10 Places to See Snow in South Africa This Winter
Dreaming of a fun-filled winter holiday frolicking in the snow with your family but don’t want to see your hard-earned rands disappear due to the exchange rate? The good news is that you don’t need to plan an overseas trip!
While snow is relatively rare in South Africa, you can still find it in a few places from June to early September.
Here are some of the best spots to catch a glimpse of snow in South Africa:
The Drakensberg
Both the Northern and Southern Drakensberg offer snowy escapes. Places like Royal Natal National Park, Cathedral Peak, Sani Pass, and Underberg often get snow during winter.
Cederberg Mountains
The Cederberg mountain range occasionally sees snow during winter, particularly on the higher peaks.
Matroosberg
Located near Ceres, Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is a popular spot for snow. It usually gets a good amount of snow in the winter months, making it a great day trip from Cape Town.
Sutherland
Known for its extremely cold temperatures, Sutherland in the Northern Cape transforms into a winter wonderland, especially around the Roggeveld Mountains.
Hogsback
The picturesque village of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape is known for its forests and occasional snowfall during the winter months.
Lesotho
Although technically another country, Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa and is known for its mountains, which frequently see heavy snow in winter. The best places are Mokhotlong and the Maluti Mountains, part of the Drakensberg range. The AfriSki Mountain Resort is also located in the Maluti Mountains.
Eastern Free State
During winter, the towns of Clarens and Fouriesburg often see snowfall due to their proximity to the Maluti Mountains.
Swartberg Mountains
This mountain range, located between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, sometimes has snowfall on its higher peaks during winter, especially around the Swartberg Pass.
Witteberg Mountains
The Witteberg Mountains are near the town of Lady Grey in the northern part of the Eastern Cape, near the border of Lesotho.
Harrismith
Located in the Free State, Harrismith and the surrounding areas often see snowfall due to their elevation and proximity to the Drakensberg Mountains.
Enjoy your South African winter adventure without the need for a passport!