Weather in Durban

Planning your day in Durban? Check out the latest weather data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts right here in this section.

Durban, located on the east coast of South Africa, boasts a delightful subtropical climate that makes it an attractive destination for tourists year-round. The city is known for its warm ocean current and sunny days, offering comfortable conditions for relaxation and exploration.

There are two distinct seasons in Durban. Summer, which lasts roughly from December to March, is characterized by warm and humid days with average temperatures around 23-24°C. This period sees a higher number of rainy days, though total rainfall remains moderate. Winter, from June to August, brings cooler yet still very mild weather with average temperatures around 17-18°C. The winter months are significantly drier, with minimal rainfall, especially in July, and plenty of clear, sunny days.

Overall, the weather in Durban is noted for its stability and lack of extreme temperatures. Even in the coolest months, daytime temperatures remain pleasant for outdoor activities. The low rainfall throughout the year and abundance of sunshine make Durban a wonderful place for those seeking a beach holiday or looking to enjoy nature in comfortable weather conditions.

The climate in Durban is delightfully mild throughout the year, though temperature patterns change noticeably depending on the season. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from 17.0°C in July to 24.0°C in February. The hottest month is typically February, when the average maximum temperature reaches 26.8°C, and the average minimum does not drop below 21.1°C. Conversely, the coolest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of 17.0°C, where daytime highs can reach 22.0°C, and nighttime lows can drop to 12.0°C.

The summer months in Durban, spanning from December to March, are characterized by consistently warm weather. Average daytime temperatures during this time range from 25-27°C, while nighttime temperatures rarely fall below 20°C. For example, in January, the average temperature is 23.6°C (ranging from 20.6°C to 26.6°C), and in February, it is 24.0°C (from 21.1°C to 26.8°C). Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are relatively small, ensuring comfortable warm evenings after a hot day. Such weather is ideal for beach holidays and water sports.

Winter in Durban, which falls between June and August, features very mild and pleasant conditions. Average temperatures during this period hover around 17-18°C. In June, the average temperature is 17.5°C (ranging from 12.7°C to 22.2°C), and in July, it is 17.0°C (from 12.0°C to 22.0°C). Daytime temperatures in winter remain comfortable for walks and excursions, often reaching 22°C. However, nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to 12-13°C. Thus, winter months see more noticeable daily temperature fluctuations compared to summer, so a light jacket or sweater may come in handy for evening strolls.

Durban sees a fairly clear division into wet and dry seasons, although total rainfall throughout the year remains moderate. This makes the city attractive to visit at almost any time, but knowing the rainfall patterns will help you plan your trip better.

The wetter period in Durban falls during the summer and early autumn months, roughly from October to April. During this time, both the amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days increase. The highest number of days with precipitation is usually recorded in December (about 17 days), followed by February and November (approximately 14 rainy days each). The "wettest" month in terms of rainfall volume often turns out to be April, with about 5 mm falling. Generally, rain during this period most often comes in the form of short showers rather than prolonged downpours.

The dry season in Durban covers the winter months, from May to September. During this time, the amount of precipitation and rainy days decreases significantly. The driest months are June and July: in July, there may be no rainfall at all (0 mm), and the number of rainy days in these months is only about 4. May also sees a noticeable decrease in precipitation (about 2 mm and 6 rainy days), making this period very comfortable for those who prefer to avoid the rain.

When planning a trip to Durban, it is important to consider its pleasant subtropical climate, which nevertheless has its own seasonal peculiarities. Year-round, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, comfortable shoes for walking around the city and beach, high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the bright African sun. The principle of layering clothing will become your best friend, allowing you to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

The summer months in Durban (from December to March) are characterized by warm and humid weather with average temperatures around 23-24°C, sometimes rising to 26-27°C. This period also sees a higher number of rainy days, especially in December, February, and November. Therefore, your suitcase must include light summer items: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and swimwear. Also, do not forget a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella in case of a tropical downpour, which may be short but intense.

Winter (from June to August) in Durban is very mild, with average daytime temperatures around 17-18°C; however, evenings and nights can be cool, with temperatures dropping to 12-13°C. At this time of year, there is significantly less rainfall, especially in July. For a winter trip, t-shirts complemented by a light sweater, fleece jacket, or thin coat are ideal. Long trousers or jeans will also be very useful for evening walks. In the transitional seasons (April-May and September-November), the weather can be changeable, so layered clothing, including a light windbreaker and an umbrella for rain (especially in April, October, and November), will be the most practical choice.