Climate Trends in South Africa
Long-record stations in South Africa warmed -0.12 C per decade from 1959 to 2024 (6 stations).
Data as of . Last revised (2026-10-12).
Key Facts
- From 1959 to 2024, long-record stations in South Africa warmed by -0.12 C per decade (-0.22 F) (95 percent interval -0.32 to +0.07 C), from 6 stations measured against each station's own 1961-1990 mean.
- The latest year in the series for South Africa, 2024, was -0.05 C against the 1961-1990 mean.
- In South Africa the daily maximum rose faster than the daily minimum, by 0.24 C per decade (the two intervals overlap).
- Of 7 stations in South Africa with at least 50 complete years of record, 2 had 2024 as their warmest year.
Warming
South Africa, against 1961-1990| Year | Difference from the 1961-1990 mean |
|---|---|
| 1959 | -0.11 C |
| 1960 | -0.02 C |
| 1961 | 0.00 C |
| 1962 | +0.07 C |
| 1963 | +0.12 C |
| 1964 | -0.16 C |
| 1965 | +0.02 C |
| 1966 | +0.26 C |
| 1967 | -0.13 C |
| 1968 | -0.41 C |
| 1969 | +0.03 C |
| 1970 | -0.14 C |
| 1971 | -0.37 C |
| 1972 | +0.20 C |
| 1973 | +0.01 C |
| 1974 | -0.15 C |
| 1975 | -0.21 C |
| 1976 | -0.38 C |
| 1977 | -0.03 C |
| 1978 | -0.18 C |
| 1979 | +0.05 C |
| 1980 | +0.14 C |
| 1981 | -0.35 C |
| 1982 | -0.09 C |
| 1983 | +0.36 C |
| 1984 | +0.22 C |
| 1985 | +0.45 C |
| 1986 | +0.28 C |
| 1987 | +0.45 C |
| 1988 | -0.09 C |
| 1989 | +0.01 C |
| 1990 | +0.01 C |
| 1991 | +0.01 C |
| 1992 | +0.31 C |
| 1993 | +0.43 C |
| 1994 | +0.11 C |
| 1995 | +0.06 C |
| 1996 | -0.07 C |
| 1997 | +0.18 C |
| 1998 | +0.39 C |
| 1999 | +1.10 C |
| 2000 | +0.38 C |
| 2001 | -0.38 C |
| 2002 | -1.25 C |
| 2003 | -1.63 C |
| 2004 | -1.22 C |
| 2005 | -1.77 C |
| 2006 | -1.57 C |
| 2007 | -0.98 C |
| 2008 | -2.08 C |
| 2009 | -0.49 C |
| 2010 | -0.78 C |
| 2011 | -0.99 C |
| 2012 | -0.82 C |
| 2013 | +0.47 C |
| 2014 | +0.78 C |
| 2015 | +0.68 C |
| 2016 | -0.38 C |
| 2017 | -0.64 C |
| 2018 | -1.31 C |
| 2019 | -0.85 C |
| 2020 | -0.57 C |
| 2021 | -0.89 C |
| 2022 | -0.67 C |
| 2023 | -0.73 C |
| 2024 | -0.05 C |
From 1959 to 2024, the long-record stations in South Africa warmed by -0.12 C per decade (-0.22 F) (95 percent interval -0.32 to +0.07 C), from 6 stations in 5 grid cells of 5 by 5 degrees, each measured against its own 1961-1990 mean.
The latest year in the series, 2024, was 0.0 C (-0.1 F) against the 1961-1990 mean.
The five warmest years in the series are 1999 (+1.10 C), 2014 (+0.78 C), 2015 (+0.68 C), 2013 (+0.47 C) and 1987 (+0.45 C).
