Kirstenbosch through the Seasons

Kirstenbosch enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with a long, hot, dry summer (November-March) and a short, cool, rainy winter (June-August). Click on the seasonal image to find out which plants you can expect to see in flower at Kirstenbosch, and what the weather, rainfall and temperature is likely to be in that season. For an overview of the rainfall and average temperatures recorded at Kirstenbosch throughout the year, and the best time to visit, read on...

The best time to visit Kirstenbosch

There are always flowers and interesting plants to be seen at Kirstenbosch and every season has its charm, however, to see the fynbos at its best and the maximum number of plants in flower, the best time to visit is towards the end of winter, in spring or in early summer (August-November).

Rainfall

Kirstenbosch and the suburb of Newlands are in the lee of the tallest point of Table Mountain, and as a result share the highest rainfall on the Cape Peninsula. Kirstenbosch receives on average 1 310 mm of rain in a year. Just over half of this rain falls during the winter months, each of which receives, on average, 14 days of rain. The autumn and spring months (April-May and Sept-Oct. respectively) receive about 10 days of rain each, while each summer month receives only 4 or 5 days of rain.

Average Monthly Rainfall and Rainy Days

Temperature

The hottest month is February, when the average daily temperature is 25 ºC, but it can reach up to 35 ºC. The coolest month is July when the average daily temperature is 17 ºC and the coldest nights dip down to 7 ºC. Autumn and spring average 18-22 ºC.

Average Monthly Temperature