Visiting South Africa in February

February is one of the hottest months of the year at the Cape, and while it’s usually quieter than peak season, it’s often still busy here. It’s also the peak of the harvest season in the Winelands this month, so if you head to places like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, you’ll find extra events taking place, as well as seeing the vines heavy with fruit. There’s a tram to take you between estates around Franschhoek, or you can hop on a bike to cycle through the vineyards – best to avoid the middle of the day though when it can be searingly hot.

It’s a little less windy in Cape Town this month too; better if you’re hoping to enjoy the views from Table Mountain, but it can make it warm for sightseeing. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off, head out along the coast for a few sea breezes along the Garden Route which is slightly quieter this month too. If you’re hoping to see wildlife, the whales haven’t arrived here yet, but there’s birdlife galore at De Hoop Reserve plus colonies of seals at Plettenberg Bay, although it’s still quite wet at Tsitsikamma National Park with regular drizzle, heavier downpours and misty days in the temperate rainforest. Further east at Addo Elephant Park, it’s one of the rainiest months of the year too. Elsewhere, you can make the most of the dry days at the beaches around Knysna, although you won’t be short of places to sunbathe around the Cape.

It’s hot and wet at Kruger National Park, so not a great time to spot wildlife there, and still hot and humid around KwaZulu-Natal and Durban. The weather is milder further north in the Drakensburg Mountains but you can expect thunderstorms throughout the month, so it’s not a good time for hiking.

Festivals: Cape Town Pride is one of the biggest Pride events in the whole of Africa, taking place between late February and early March, with parades featuring colourful floats, events, exhibitions and thousands of people taking part.

Best for: Sunshine, dry weather in Cape Town, the Garden Route, hitting the beach