Trend
| Measure | Trend per decade (C) | 95% interval (C) | Years | Stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual mean temperature | -0.12 | -0.32 to +0.07 | 1959 to 2024 | 6 |
Warmest and coolest years in the series
| Rank | Warmest year | Difference from mean | Coolest year | Difference from mean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999 | +1.10 C | 2008 | -2.08 C |
| 2 | 2014 | +0.78 C | 2005 | -1.77 C |
| 3 | 2015 | +0.68 C | 2003 | -1.63 C |
| 4 | 2013 | +0.47 C | 2006 | -1.57 C |
| 5 | 1987 | +0.45 C | 2018 | -1.31 C |
6 stations in 5 grid cells of 5 by 5 degrees. Each station is compared with its own 1961-1990 mean, so stations at different heights and latitudes can be averaged. Stations are averaged within each grid cell and cells are weighted by the cosine of latitude.
Warmest Years
South Africa, 7 stations| Year | Stations with this as their warmest year |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
Of the 7 stations in South Africa with at least 50 complete years of record, 2 (28.6%) had 2024 as their warmest year on record.
The years that were the warmest on record at the most stations are 2024 (2 stations), 2023 (1 station), 2016 (1 station), 2009 (1 station) and 2007 (1 station).
3 of the 7 stations (42.9%) had their warmest year in the 2020s. That decade is not over.
By decade
| Decade | Stations with their warmest year in it | Share of stations | Stations with one of their five warmest years in it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 0 | 0.0% | 3 |
| 1990s | 1 | 14.3% | 7 |
| 2000s | 2 | 28.6% | 5 |
| 2010s | 1 | 14.3% | 12 |
| 2020s (to date) | 3 | 42.9% | 8 |
The set is the 7 stations with at least 50 complete years (all twelve months with 20 or more days of maximum and minimum). A station's warmest year is the one with the highest annual mean temperature, a tie going to the later year. The count describes these stations, not the whole area.
Days and Nights
South Africa, against 1961-1990| Year | Daily maximum | Daily minimum | Day-night range (maximum minus minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | +0.12 C | -0.35 C | +0.47 C |
| 1960 | +0.07 C | -0.12 C | +0.19 C |
| 1961 | -0.04 C | +0.04 C | -0.09 C |
| 1962 | +0.22 C | -0.08 C | +0.30 C |
| 1963 | +0.04 C | +0.20 C | -0.16 C |
| 1964 | -0.14 C | -0.17 C | +0.02 C |
| 1965 | -0.03 C | +0.08 C | -0.10 C |
| 1966 | +0.13 C | +0.40 C | -0.27 C |
| 1967 | -0.26 C | 0.00 C | -0.27 C |
| 1968 | -0.51 C | -0.30 C | -0.21 C |
| 1969 | 0.00 C | +0.07 C | -0.07 C |
| 1970 | -0.19 C | -0.09 C | -0.10 C |
| 1971 | -0.50 C | -0.23 C | -0.27 C |
| 1972 | +0.21 C | +0.19 C | +0.03 C |
| 1973 | -0.03 C | +0.05 C | -0.08 C |
| 1974 | -0.34 C | +0.05 C | -0.39 C |
| 1975 | -0.34 C | -0.08 C | -0.25 C |
| 1976 | -0.72 C | -0.04 C | -0.68 C |
| 1977 | +0.04 C | -0.10 C | +0.14 C |
| 1978 | -0.07 C | -0.30 C | +0.23 C |
| 1979 | +0.06 C | +0.04 C | +0.02 C |
| 1980 | +0.30 C | -0.03 C | +0.33 C |
| 1981 | -0.31 C | -0.39 C | +0.08 C |
