it is relatively rare and mostly confined to specific areas in the country. The areas that are most likely to experience snowfall are the high-lying regions in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape provinces, such as the Drakensberg Mountains, the Matroosberg Mountains, and the Swartberg Mountains.

The snowfall in these areas usually occurs in the winter months, from May to August, and it tends to be light and doesn’t last for long. However, in some years, the snowfall can be heavier and longer lasting, with the snow gathering on the ground for several days.

Bear in mind that snowfall in South Africa is very rare in the low-lying areas and coastal cities, like Cape Town and Durban, and it’s not uncommon for people living in these areas to have never seen snow in their lives.

Where does it snow a lot in South Africa?

The areas of South Africa experiencing the most snowfall are the high-altitude, mountainous regions of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape provinces, such as the Drakensberg Mountains, the Matroosberg Mountains, and the Swartberg Mountains.

The Drakensberg Mountains, also known as the “Dragon Mountains” are a vast and breathtaking mountain-range that runs along the eastern edge of South Africa, and it is one of the most popular destinations for snow activities like skiing and snowboarding in the country.

The highest point in this mountain range is Thabana Ntlenyana, which reaches an elevation of 3,482 meters (11,423 ft), making it the highest point in Southern Africa.

The Matroosberg Mountains are situated in Western Cape, approximately 160km from Cape Town. The Matroosberg Reserve is a popular destination for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snow-tubing. The highest peak of this mountain range is Matroosberg peak, reaching an elevation of 2,295 meters (7,516 ft).

The Swartberg Mountains are also located in the Western Cape, around 100km from the town of Oudtshoorn. The Swartberg Pass is quite popular among tourists, well known for its beautiful views, hiking trails, and 4×4 routes. The highest point of this mountain range is Seweweekspoort Peak which reaches an elevation of 2,325 meters (7,628 ft).

What are the coldest cities in South Africa?

The coldest cities in South Africa during winter are often those located in the mountainous regions of the country, such as the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and the interior of the Free State. Some of the coldest cities in South Africa during winter include:

1. Johannesburg: Although Johannesburg is located on the highveld and has a subtropical highland climate, the city can experience cold temperatures during the winter months (May to August).

2. Bloemfontein: Bloemfontein is the capital of the Free State province and is located at an altitude of over 4,500 feet (1,400 meters). Winter temperatures in Bloemfontein can drop below freezing at night.

3. Ceres: Ceres is a small town located in the Western Cape province and is known for its cold, wet winters. The town is surrounded by mountains, which helps to keep temperatures low during the winter months.

4. Nieu-Bethesda: Nieu-Bethesda is a small town located in the Eastern Cape province and is known for its harsh winter weather. The town is located at an altitude of over 4,500 feet (1,400 meters), which helps to keep temperatures low during the winter months.

What is the coolest area in South Africa?

The coolest area in South Africa is dependent on individual preferences, as what one person considers to be “cool” may differ from another person. However, some areas of South Africa that are commonly considered to be cool or attractive to visit include:

1. Cape Town: Cape Town is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. The city is surrounded by the iconic Table Mountain, stunning beaches, and the Cape Winelands.

2. Garden Route: The Garden Route is a scenic coastal drive along the southern coast of South Africa, stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and stunning landscapes.

3. Kruger National Park: Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most famous game reserves in South Africa and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo).

4. Drakensberg Mountains: The Drakensberg Mountains are a range of mountains in the southeastern part of South Africa, stretching from Lesotho to the Eastern Cape. This area is known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.

I hope you enjoyed reading my post: What is the Coldest Place in South Africa? And that you feel inspired to visit this incredible country one day.Let me know your thoughts in the comments, thank you!