March weather forecast
South Africa

March marks the transition from summer to autumn in South Africa, bringing about a gradual decrease in temperatures and rainfall across most parts of the country. Inland regions such as Pretoria and Johannesburg witness average temperatures falling to between 14°C (57.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). Coastal cities, including Cape Town and Durban, remain relatively mild due to the modulating effect of the oceans, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 25°C (77°F).

The trend of declining rainfall from the summer months continues into March. For instance, Johannesburg, in the Highveld region, experiences an average rainfall of 90mm (3.54"), mainly from afternoon thunderstorms that are less frequent than in the peak summer months. The Western Cape, following its Mediterranean climate pattern, sees an incremental increase in precipitation with an average of about 30mm (1.18"), as the region slowly heads towards its winter rainfall season.

Compared to February, the weather in March is slightly cooler and less humid, offering a more comfortable climate for outdoor activities. As South Africa heads into April, temperatures and rainfall continue to decrease, with signs of autumn becoming more evident.

March is an attractive month for those interested in wildlife, as water sources begin to dry up, attracting animals to the remaining watering holes, making wildlife viewing easier. Furthermore, bird-watchers can still enjoy spotting a variety of species as the breeding season extends into this month. The decreasing temperatures also make outdoor activities, such as hiking and sightseeing, more pleasant during March.

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• Johannesburg - March »
  January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Johannesburg, South Africa. On the first day of March in Johannesburg sunrise is at 06:01 and sunset at 18:38.
• Cape Town - March »
  In Cape Town in March, the average water temperature is 18.3°C (64.9°F). In Cape Town in March, it is raining for 6.7 days, with typically 11mm (0.43") of accumulated precipitation.
• Pretoria - March »
  In Pretoria in March, during 15.8 rainfall days, 42mm (1.65") of precipitation is typically accumulated. The average relative humidity in March in Pretoria, South Africa, is 61%.
• Durban - March »
  The months with the warmest seawater in Durban are February and March, with an average sea temperature of 26.1°C (79°F). On the last day of March, in Durban, sunrise is at 06:06 and sunset at 17:53 SAST.
• Port Elizabeth - March »
  The month with the most rainfall in Port Elizabeth is March, when the rain falls for 12.8 days and typically aggregates up to 33mm (1.3") of precipitation. On the first day of March in Port Elizabeth sunrise is at 06:06 and sunset at 18:53.
• Bloemfontein - March »
  Bloemfontein greets March with an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 27.6°C (81.7°F), marking a slight deviation from the preceding month. In Bloemfontein, South Africa, the average relative humidity in March is 48%.
• Nelspruit - March »
  In Nelspruit, during March, the rain falls for 17.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 52mm (2.05") of precipitation. In March, the average high-temperature and low-temperature in Nelspruit, South Africa, are 26.9°C (80.4°F) and 15.2°C (59.4°F) respectively.
• Kimberley - March »
  On the first day of March in Kimberley, South Africa, sunrise is at 06:13 and sunset at 18:53. In March, the average high-temperature and low-temperature in Kimberley are 29.8°C (85.6°F) and 18.8°C (65.8°F) respectively.
• Polokwane - March »
  In Polokwane in March, it is raining for 5 days, with typically 52mm (2.05") of accumulated precipitation. January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Polokwane, South Africa.
• Pietermaritzburg - March »
  The warmest period in Pietermaritzburg with an average high-temperature of 28°C (82.4°F), falls in January through March and December. In Pietermaritzburg during March, the rain falls for 15 days and regularly aggregates up to 113mm (4.45") of precipitation.
• East London - March »
  On the first day of March in East London sunrise is at 05:57 and sunset at 18:44. On the first day of March in East London sunrise is at 05:57 and sunset at 18:44.
• Rustenburg - March »
  The months with the highest UV index in Rustenburg are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 6. On the last day of March, in Rustenburg, sunrise is at 06:19 and sunset at 18:10 SAST.