Anyone planning a trip to South Africa should ask themselves the question what is the best time of year to travel to South Africa and why? You are already with your hand deep inside your pockets, so you definitely want to make your South Africa vacations the best that they can be.
To answer these questions, first ask yourself what the most important aspects of your trip will be.
Do you plan to go on Safari? May to end of August is a good choice and there are a number of reasons for this.
Being in the Southern hemisphere, South Africa in this time frame is in the middle of their winter.
What does that mean for you? Clear skies and lots of sunshine throughout much of the country (with the exception of the Western Cape), sparse foliage making it easier to spot game and less water available for animals to drink, ensuring that there is nearly always something interesting to see near watering holes and rivers, whereas at other times of the year many animals may virtually disappear into the bush.
For a winter visit, the Natal coast might be warm enough for some to enjoy the beach and also, if you go at the right moment in June/July, you might have the privilege to experience the sardine run, bringing together thousands of dolphins, seals and any other imaginable sea life without ever having to touch the water.
Do South Africa vacations make you think of heading for the beautiful beaches or if jumping into that picture perfect pool of your hotel or Safari lodge appeals to you, don't imagine that it would be too much fun in July (ask someone who knows), rather try to plan your vacations for between December and February.
Benefits of going in the South African summer time also includes the possibility to enjoy all the best that the Western Cape has to offer - wine tours, a scenic tour to the top of Table Mountain or a stroll along the V&A waterfront to mention but a few - and it's worth noting that there are also many worthwhile parks in this region where you could enjoy top-notch Safaris, with most of the benefits of going to one of the larger parks in the north during winter time.
Summer in the Northern provinces, if you have the need to travel between September and April, doesn't go without its perks.
Look for spectacular vistas of purple Jacaranda blooms in Pretoria and world-famous floral displays in the desertic Namaqualand in spring and the chance to see the Bushveld in lush green glory and experience a real African storm during peak summer.
Keep in mind, however, that November to middle January is summer vacations, student and scholar peak season, so expect roads and towns (especially up the East coast), to be much busier and noisier than normal, and for national travel to be more expensive.
Then, at last, enjoy excellent opportunities to go shopping year round.
Curios bought from locals can be a real steal and will make great gifts and memoirs for your South Africa vacations.