Whether you’re a summer or winter baby, there are just some things that are better in winter. Yes, you summer lovers can have your beaches and cocktails, but we’ll take our scarves, cuddles, fireplaces, and movie nights. Here are some activities that really are better during the winter months (May to August) in South Africa:

1. Out of season discounts

This tops our list because, really, who can turn down a discounted holiday away from the crowds? Many accommodations have lower rates during the winter season when fewer people are willing to travel, and quite a few even offer further discounts with winter specials! Check out TravelGround for some great discounts!

2. Weather

While we love the summer sun in Cape Town, sweating away in the heat can detract from certain activities. Cape Town’s winter offers cooler, milder weather that makes being outdoors a lot more pleasant. You’ll just love our sunny winter days! On the other hand, as Johannesburg and Pretoria have summer rainfall, you’re promised plenty of crisp, clear days to explore the city. What’s more, Durban has the warmest winter weather in the country with lots of sunshine all year round and warm ocean temperatures even in the middle of winter! What’s not to love?

3. Game viewing

You may have heard it before, but there is no better time to enjoy game viewing than in winter when the bush thins out and loses its colour, improving visibility considerably. There’s no tall grass for the animals to hide in, and they also tend to congregate more around the waterholes and rivers, which makes spotting them in winter a breeze. Check out what to expect on a South African safari, what not to do on safari, how to safari on a budget, and what to pack for your safari.

4. Wine tasting

The idea of warming red wine and cheese platters in the middle of winter is extremely tempting, especially when complemented by roaring fireplaces and glass windows allowing you to watch the rain patter down into the vineyards outside. The Western Cape has some superb wine estates for winter.

5. Fires

We love curling up in front of the fireplace or braaing with friends. We love the fire pit at Addo Palace Ndebele Private Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, and Leobo Private Reserve and Waterberg Lodge in Limpopo. For those of you who embrace the cold and seek an outdoor braai spot, check out these 20 braai spots in the Western Cape.

 6. Shopping

It’s easy to feel guilty spending too much time indoors in the summertime. But when it’s raining outside, there is no better excuse to spend hours enjoying a little retail therapy! While you’re strolling the mall looking for that perfect outfit, you’re also getting some healthy exercise. It’s a win-win! Try Canal Walk in Cape Town, Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban, and Fourways Mall in Johannesburg when visiting South Africa.

 7. Adrenaline rush

Those who get a thrill out of adventure sports will agree that most of these activities are better in winter. Surfing and other water sports are better in Cape Town and Durban when the waves are bigger and the water is warmer, paragliding and abseiling are fantastic when the days are clear and the winds are calmer, and whether you believe it or not, white water rafting and geckoing are better during the cooler months when the rivers are fuller in the Western Cape. Gauteng offers ideally clear weather for sky diving at Wonderboom Airport – just make sure you don’t go out during one of their brief thunderstorms!

 8. Good food

Ever wondered why you eat more when it’s cold? Well, our bodies are forced to expend more energy to keep us warm, therefore increasing our appetites. This is another reason why winter is so great – because you can enjoy a variety of tasty foods, from soups (check out these recipes), to pub grub, and because of the layers, you don’t have to worry about putting on a few extra kilograms! Check out 20 winter warmer pubs in Cape Town, unique dining experiences in Jozi, and a restaurant for every occasion in Durban.

 9. Indoor activities

Staying indoors is a simple pleasure we can all enjoy in winter.  We can be extremely lazy without having to feel guilty about wasting a sunny day. Our favourite indoor activities include pub quiz evenings, and winter activities for kids in Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg. If you’re staying in, here’s how to plan the perfect indoor weekend.

10. Shark cage diving season

Winter is the high season for shark cage diving in Gansbaai. This is because Great White sharks are much more active in the winter season when the water is warmer and they’re often hunting the seals around Dyer and Seal Islands. The cooler season also offers better visibility as the storms have blown away the plankton-rich surface – meaning you’ll have a higher success rate of spotting Great White sharks in great numbers.

11. Whale Watching season

The colder months of July – October happen to be the best time to spot whales, when mammals come to the South African coastline to mate and calve. While whales can be spotted along the entire coastline, the Hermanus coast is considered to be among the best in the world to view whales from.

12. Wildflower season

Locals and tourists alike flock to the Cape from the end of winter into spring to witness the natural exhibit provided by thousands of beautiful wildflowers springing up in a multitude of colours. The wildflowers are best enjoyed in Namaqualand and the Postberg Wildflower Reserve on the West Coast (only open to the public from August – September).

13. Warm beverages

Warm beverages are perfect for winter. After all, who can resist cuddling up in a cosy coffee shop, nursing a steaming mug of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate? Here are our favourite coffee spots in Cape Town and Joburg, and our top tea spots in Joburg and Cape Town.

14. Movie nights

Cuddle up with a blanket and enjoy a good movie at Steenberg vineyards in Cape Town, and independent films at The Bioscope In Johannesburg. Molo Mollo Cinema Club screens movies under the stars at the old fire station in Pretoria every Wednesday.

15. Sardine Run

Known as The Greatest Shoal on Earth, the Sardine Run occurs between May – July along the northern Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal coastlines. Millions of sardines, sharks, dolphins, seals, and birds congregate in a feeding frenzy that is a marvel to watch from land, sky, or sea.

16. Hiking

The cooler weather is fantastic for hiking when it’s not raining, making for a much more pleasant outdoor experience. We love the Chokka Trail in the Eastern Cape, and Moonlight Hikes up Lion’s Head, the Echo Valley above Kalk Bay, and the Shipwreck Trail in the Western Cape. Here are some other superb hiking trails

 17. Spa treatments

Winter is the best time to plan a spa stay and enjoy a little TLC when your body is likely feeling a little frazzled and neglected. Here are our top spas in Cape Town, Durban, Gauteng, as well as Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs and Southern Suburbs.

18. Hot springs

While hot springs can be enjoyed year round, nothing beats sinking into a hot mineral spring when it’s freezing outside. And luckily, we have several of these thermal springs located around the country. Here are the top 9 hot springs in South Africa.

 19. Snow

It’s not often South Africans get to see snow, so when the mountain peaks become sprinkled with soft white snow-cloths, we’re already planning a trip to see it. Here are the top places to experience a winter wonderland in South Africa.  The Matroosberg in Ceres is great too!

 20. Vacations

If you can’t handle the winter weather, head to Durban as it is known for having the warmest winter weather in winter in South Africa. Here are 5 delightful Durban getaways, as well as 3 farm cottages for winter in South Africa.

Why do you love winter in South Africa?