Believe South Africa doesn’t do snow? Think again. From icy peaks in the Drakensberg to beautiful valleys in Ceres, winter seasons here can serve major snowfall if you understand where to look. After 2024’s snow surprises in KZN and Johannesburg, everyone (although complaining about the cold) is expecting fluffy ice from the paradises. Here’s where to capture snow in South Africa in 2025.
Picture Credit: Kitty Viljoen via The Guardian Does it Snow in South Africa in Winter Season? Yes. And not simply a little powder on pavements. In Between June and August, high-altitude regions can get full-on alpine realness. Snowfall forecasts for South Africa in 2025 are already looking promising, with a number of cold fronts anticipated to strike mid-July.
While snow isn’t a daily event unless you’re up a mountain, the potential for snowfall is extremely real. Keep in mind the huge cold front in July 2024? KZN got blanketed in snow and Joburg even flirted with flurries for a few wonderful minutes. And the 2025 season? It’s currently started. Early June brought light snowfall to parts of the Drakensberg and Lesotho, with more on the radar according to present projections.
Coldest Places in South Africa to See Snow This Winter Season
Here are your best options for real snow, not just frosty early mornings:
1. Drakensberg Mountains Best time: Late June to early August Why go: The greatest peaks=greatest chance of snow Top spots: Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle, and Giants Castle
While you’re up there, you may also attempt the very best walkings in the Drakensberg.
Get an inexpensive flight to KZN and experience it yourself!
2. Sani Pass/ Underberg
This mountain pass between KZN and Lesotho has views to freeze for, literally!
- Best time: July and August
- Why go: Among the only places in SA with constant snowfall
- Idea: Snow in Sani Pass 2025 is expected to be heavier than in 2015
- Bring: A 4 × 4, blankets, food, water and your sense of experience
Flying domestic? Get R500 off your next flight!
3. Matroosberg (Western Cape)
- Best time: July
- Why go: It’s the OG Western Cape snow spot
- Matroosberg snow forecast 2025: Forecasting mid-to-late July flurries
- Ceres snow weekend: Yes, it’s a thing and it slaps
Explore the Western Cape
Photo Credit: Facebook: Afriski MountainResort by means of Jacaranda FM 4. Lesotho (from SA)
Our friendly warm hearted however very cold neighbour.
- Best time: June to August
- Why go: Maluti Mountains = snow play ground
- How to arrive: Via Sani Pass from KZN or Caledonspoort from Free State
5. Barkly East (Eastern Cape Highlands)
- Best time: June to early July
- Why go: Known for heavy snow in KZN spillover zones
- Vibe: Comfortable village meets ski-holiday energy
Fall for the Eastern Cape!
Will there be snow in Johannesburg or Cape Town in 2025? It is a popular truth that Johannesburg and Cape Town weather conditions have a mind of their own. Could be raining one minute and snowing the next or go from cloudy grey skies to perfect sunlight. So, who understands? But looking at Johannesburg’s temperatures recently, a couple of minutes of snow is highly possible in 2025.
Snowfall Forecast South Africa 2025: What to Expect
Long-range models recommend:
- July snow in South Africa will peak mid-month
- August snow vacations South Africa could stretch later than usual if cold fronts stay. That implies Spring will be late to the party yet once again this year.
- Heavy snow in KZN is more than likely at the end of July. Prepare yourself to see more South African editions of snowmen on social networks.
Will South Africa get snow in 2025?
It’s not a matter of “will South Africa get snow this year?” but a matter of “just how much snow will South Africa get this year?”. It’s currently begun and will most likely (fingers crossed) heighten. From family-friendly flakes to bucket-list blizzards, there are legitimate winter season wonderlands simply a few hours away.
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