| 1982 | +0.02 C | -0.20 C | +0.22 C |
| 1983 | +0.41 C | +0.31 C | +0.10 C |
| 1984 | +0.38 C | +0.05 C | +0.33 C |
| 1985 | +0.52 C | +0.37 C | +0.15 C |
| 1986 | +0.42 C | +0.14 C | +0.27 C |
| 1987 | +0.48 C | +0.42 C | +0.07 C |
| 1988 | -0.23 C | +0.04 C | -0.27 C |
| 1989 | +0.11 C | -0.09 C | +0.20 C |
| 1990 | +0.12 C | -0.11 C | +0.22 C |
| 1991 | +0.17 C | -0.15 C | +0.32 C |
| 1992 | +0.59 C | +0.04 C | +0.55 C |
| 1993 | +0.64 C | +0.21 C | +0.44 C |
| 1994 | +0.47 C | -0.25 C | +0.72 C |
| 1995 | +0.24 C | -0.12 C | +0.35 C |
| 1996 | -0.01 C | -0.13 C | +0.13 C |
| 1997 | +0.34 C | +0.01 C | +0.33 C |
| 1998 | +0.65 C | +0.12 C | +0.54 C |
| 1999 | +1.31 C | +0.89 C | +0.42 C |
| 2000 | +0.64 C | +0.11 C | +0.53 C |
| 2001 | -0.08 C | -0.68 C | +0.59 C |
| 2002 | -0.50 C | -1.99 C | +1.49 C |
| 2003 | -0.78 C | -2.48 C | +1.69 C |
| 2004 | -0.76 C | -1.69 C | +0.93 C |
| 2005 | -1.25 C | -2.29 C | +1.05 C |
| 2006 | -1.45 C | -1.69 C | +0.24 C |
| 2007 | -0.49 C | -1.46 C | +0.97 C |
| 2008 | -1.95 C | -2.21 C | +0.25 C |
| 2009 | -0.19 C | -0.79 C | +0.60 C |
| 2010 | -0.29 C | -1.26 C | +0.97 C |
| 2011 | -0.44 C | -1.54 C | +1.10 C |
| 2012 | -0.03 C | -1.61 C | +1.58 C |
| 2013 | +1.56 C | -0.61 C | +2.17 C |
| 2014 | +1.38 C | +0.18 C | +1.19 C |
| 2015 | +1.35 C | +0.02 C | +1.33 C |
| 2016 | +0.18 C | -0.94 C | +1.12 C |
| 2017 | +0.03 C | -1.32 C | +1.35 C |
| 2018 | -1.19 C | -1.44 C | +0.25 C |
| 2019 | -0.61 C | -1.09 C | +0.48 C |
| 2020 | +0.13 C | -1.26 C | +1.39 C |
| 2021 | -0.19 C | -1.58 C | +1.39 C |
| 2022 | -0.34 C | -1.00 C | +0.67 C |
| 2023 | -0.42 C | -1.05 C | +0.64 C |
| 2024 | +1.05 C | -1.14 C | +2.20 C |
From 1959 to 2024, the daily maximum in South Africa changed by 0.00 C per decade (-0.01 F) (95 percent interval -0.17 to +0.17 C) and the daily minimum by -0.24 C per decade (-0.44 F) (95 percent interval -0.47 to -0.02 C), from 6 stations.
The daily maximum rose faster, by 0.24 C per decade more than the daily minimum; the two intervals overlap, so the data do not separate them.
The day-night range (daily maximum minus daily minimum) changed by +0.24 C per decade (95 percent interval +0.17 to +0.32 C), which means the range widened.
Trends per decade
| Measure | Trend per decade (C) | 95% interval (C) | Years | Stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily maximum | 0.00 | -0.17 to +0.17 | 1959 to 2024 | 6 |
| Daily minimum | -0.24 | -0.47 to -0.02 | 1959 to 2024 | 6 |
| Day-night range (maximum minus minimum) | +0.24 | +0.17 to +0.32 | 1959 to 2024 | 6 |
The day-night range is the daily maximum minus the daily minimum, so a falling range means the minimum rose by more than the maximum. Intervals allow for year to year persistence in the series.
Longest Hot, Cold, Wet and Dry Streaks: South Africa
6 lists of 10- In South Africa, the longest run of hot days in a row in the data is 109 days, at Vioolsdrif (South Africa), from 25 December 2016 to 12 April 2017.
