South African Winter Climate Watch 2025: What to expect from May to September?

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released its Seasonal Climate Watch for the period May to September 2025. According to the latest update, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has returned to a neutral phase, and is expected to remain neutral throughout the upcoming months. While ENSO typically influences global weather patterns, its impact on South Africa’s winter climate is usually limited and is not expected to significantly affect conditions during this season.

As early winter approaches (May–June–July), SAWS highlights a shift in weather focus to the south-western regions of South Africa, along with the southern and eastern coastal areas. These parts of the country are forecast to experience below-normal rainfall across early, mid, and late winter.

In terms of temperature, the majority of South Africa can expect above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures during the winter months. However, some southern coastal areas may experience below-normal temperatures, offering a contrast to the broader national trend.

Travellers, residents, and those planning activities during the South African winter should prepare for warmer-than-usual weather and drier conditions, especially in the coastal and south-western regions.