Weather in Pietermaritzburg

To ensure your trip to Pietermaritzburg is as comfortable as possible, it is important to find out about weather conditions in advance. In this section, you will find up-to-date meteorological reports, detailed charts, and the weather forecast for the near future.

The climate in Pietermaritzburg can be described as mild subtropical, making the city attractive to visit almost all year round. The seasonality typical of the Southern Hemisphere is clearly evident here: summer lasts from December to February, and winter from June to August. Overall, the weather is favourable for travellers, offering a comfortable balance between warm days and fresh nights.

The summer period is characterised by warmth with average daily highs of around 25°C, yet it is also the wettest season: in December and January, the number of rainy days can reach 19–23 per month. Winter, by contrast, brings dry and clear weather with minimal rainfall. Although the air still warms up to a pleasant 20°C during the day, nights become noticeably cooler, and temperatures can drop to 6°C, so warm clothing will be useful for evening walks during this time of year.

The climate in Pietermaritzburg is distinguished by moderation and comfort throughout most of the year. The warmest period falls during the Southern Hemisphere summer months — from December to February. At this time, the average temperature holds at around +20…+21°C, while during the day the air usually warms up to a pleasant +25…+26°C. January and February are traditionally considered the hottest months, though extreme heat is rare here, making summer travels quite favourable.

Winter, which lasts from June to August, brings noticeable cooling, especially after dark. July is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of about +12.9°C. During this season, night-time readings can drop to +5…+6°C, so warm clothing will be necessary. At the same time, daytime weather remains surprisingly mild even in winter: maximum temperatures often reach +20°C, creating a contrast between cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Significant daily temperature fluctuations are an important feature of the local climate to consider when planning a trip to South Africa. This is particularly pronounced in the winter months (June-July), when the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be around 14 degrees. The transitional seasons, April and September-October, are characterised by the most balanced readings, with average temperatures varying from +16°C to +18°C.

Precipitation in Pietermaritzburg is distributed unevenly throughout the year, forming distinct wet and dry seasons. The period of most frequent rains falls during the summer months (from November to February). The "wettest" month can be considered December, when about 23 rainy days are recorded, and rainfall levels reach their peak values. January and February are also distinguished by high humidity: rain may fall for 18–19 days during these months.

The winter period, conversely, is characterised as the dry season. The driest months are June and July, when rainfall levels drop to near zero, and the number of days with any moisture decreases to 3–4 per month. At this time of year, the probability of getting caught in the rain is minimal, making winter attractive for those who prefer clear weather for walks.

Spring and autumn serve as transitional periods. For instance, in April and October, the number of rainy days is about 14–15, and precipitation intensity is moderate. Snow in the city itself is an extremely rare phenomenon due to sufficiently mild winter temperatures, so rain remains the main type of precipitation all year round.

A trip to Pietermaritzburg requires a careful approach to packing your suitcase, especially if you are planning a visit during the summer season (from November to February). It is warm here at this time, but it rains often — the number of wet days in December can reach 23. Therefore, be sure to pack a quality raincoat, a waterproof windbreaker, or a sturdy umbrella. It is better to choose light clothing made from natural fabrics to feel comfortable at temperatures around 25°C, while still being prepared for rainfall.

If your visit falls during the winter months (June–August), the weather becomes dry but full of contrasts. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable 20°C, yet nights and early mornings can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 5–6°C. During this period, the main principle of your wardrobe should be layering. Take a warm sweater, a fleece jacket, or a mid-season jacket with you, which are easy to take off when the sun starts to warm things up, and put back on as dusk falls.

Regardless of the season, for walking around the city and its surroundings, you will need comfortable, reliable walking shoes. Also, do not forget about sun protection: even on cool days, UV radiation in South Africa can be intense. High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are mandatory accessories for any tourist in this region.