South Africa in March: Weather, Crowds and What to Do

March is one of South Africa’s best months for visitors who want Cape Town’s summer weather without the peak crowds. Prices start easing post-summer, the Winelands harvest is winding down, and the weather is reliably warm and settled. Two of Cape Town’s biggest events — the Cape Town Carnival and the Cape Town Jazz Festival — both typically fall in March.

Cape Town and the Western Cape

Cape Town in March is often called its most balanced month: summer heat (24-28°C) without the relentless southeast wind that peaks in January. The sea is at its warmest (around 17°C on the Atlantic, warmer in False Bay), and the evenings are long and balmy.

The Winelands are still beautiful in March — harvest is finishing, and the vineyards take on a warm golden tone as autumn approaches. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are lovely to walk through. Many estates are releasing their latest bottlings and cellar tours remain informative. The last harvest festivals of the season run through early March.

Cape Town accommodation prices begin their slide from the December-January peak, though they remain elevated versus the true low season of June-August. March offers the best combination of summer weather and reasonable pricing.

Events: Cape Town Carnival and Jazz Festival

The Cape Town Carnival is one of the city’s most colourful events, typically held in mid-March. Thousands of performers in elaborate costumes parade through the Green Point Fan Walk area with floats, drumming, and dancing that reflect Cape Town’s diverse cultural heritage. The event is free to watch from the streets and draws large crowds.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival usually falls in late March or early April (dates vary by year). Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, it’s one of Africa’s largest music events, featuring both South African and international jazz acts over two nights. A free community concert on the Greenmarket Square precedes the main festival.

Kruger and Safari

Late March sees Kruger’s green season beginning to ease. Rainfall frequency is decreasing, and by the end of March the bush starts to thin slightly. Game viewing improves as you move toward April. It’s not yet dry-season quality, but it’s noticeably better than January-February.

Night temperatures in Kruger are still warm (around 18-20°C), and days are hot (30-35°C). Malaria prevention is still required. Accommodation prices are considerably lower than the June-August peak.

Garden Route

The Garden Route is excellent in March — warm, with spring-like energy and some of the best driving conditions of the year. The coastal stretch from Mossel Bay through Knysna to Storms River is uncrowded and scenic. The summer holiday rush has passed, making it one of the better months for self-driving the route without competing for accommodation.

Wildflower season begins in the Overberg and the region around Hermanus. The whale-watching season hasn’t started yet (June-November), but dolphins and seals are frequently sighted offshore.

KwaZulu-Natal and the Highveld

Durban cools marginally from the February peak but is still hot and humid (27-30°C). iSimangaliso Wetland Park is lush and green. The Drakensberg receives some of its most spectacular thunderstorms in March but clears quickly to dramatic views.

Johannesburg’s summer rainfall begins to taper in late March. The city’s cultural calendar is active — galleries in Maboneng and Braamfontein host exhibitions, and the outdoor dining scene in Parkhurst and Melville is still in full swing.

Practical Notes

• Cape Town Carnival and Jazz Festival — check dates early and book accommodation if your visit coincides with either event
• March is an underrated month: warm weather, lower prices, fewer crowds than December-January
• Malaria prevention still required for Kruger and northern KZN
• The Garden Route is at its most relaxed and accessible this month
• For Cape Town restaurant bookings, March requires less advance notice than January