​Weather & Climate – Mapungubwe NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Climate Chart Mapungubwe National Park

Climate Chart Mapungubwe National Park – 511-614m / 1,677-2,014ft

* Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.

Mapungubwe National Park's climate is semi-arid with an annual rainfall around 350mm/11.8in. Rainfall is highly variable but falls entirely during the summer months from October to April. There are, on average, 10 rainy days per year and extended periods of less than average rainfall occur. In summer peak temperatures rise to 45°C/113°F and winters are mild.

Winter –May to September

Winter is a time of very little, if any, rain or humidity and the heat index is fairly mild, therefore, much less oppressive than during the summer months. It is sunny throughout winter with virtually no clouds – an all-around pleasant time of year.

  • May – A cooling trend develops as summer comes to an end. Average temperatures are mild, at about 10°C/50°F in the morning and 27°C/81° during the day.
  • June, July & August – Chilly mornings are typical during the coldest months of the year, and the nighttime temperature routinely drops to about 7°C/45°F, from the average daily high of 26°C/79°F.
  • September – September, and its slowly climbing temperatures signal the coming of the spring season. Approximate daily temperatures are around 30°C/86°F, up from a lower morning average of about 13°C/55°F.

Summer –October to April

The heat of the summer can be overwhelming and stifling and it is compounded by the fact that rain is rare and somewhat sporadic. When it does rain, it is a very welcome break and does a great deal to settle the dust which permeates the air.

  • October & November – The first rains will come as a relief after months of dry heat. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 32°C/90°F in the afternoon.
  • December, January & February – This is an extremely hot time of year. The average temperature in the afternoon is 33°C/92°F, but peak temperatures may rise to 45°C/113°F or higher. Early morning is the nicest time of the day with temperatures of 20°C/68°F.
  • March & April – It cools down, and temperatures are a bit milder at 31°C/88°F in the afternoon. Mornings are still pleasant at 17°C/63°F. The last rain of the season can be expected, but it is mostly dry.

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