Climate of South Africa

Winter temperatures may reach the freezing point at high altitude, but are at their most mild in coastal regions, particularly KwaZulu Natal Province and perhaps the Eastern Cape.

Cold and warm coastal currents running north-west and north-east respectively account for the difference in climates between west and east coasts.

South Africa experiences a high degree of sunshine with rainfall about half of the global average, increasing from west to east, and with semi-desert regions in the north-west.

On the central plateau, which includes the Free State and Gauteng provinces, the altitude keeps the average temperatures below 20 °C (68 °F); Johannesburg, for example, lies at 1,753 metres (5,751 ft).

South Africa experiences hotter weather and the summer rainfall regions are drier during the El Niño phase, while La Niña brings cooler and wetter conditions.

Overall, rainfall is greatest in the east and gradually decreases westward, with some semi-desert areas along the western edge of South Africa.

Johannesburg enjoys a dry, sunny climate, with the exception of occasional late afternoon downpours in the summer months of October to April.

The Western Cape province has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry, sunny summer weather and mild, rainy conditions in winter.

[11] This is a critical concern for South Africans as climate change will affect the overall status and wellbeing of the country, for example with regards to water resources.

Just like many other parts of the world, climate research showed that the real challenge in South Africa was more related to environmental issues rather than developmental ones.

[14] The various effects of climate change on rural communities are expected to include: drought, depletion of water resources and biodiversity, soil erosion, decreased subsistence economies and cessation of cultural activities.