Weather in the Drakensberg

Why our weather is warmer than Johannesburg!

WINTER:

There are two reasons why the weather in the Northern Drakensberg is generally warmer, in Winter than Johannesburg:-

  1. Johannesburg is situated at approx. 1860m above sea level. We are only at 1500m above sea level and therefore are at least 3°- 4° C warmer!
  2. The prevailing cold winds blowing off the Lesotho highlands head north towards Johannesburg, and therefore one feels the bitterness in the air, on the reef, especially after snow has fallen or a cold front has passed. Our valley is well sheltered from this icy wind, as we are protected by the Little Berg range which forms the boundary between Kwa Zulu Natal and Free State.

Winter Temperature Ranges:

Day time: 15° C to 25° C
One will be comfortable starting off with a track suit, but by lunchtime short sleeves will be necessary and sometimes shorts. It is warm to hot in the sun, but being in the shade still requires a jersey or light jacket

Night time: 0° C to 10° C
A warm jacket with fleece layer will suffice. Woolley beanies make things more comfortable if sitting around the camp fire. The early evenings are not extremely cold and can be quire balmy if there is no breeze or wind blowing.

SUMMER:

In general the weather is warm to hot during the day with thunderstorms occurring anytime from midday and into the evening. Mornings usually dawn crystal clear with the clouds brewing from mid morning. Wet rainy fronts can bring 3-4 days of drizzling rain, especially in the Spring time.

Summer Temperature Ranges:

Day time: 18° C to 30° C
Shorts and short sleeves are comfortable, but one should always bring rain gear and a track suit and fleece for any cooler, wetter days.

Night time: 15° C to 20°C
Track suits are suitable for the cooler nights, but most nights one can stay with short sleeves well into the night.