Northern Cape Climate and Weather

Northern Cape Weather and Climate

Although the Northern Cape Province is mainly semi desert, the western areas of the Northern Cape, including Namaqualand, a small section of the Green Kalahari and Calvinia, Nieuwoudville and Loeriesfontein in the Upper Karoo fall into the winter rainfall area from April to September.

Did you know? Springtime in the Northern Cape Province is an awesome sight. The arid countryside explodes into fields of colour as wild flowers blossom in a vibrant carpet of reds, yellows, oranges, pinks and purples.

Sharing the same climate as Namaqualand, it’s not surprising these two sub regions will give you breathtakingly beautiful explosive displays of wild flowers during spring months from July to October.

The eastern summer rainfall areas experience thunderstorms that resonate across the wide plains and powerful bolts of lightning puncture the earth. The Northern Cape’s weather is typical of desert and semi desert areas. This is a large dry region of fluctuating temperatures and varying topographies. The annual rainfall is sparse, only 50 to 400mm per annum. In January, afternoon temperatures usually range from 34 to 40º C. In 1939 an all time high of 47.8º C was recorded at the Orange River. Summer temperatures often top the 40º C mark.

Winter days are warm. The onset of night bringing dew and frost to supplement the low rainfall of the region. Sutherland in the Karoo is one of the coldest towns in South Africa. It’s average minimum is -6º C. In winter snow often blankets the surrounding mountains. On the whole you can expect to enjoy hot summer days and chilly nights when visiting the Northern Cape, South Africa.

To start planning your trip, explore the Northern Cape with us! Enjoy browsing our info pages where you will find all the Northern Cape Attractions and destinations, photographs to inspire you and a good selection of accredited accommodation in Kimberley.

You will find user-friendly guide of accommodation, with listings sorted by region, town and suburb and by categories from hotels and guesthouse to self catering options. We hope you enjoy your stay in the fascinating Northern Cape Province!

The Northern Cape as a destination