Weather in Upington

Planning your day in Upington? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed charts and forecasts for the near future.

The climate of the city of Upington can be characterised as hot and arid, typical of desert regions. It is one of the sunniest places in South Africa, where clear weather delights travellers practically all year round. Thanks to the low humidity, even high temperatures here are tolerated more easily than in tropical zones, making the city attractive for those seeking warmth and light.

Seasonality in Upington is quite pronounced, especially regarding temperature fluctuations. Summer (from November to February) is truly sweltering here: daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, while nights remain warm. Winter (June-August), on the other hand, brings coolness: during the day the air warms up to a comfortable 20°C, however, nights can be quite cold, so travellers should bring warm clothes for evening walks.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the extremely low amount of rainfall throughout the year. Even in the months with the highest probability of rain, it is extremely rare and insignificant. The absence of a distinct rainy season and consistently clear skies make Upington a predictable destination for planning trips, where the risk of bad weather spoiling your plans is minimised.

Upington, located in an arid region of South Africa, is characterised by significant temperature contrasts throughout the year. The hottest period falls during the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere — from December to February. At this time, the city fully justifies its reputation as one of the warmest places in the country: the average daily maximum in January reaches 35.6°C. The summer heat here is dry and intense, so travellers planning a trip at the beginning of the year should be prepared for the scorching sun.

The winter season, lasting from June to August, brings noticeable relief and is considered a period of mild weather. July is the coldest month with an average figure of 13.1°C. However, even in winter, the days remain quite comfortable and sunny: the thermometer usually rises to a pleasant 20–21°C during the day. This time of year is excellent for those who cannot tolerate intense heat, as extremely low temperatures or frosts do not occur during the day here.

An important feature of the local climate is the sharp temperature changes between day and night. This range is especially noticeable in the winter months: after a warm day, when the air warms up to 20°C, the temperature can drop sharply to 5.6°C at night, so warm clothing for evening walks is mandatory. In summer, nights are significantly warmer, hovering around 21°C, which provides only a small respite from the daytime heat.

Upington is located in a region with an arid climate, so precipitation here is a fairly rare and irregular phenomenon. For most of the year, travellers are met with clear skies and bright sunshine. If rains do occur, they most often take the form of short-term thunderstorms that pass quickly, refreshing the air after a hot day.

The highest probability of catching rain exists in the summer months, from December to March. According to statistics, there are about 5 rainy days in January, and about four in February and March. However, even during this "wet" period, the total volume of precipitation remains extremely low, so you are unlikely to need an umbrella constantly.

The winter period, especially from June to September, is distinguished by exceptional dryness. In July, August, and September, the number of days with precipitation tends to zero, and the sky remains cloudless. This makes the winter months the ideal time to visit South Africa if your goal is to enjoy dry weather and active outdoor recreation without the risk of getting wet.

Since Upington is located in a hot and arid region, your main priority should be reliable protection from the sun. In summer (from December to February), it can be very hot here, so the foundation of your wardrobe should be light, loose clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Be sure to put sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high SPF cream in your suitcase, as solar activity here is high practically all year round.

If your trip is planned for the winter months (from June to August), be prepared for contrasting weather. Days usually remain sunny and comfortable, but nights can be quite cold when the temperature drops below 10°C. At this time of year, the principle of layering works best: take t-shirts, a warm jumper or fleece jacket, as well as a jacket that can be removed when the air warms up to +20°C by noon.

Precipitation falls extremely rarely in this region, so you are unlikely to need an umbrella or a heavy raincoat, however, a light windbreaker may be useful for protection against the wind. For excursions and walks in the surroundings, comfortable closed shoes or sturdy trekking sandals are ideal. Given the very dry climate, it is also recommended to bring moisturising cream and lip balm to avoid discomfort.