Weather in Kimberley

Planning your day or an entire trip to Kimberley? Check out the latest information on weather conditions, including detailed charts and forecasts presented below.

The climate of Kimberley can be described as semi-arid, with distinct temperature contrasts depending on the season. Summer here is hot and sunny: between December and February, the average daytime temperature often exceeds 31°C, creating a sweltering atmosphere. Winter (from June to August), on the other hand, is characterised by mild and comfortable days with temperatures around 19°C; however, nights during this season can be truly cold, with the thermometer dropping to 3–4°C.

Precipitation in the region falls mainly during the summer period, forming a distinct rainy season from the beginning of the year until March, when the highest number of wet days is recorded (about 10–11 per month). At the same time, the winter months, especially July and August, are exceptionally dry: rain is practically absent during this time, guaranteeing tourists clear skies and excellent visibility for sightseeing.

Travellers should take into account the significant daily temperature fluctuations characteristic of this region of South Africa. Even if the sun is shining brightly during the day, the air cools down quickly after sunset, especially during the transitional seasons and winter. Therefore, when planning a trip to Kimberley, it is recommended to bring clothing that can be worn in layers to feel comfortable at any time of day.

The climate in Kimberley is characterised by noticeable seasonal differences typical of the interior regions of South Africa. Summer, which lasts here from December to February, can be truly hot. The hottest months are January and December, when the average daytime temperature reaches a maximum of 32.4°C. Despite the high daytime figures, nights bring long-awaited freshness: the air cools down to a comfortable 17–18°C, allowing for a rest from the midday sun.

The winter period (June, July, and August) is distinguished by mild, often sunny days, but quite cold nights. July is considered the coldest month of the year: although during the day the thermometer rises to a pleasant 19.5°C, ideal for excursions, it becomes truly frosty after sunset. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to 2.8°C, and sometimes lower, so travellers should definitely bring warm clothes.

A characteristic feature of Kimberley's temperature regime is significant daily fluctuations. A large difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum is observed year-round, but it is especially palpable in winter and transitional seasons, when the drop can exceed 16 degrees. Spring and autumn offer the most balanced weather: in October and March, the daytime heat subsides to a moderate 29°C, and nights become cool but not freezing.

Kimberley's climate is characterised by a clear division into wet and dry seasons. The bulk of precipitation falls during the summer period, which in the Southern Hemisphere lasts from December to March. January, February, and March are the "wettest" months of the year: during this time, an average of 10 to 11 days with precipitation are recorded. Rains often occur in the form of short-term thunderstorms, which bring welcome coolness after a hot day.

In winter, on the contrary, very dry and clear weather sets in. From June to August, the probability of precipitation is reduced to a minimum. According to statistics, there is usually no rain at all in July, and in June and August, the number of wet days does not exceed one. This time of year is ideal for travellers who want to avoid bad weather and enjoy sunny days, although the air becomes quite dry.

The transitional periods — spring and autumn — demonstrate a gradual change in weather conditions. In April, rains are still possible (about 9 wet days), but by May precipitation practically ceases. With the arrival of spring, the situation changes: in September and October, the number of rainy days begins to rise smoothly, reaching 7 days in November, heralding the imminent arrival of a rainy summer.

When setting off for Kimberley, it is important to consider seasonality, as the weather here can differ significantly depending on the time of year. Summer (from November to February) is usually hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C. For this period, light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, is ideal. Be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high protection factor, as the African sun is very active. Since rains and thunderstorms are possible in summer, a light raincoat or a compact umbrella will also not be superfluous in your luggage.

The winter months (from June to August) in Kimberley are dry but are characterised by significant temperature fluctuations: during the day it can be comfortable and sunny (around 18–20°C), while at night the air cools down to 3–4°C. At this time of year, the principle of layering is indispensable. It is recommended to bring a warm sweater, a fleece jacket, and a windproof jacket for evening walks and early mornings. A scarf and light gloves may also come in handy if you plan to be outdoors after sunset.

Regardless of the season, for sightseeing you will need comfortable and proven footwear, such as trainers or light trekking boots, as many interesting places involve walking. Considering that the climate in the off-season and winter can be quite dry, do not forget to put moisturising cream and lip balm in your toiletry bag to protect your skin from chapping.