- In South Africa, the longest run of days in a row at or above 40 C in the data is 23 days, at Vioolsdrif (South Africa), from 17 January 2008 to 8 February 2008.
- In South Africa, the longest run of frost days in a row in the data is 34 days, at Bethlehem (South Africa), from 4 June 1993 to 7 July 1993.
- In South Africa, the longest run of dry days in a row in the data is 349 days, at Dedeben (Pol) (South Africa), in 1974.
- In South Africa, the longest run of wet days in a row in the data is 38 days, at Marion Island (South Africa), in 1961.
- In South Africa, the longest run of longest run of nights at or above 25 c in the data is 13 days, at Vioolsdrif (South Africa), from 27 February 2010 to 11 March 2010.
Longest run of days at or above 35 C
Consecutive days with a daily maximum at or above 35 C (95 F).
| Rank | Station | Country | Length | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vioolsdrif | South Africa | 109 days | 25 December 2016 to 12 April 2017 |
| 2 | Taung | South Africa | 52 days | 24 November 2015 to 14 January 2016 |
| 3 | Upington Agr. | South Africa | 35 days | 17 February to 23 March 2015 |
| 4 | Kimberley | South Africa | 20 days | 13 December 2009 to 1 January 2010 |
| 5 | Vryburg | South Africa | 20 days | 5 to 24 February 2016 |
| 6 | Postmasburg | South Africa | 20 days | 3 to 22 January 2018 |
| 7 | Ottosdal | South Africa | 17 days | 29 December 2014 to 14 January 2015 |
| 8 | Skukuza | South Africa | 17 days | 19 January to 4 February 2016 |
| 9 | Malmesbury | South Africa | 16 days | 9 to 24 January 2016 |
| 10 | Mafikeng | South Africa | 16 days | 2 to 17 December 2024 |
Longest run of days at or above 40 C
Consecutive days with a daily maximum at or above 40 C (104 F).
| Rank | Station | Country | Length | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vioolsdrif | South Africa | 23 days | 17 January to 8 February 2008 |
| 2 | Taung | South Africa | 10 days | 17 to 26 December 2015 |
| 3 | Upington Agr. | South Africa | 8 days | 6 to 13 January 2012 |
| 4 | Vryburg | South Africa | 6 days | 4 to 9 January 2016 |
| 5 | Skukuza | South Africa | 6 days | 20 to 25 November 2023 |
| 6 | Postmasburg | South Africa | 5 days | 3 to 7 January 2016 |
| 7 | Malmesbury | South Africa | 5 days | 16 to 20 January 2016 |
| 8 | Laingsburg | South Africa | 4 days | 3 to 6 January 2016 |
| 9 | Kimberley | South Africa | 4 days | 4 to 7 January 2016 |
| 10 | Deaar(Ua) | South Africa | 4 days | 4 to 7 January 2016 |
Longest run of frost days (minimum at or below 0 C)
Consecutive days with a daily minimum at or below 0 C (32 F).
| Rank | Station | Country | Length | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethlehem | South Africa | 34 days | 4 June to 7 July 1993 |
| 2 | Ficksburg | South Africa | 33 days | 1 July to 2 August 2021 |
| 3 | Bethal | South Africa | 31 days | 19 June to 19 July 1964 |
| 4 | Aliwal North | South Africa | 27 days | 12 June to 8 July 2020 |
| 5 | Bloemfontein Airpor | South Africa | 26 days | 23 June to 18 July 1992 |
| 6 | Barkly East | South Africa | 20 days | 11 to 30 June 2020 |
| 7 | Fraserburg | South Africa | 19 days | 10 to 28 July 2017 |
| 8 | Potchefstroom | South Africa | 17 days | 24 June to 10 July 2011 |
| 9 | Jamestown | South Africa | 14 days | 3 to 16 July 2014 |
| 10 | Noupoort | South Africa | 14 days | 13 to 26 July 2021 |
Longest dry spell (days under 1 mm of rain), within one year
Consecutive days with less than 1 mm (0.04 in) of rain, the longest run within a year. The dates are not kept, so the list gives the year (within the year).
