Weather in East London

Planning your visit to East London? Check out the current weather situation and detailed forecasts in this section to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

The climate of East London can be described as mild and moderately warm, with subtropical features. Thanks to its location on the Indian Ocean coast, the weather here is notably stable: the city does not experience extreme scorching heat or severe cold, making it an attractive destination for travellers throughout the year.

Summer, which falls between December and February in the Southern Hemisphere, is the warmest and wettest time of year. The average temperature stays around 22–23°C, and during the day, the air often warms up to 26°C. This season sees the highest number of rainy days (up to 16 days in December), so an umbrella might come in handy.

Winter (from June to August), on the other hand, is drier and cooler but remains very comfortable. Daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 21°C, and nightly minimums rarely drop below 11°C. This time of year is excellent for those who prefer sunny weather without rainfall or exhausting heat.

The climate in East London is distinguished by its mildness and moderation, making it comfortable to visit at almost any time of year. The warmest period falls during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months — from December to February. At this time, especially in January and February, the air warms up to an average of +22…+23°C. The days are warm but not exhaustingly hot, with maximum temperatures around +26°C, while nights remain pleasant and warm, rarely cooling below +19°C.

The winter season, which lasts from June to August, is very mild here and completely unlike the harsh winters of northern latitudes. Even in the coolest months — July and August — the average temperature stays around +16°C. During the day, the sun still actively warms the air to a comfortable +20…+21°C, allowing you to enjoy walks. However, tourists should take note of daily temperature fluctuations: it becomes noticeably fresher at night, and the thermometer can drop to +11…+12°C, so a light jacket for evening outings would be useful.

Overall, the annual temperature range in East London is quite steady, without extreme spikes. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are characterized by gradual temperature changes, maintaining comfortable figures around +18…+20°C. The absence of severe frosts in winter and unbearable heat in summer creates ideal conditions for those who prefer stable and pleasant weather for travel.

Precipitation patterns in East London have distinct seasonality, allowing travellers to easily plan their trip according to their preferences. In this region of South Africa, rain falls predominantly during the warm period of the year, while the winter months remain noticeably drier. Since the city is located on the coast, there is practically no snow here, and precipitation occurs exclusively as rain.

The "wettest" period is the season from October to March. The rainiest month in terms of precipitation frequency is December, when about 16 days with precipitation are recorded, as well as January (14 days). However, despite the frequency, the intensity of the rains remains low (averaging 2–3 mm), suggesting short showers or light drizzle that are quickly replaced by sunshine and freshness.

Winter, conversely, brings the most stable and dry weather to East London. From May to August, the number of rainy days decreases significantly. The driest months are considered to be June and July, when the probability of precipitation is minimal — just 3–4 rainy days per month. This time is ideally suited for walks and excursions if you wish to avoid excess humidity.

East London features a mild climate, so when packing your suitcase, focus on comfort and the ability to mix and match items. For a trip during the summer months (December to February), when air temperatures warm up to an average of +26°C, you will need light clothing made from natural fabrics: t-shirts, shorts, and summer dresses. Since summer is the season with the highest number of wet days here, be sure to bring a compact umbrella or a light waterproof raincoat to protect against sudden rainfall.

If your trip is planned for the winter period (June to August), be prepared for temperature contrasts: during the day, the air warms up to a comfortable +21°C, but nights can be quite cool, around +11°C. At this time of year, the principle of layering will be your best friend. Pack jeans, long-sleeved shirts, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket to feel cosy in the evening. A light windbreaker will also be indispensable, as fresh ocean breezes often blow on the coast.

Regardless of the season, do not forget to pack comfortable shoes for long walks around the city and its picturesque surroundings. The sun in South Africa is active year-round, so high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are mandatory items in your travel kit. If you are planning a holiday during the warm season, definitely bring swimwear to enjoy the beaches of the Indian Ocean.