Weather in Mthatha

Planning your day in Mthatha? Below you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate of Mthatha can be described as temperate subtropical, making it attractive to visit almost all year round. There is no sweltering heat or extreme cold here. Weather conditions are shaped by the altitude above sea level and proximity to the ocean, ensuring a comfortable temperature range without sharp fluctuations.

Seasonality related to rainfall is clearly distinct in the region. Summer (from December to February) is warm and humid: the air warms up to an average of +25 °C, but the peak of rainy days occurs during this period. Winter (from June to August), on the contrary, is characterized by dry and clear weather. Although nights become cool (temperatures can drop to +6 °C), days remain sunny and pleasant, with temperatures around +20 °C.

For tourists, this means a simple choice: if you love lush greenery and do not mind frequent rains, choose the summer months. If you prefer stable sunny weather and are ready to bundle up for evening walks, the dry and mild winter in Mthatha will be the ideal time for your trip.

The climate in Mthatha can be characterized as temperate and comfortable, making the city attractive to visit at any time of the year. The hottest period falls at the height of the South African summer — January and February. During these months, the average daytime temperature rises to 25–26°C, creating pleasant conditions without exhausting heat. Summer nights bring welcome coolness when the thermometer drops to 16°C, allowing for comfortable rest after a busy day.

The winter season, lasting from June to August, is notable for its mildness, although nights can be quite cold. The coolest month is July with an average temperature of about 13°C. At this time, travellers should be prepared for crisp mornings: minimum readings drop to 5–7°C. However, during the day, the winter sun quickly warms the air to a quite comfortable 19–20°C, reminiscent of a warm autumn rather than a harsh winter.

A feature of Mthatha's temperature pattern is the significant variation between day and night readings, especially noticeable in the winter and spring periods. The difference can reach 13–15 degrees within a single day. For example, in June, after a cool morning (about 6°C), the day can be sunny and warm (up to 19.6°C). Transitional seasons, such as April and October, offer a "golden mean" with daytime temperatures around 22°C, ideal for excursions.

Precipitation in Mthatha is distributed unevenly throughout the year, forming distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainiest period occurs during the warm season — from November to March. The peak of humidity is observed in December and January, when the number of days with precipitation reaches 20–22 per month. During this period, rains occur quite often, so travellers are strongly advised to carry an umbrella or waterproof clothing.

Winter months, conversely, are characterized by very dry weather. From June to August, the probability of precipitation is minimal. The driest month is July: on average, only 2 rainy days are recorded during this time, and precipitation levels tend towards zero. This time of year is excellent for those who want to avoid rain, although it is worth noting that air temperatures during this period are significantly lower.

Transitional periods, such as April and October, demonstrate average figures. During these months, the number of rainy days varies from 13 to 14, making the weather changeable. When planning a trip to South Africa in the off-season, be prepared for clear sunny days potentially giving way to short-term rainfall.

When packing for Mthatha, it is important to consider seasonality, as the weather here can be quite changeable. If your trip falls during the summer period (from December to February), be prepared for warm days, but also for a high probability of precipitation. It rains often during these months — up to 20 days a month — so a compact umbrella or raincoat is a mandatory item in your luggage. It is best to choose light clothing made of natural fabrics, but be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun in South Africa is active even through clouds.

In winter (from June to August), the climate becomes significantly drier and cooler, especially at night and in the morning when the temperature can drop to 6–7°C. During this period, the best solution is the principle of layering. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable 20°C, so it is convenient to combine T-shirts with warm sweaters, cardigans, or fleece jackets that can be easily removed. A light windbreaker or jacket will also be useful for protection against the morning chill.

Regardless of the time of year, for exploring the city and its surroundings, you will need comfortable and sturdy shoes suitable for long walks. Since temperature changes between day and night can be noticeable year-round (the difference is often more than 10 degrees), it is always useful to have a warm scarf or hoodie at hand, even if the forecast promises a sunny day.