Best time to go cycling in South Africa

Spring in the Western Cape brings blossoming orchards and hills blanketed in wild flowers as well as whales off the coast of Hermanus.![]()

Whales appear from Oct to Dec whilst warmer weather from Jan to Mar also brings strong winds which can be a blessing or a curse. Eastern areas in the summer, around the Drakensberg and Panorama Route, will be hotter and wetter than the west. Mar and Apr are generally the best time to go on a South Africa cycling holiday in the east as temps are comfortable, rainfall low and wildlife watching in Kruger is less congested. Autumn is one of the best seasons to go cycling around the wine regions as it’s harvest time which adds a splash of colour to country scenes close to Cape Town.
Western Cape Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
16
25
20
FEB
16
26
24
MAR
15
26
26
APR
12
23
65
MAY
10
20
110
JUN
9
19
130
JUL
8
19
125
AUG
8
19
120
SEP
10
20
60
OCT
11
21
50
NOV
12
24
25
DEC
15
25
25
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a month by month guide
David Sear, from our supplier Exodus
“The best time of year to go to SA really depends on what you want to see. If you are going for the flora and fauna then early in the year is recommended as the countryside is much greener after the rainy months. Whilst later in the year ( Oct – Dec) is best for whale spotting on the south coast and animal spotting in the game parks as the bush is less dense making animals easier to find.”
For more information on the best time to visit South Africa, check out our South Africa travel guide.
Our top trip
South Africa cycling adventure, tailor made
A fully supported & guided African cycling adventure
From
£1800 to £2300
7 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
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Things to do on a South Africa cycling holiday
Things to do on a South Africa cycling holiday…
Things not to do on a South Africa cycling holiday…
SOUTH AFRICA CYCLING HOLIDAYS TRAVEL ADVICE
David Sear, from our supplier, Exodus, shares advice and recommendations small group cycling holidays in South Africa:
Wine and wheels
“Our favourite area to combine cycling and wineries has to be Stellenbosch. Home to the first ever official South Africa wine route (founded in 1971), it is packed with great wines and vineyard stops. This, coupled with the beautiful jagged mountains and nature parks full of quiet roads that surround the area, makes it a truly ideal spot for a cycling break.”
Waves and whales
“One of the best coastal rides in South Africa has to be the whale route between Hermanus and Gordon's Bay. This stretch of coastal road is known to be one of the most scenic rides in the world as it passes False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Throughout the ride we will most likely see troops of baboons wandering the inland paths, and in season (June to November) this stretch of coast is famous for humpback whales swimming just offshore.”
What to expect
“Road conditions in South Africa are very good with wide, smooth tarmac roads throughout the country. Though specific cycle lanes are not common, the roads we use feature a large shoulder area which is perfect for cycling and allows us to stay away from any road traffic. On some of our cycling tours we use gravel or unsurfaced roads to enable us to visit more remote destinations. These are not technical and allow us to cycle away from any motorised vehicles, the most spectacular being in the Hlumu Mountains on our Drakensberg and Kruger tour.”
Cycling sustenance
“Though it doesn’t fit in our panniers, the best food to fuel our cycling in South Africa has to be a braai (barbecue). On specific days of our tours, the support crew goes ahead and fires up the braai, usually at an extremely scenic spot. Our groups will then cycle round a bend and find the crew all set up with the braai smoking away and loaded with fresh, locally sourced meat and veggies ready to be tucked into.”