​Weather & Climate – Mkhaya GR

Alan Murphy
Expert
By Alan Murphy

Alan is a renowned Africa expert and has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Swaziland section of their 'South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland' guide.

Alan has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Swaziland section of their 'South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland' guide.

Alan has authored the Swaziland section of Lonely Planet's 'South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland' guide.

Alan researched and wrote about Swaziland for Lonely Planet.

Climate Chart Mkhaya Private Game Reserve

Climate Chart Mkhaya Game Reserve – 200-355m / 656-1,165ft

* 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.

Winter and summer in Mkhaya Game Reserve, which correspond to the Dry and Wet seasons respectively, are at the opposite times as Europe and North America. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and humid. It’s rather mild during the dry winters (May to September). Warm clothing is recommended for morning and evening game drives.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

Winter is very dry and the humidity is very low. As water becomes scarce in the bush, animals are found at permanent water sources.

  • May – May marks the end of summer. In this transitional month, mornings typically experience cooler temperatures of around 12°C/54°F and it gets up to about 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
  • June, July & August – With an average early temperature of 11°C/52°F, conditions are chilly indeed on morning game drives in open vehicles; pack warm clothing. Sunny conditions prevail in the afternoons, with a delightful average of 24°C/75°F.
  • September – Temperatures during the day peak at around 27°C/81°F in the afternoon. Relief from very dry conditions arrives with the first rains. Mornings are warming up, with temperatures hovering around 15°C/59°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Summer tends to be hot and humid. Average temperatures can reach 30°C/86°F with uncomfortably high humidity. Peak temperatures, however, frequently spike at over 40°C/104°F. Afternoon storms bring relief but it rarely rains all day.

  • October & November – Conditions get warmer and the rainfall is more frequent, generally in the afternoon. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 30°C/86°F in the afternoon.
  • December, January & February – Torrential downpours, high humidity...these three months are the wettest and hottest time of year. Afternoon temperatures typically hover around 33°C/91°F but can easily rise to an energy-sapping 40°C/104°F.
  • March & April – There is less rainfall and it’s getting colder. April has lovely clear weather. Nighttime is getting cooler with better sleeping conditions at about 16°C/61°F. The humidity falls and during the day temperatures of about 32°C/90°F are normal.

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