Balule Private Nature Reserve

Weather & Climate

42 Balule Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is author of ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Climate Chart Balule Private Nature Reserve

Climate Chart Balule Nature Reserve – 340-519m / 1,115-1,703ft

Winter and summer occur at opposite times in Balule Nature Reserve as they do in North America and Europe. The summer months, October through April, are wet, hot and humid and recognized as the Wet season. The winter months, May through September, are mild and warm, and this is the Dry season. During the winter, the nights and early mornings are cold. Thundershowers are common during the Wet season, although it would be a rarity for it to rain the whole day.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is essentially no rainfall during the winter and very little humidity. Animals have difficulty finding water in the bush, so they group around permanent water sources during this time.

May – May means summertime is at its end. Lower temperatures become normal. Expect temperatures of about 12°C/54°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Warm clothing is very important for cold morning game drives in open vehicles as it averages 11°C/52°F in the mornings. Afternoon temperatures are around 24°C/75°F and these months often have lovely, bright skies.
September – The first rains quench the dry ground and temperatures slowly rise to an average of about 27°C/81°F during the afternoon. Mornings are fair with temperatures around 15°C/59°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Summer brings hot, humid conditions that can be uncomfortable at times. It isn’t unheard of for temperatures to rise above 40°C/104°F. Average daytime temperatures are around 31°C/88°F. Afternoon storms occur frequently, although they rarely last long.

October & November – Temperatures rise, and rain becomes a daily occurrence, usually in the afternoon. Temperatures typically range from 18°C/64°F in the morning to 30°C/86°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – This is the time of the highest temperatures and the most rain. Massive downpours should be expected in the afternoon. Temperatures can rise above 40°C/104°F, with daytime averages of 33°C/91°F.
March & April – As the weather cools, the rains taper off but continue into April. This is a time of lovely weather and clear, bright skies. Nights are fair with an average temperature of 15°C/59°F, while daytimes are around 31°C/88°F.