Weather in Pretoria

Planning a trip to Pretoria or just want to know what the weather is like there? In this section, you will find up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Pretoria, one of the administrative centres of South Africa, can be described as subtropical highland. This means the city enjoys warm, and at times hot summers, and mild, predominantly dry winters. Overall, the weather here is favourable for visiting during most of the year, delighting visitors with an abundance of sunny days.

In Pretoria, two clearly defined seasons are observed. The summer period, which lasts approximately from October to March, is distinguished by warm days with average temperatures in the range of 21-23°C and maximum values often reaching 27-28°C. It is during the summer that the main part of the annual precipitation occurs, usually falling in the form of short-lived downpours, while the total amount remains relatively low. Winter, from May to September, brings dry and sunny weather. Daytime temperatures during this time are usually comfortable, varying from 12°C to 20°C (in June-July) and up to 23°C (in August); however, nights can be quite cool, with minimum temperatures dropping to 5-8°C. June, July, and August are the driest months, when rain is a great rarity.

The annual temperature range in Pretoria is comfortable enough for visiting the city at various times of the year. The hottest months are usually January, with an average temperature of +22.8°C and maximum daytime readings up to +28.3°C, and November, where the average temperature is +22.0°C and the maximum can reach +28.4°C. The coolest month is traditionally considered to be July: the average temperature here is around +12.6°C, and nightly minimums can drop on average to +5.1°C.

The summer period in Pretoria, which falls on the months from December to February, is distinguished by warm and occasionally humid weather. Average daytime temperatures during this time fluctuate around +27°C to +28.3°C, and night temperatures rarely fall below +17°C. These months are also characterized by the highest number of days with precipitation (from 13 in January to 16 in December), which contributes to a feeling of humidity, despite the fact that the total amount of precipitation remains low (3-4 mm). March still retains summer warmth, with average maximum temperatures around +27.3°C, but the number of rainy days decreases noticeably to approximately 8.

Winter in Pretoria, covering the months from June to August, is mild and very dry, with zero precipitation in July and August (and just 1 rainy day in June). Daytime temperatures during this period remain pleasant, averaging from +19.9°C (June) to +23.6°C (August), however, nights can be quite cool, with minimum temperatures dropping to +5.1°C (July) and +5.5°C (June). A characteristic feature of Pretoria's climate, especially in the dry months (from May to September), is significant diurnal temperature variation: the difference between daytime highs and nightly lows can reach 14-15°C (for example, in July and August), and in September even nearly 16°C (max +27.5°C, min +11.7°C). Transitional seasons, such as April-May and September-October, offer very comfortable weather with warm sunny days and refreshingly cool evenings.

In Pretoria, there is a clearly marked seasonality of precipitation, characteristic of a region with summer rains. The majority of precipitation falls during the warm months, while the winter period is distinguished by significant dryness. Given the climatic conditions, precipitation here is predominantly in the form of rain; snow is uncharacteristic for Pretoria.

The rainy season in Pretoria usually lasts from November to March. The most intense precipitation occurs in December and February: in these months, an average of 4 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 16 and 14 respectively. January is also quite wet, with a figure of 3 mm of precipitation and approximately 13 rainy days. During this period, it rains quite frequently, although the total amount of precipitation indicates moderate intensity.

The dry season covers the winter months, from May to September. At this time, precipitation is minimal or completely absent. Especially arid are June, July, and August, when the average amount of precipitation equals 0 mm, and there are practically no rainy days (from 0 to 1). September also remains very dry, with a zero precipitation figure, although a couple of days with light rain may occur. May serves as a transitional month to the dry season, with just 1 mm of precipitation and about 3 rainy days.

When planning a trip to Pretoria, it is important to consider the peculiarities of the local climate so that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Throughout the year, the temperature can change noticeably, especially between day and night hours, so the principle of layering in clothing will become your best friend. Regardless of the season, be sure to take comfortable walking shoes, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun in South Africa is quite active.

Summer months in Pretoria, roughly from December to February, are characterized by warm weather with average temperatures around 22-23°C, while maximums can reach 28°C. This period also sees the highest amount of precipitation, although it most often comes in the form of short showers or thunderstorms. It is recommended to take light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Do not forget a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella. Similar conditions may be observed in the transitional months, such as October, November, and March, when rains are also possible.

Winter in Pretoria, from June to August, brings dry and cool weather. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 12-16°C, with maximums reaching 20-23°C, however, nights and early mornings can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 5°C. At this time, you will need warm items: sweaters, fleece tops, a jacket (especially for the evening), jeans or thick trousers, as well as closed shoes. In the off-season, for example, in April, May, and September, the weather is transitional: days can be warm, while evenings are cool, so layered clothing will also be relevant.