Durban Weather

Situated south of the Equator, the seasons in South Africa are opposite to those in the UK. Visitors to Durban on the east coast can enjoy a sub-tropical climate with a dry, sunny winter season from April right through to September. The majority of rain falls in the summer months from October to March. However, at this time of year there is still plenty of sunshine - seven hours, even in December. The coastal belt between Cape Town and Durban has a less marked dry season than further inland due to the influence of the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean.

 

Considered by many as the ‘Miami Beach’ of South Africa, tourists flock to the major city in the Kwazulu-Natal province to take advantage of the ‘golden mile’ of glorious beaches and superb surfing conditions. Winter is an ideal time to visit, with average daily temperatures pleasantly ranging between 26C and 22C from April to September. Rainfall is far lower than in the humid summer months, while the sun continues to beat down for seven or eight hours each day. Evenings are refreshingly cool (11 to12C in the height of the season), but if you’re tempted by the huge variety of water sports on offer, the inviting Indian Ocean temperatures never fall below 22C.

While temperatures in the UK are at their lowest, South Africa experiences its hottest season, so if you’re looking to escape for some much-needed winter warmth, there’s no better place to visit than Durban. During their summer months you’ll find daily temperatures hovering between 24C in October and 27C in March. Sun-drenched days are wonderfully long and summer evenings remain deliciously warm - perfect for alfresco dining in the fabulous fish restaurants that are dotted throughout the busiest port in Africa. Although rainfall is heaviest at this time of year, an afternoon thunderstorm does wonder to alleviate humidity and if you fancy a dip to cool off, don’t be surprised by the gorgeous warmth of the crystal clear waves lapping the shore.