| Rank | Station | Country | Length | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dedeben (Pol) | South Africa | 349 days | within 1974 |
| 2 | Grootfontein | South Africa | 346 days | within 1962 |
| 3 | Rietfontein (Pol) | South Africa | 342 days | within 1915 |
| 4 | Adelaide (Pol) | South Africa | 337 days | within 1989 |
| 5 | Karina | South Africa | 336 days | within 1970 |
| 6 | Eerstegeluk | South Africa | 334 days | within 1971 |
| 7 | Spitskop (Agr) | South Africa | 334 days | within 1991 |
| 8 | Pella | South Africa | 333 days | within 1966 |
| 9 | Gannapan | South Africa | 328 days | within 1897 |
| 10 | Daniels Hope | South Africa | 324 days | within 1989 |
Longest wet spell (days with 1 mm or more of rain), within one year
Consecutive days with 1 mm (0.04 in) or more of rain, the longest run within a year. The dates are not kept, so the list gives the year (within the year).
| Rank | Station | Country | Length | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marion Island | South Africa | 38 days | within 1961 |
| 2 | Mahlabatini (Mag) | South Africa | 27 days | within 1925 |
| 3 | The Downs | South Africa | 25 days | within 1955 |
| 4 | Schelm | South Africa | 24 days | within 1955 |
| 5 | Heritage | South Africa | 23 days | within 1925 |
| 6 | Middlekop (Bos) | South Africa | 23 days | within 1955 |
| 7 | Elsenburg | South Africa | 22 days | within 1904 |
| 8 | Knight L C,Balgowan | South Africa | 22 days | within 1956 |
| 9 | Nququ (Bos) | South Africa | 22 days | within 1981 |
| 10 | Dullstroom (Sar) | South Africa | 21 days | within 1914 |
Longest run of nights at or above 25 C
| Rank | Station | Country | Length | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vioolsdrif | South Africa | 13 days | 27 February to 11 March 2010 |
| 2 | Upington Agr. | South Africa | 4 days | 2 to 5 January 1966 |
| 3 | Springbok | South Africa | 3 days | 23 to 25 February 1995 |
| 4 | Cape St. Lucia | South Africa | 2 days | 26 to 27 January 1981 |
| 5 | Taung | South Africa | 2 days | 5 to 6 January 2016 |
| 6 | Skukuza | South Africa | 2 days | 11 to 12 December 2024 |
| 7 | Kimberley | South Africa | 1 day | 25 to 25 June 1945 |
| 8 | Calvinia | South Africa | 1 day | 5 to 5 January 1972 |
| 9 | East London | South Africa | 1 day | 20 to 20 April 1991 |
| 10 | Durban Intl | South Africa | 1 day | 8 to 8 January 2012 |
A run belongs to the year it started in, even when it ran on into the next year. A station appears once per list, with its longest run in a complete year. Dry and wet spells are the longest run within a year. Lists use complete years only, so a long run in a year with gaps in the record is not counted.
Biggest One Day Temperature Swings: South Africa
6 lists of 10- In South Africa, the largest reported one day rise in the daily maximum is 19.1 C (34.4 F), at East London (South Africa) on 30 September 1983.
- In South Africa, the largest reported one day drop in the daily maximum is 22.8 C (41.0 F), at Cedara (South Africa) on 23 September 2017.
- In South Africa, the largest reported one day rise in the daily minimum is 21.6 C (38.9 F), at Upington Agr. (South Africa) on 19 March 1989.
- In South Africa, the largest reported one day drop in the daily minimum is 18.8 C (33.8 F), at Calvinia (South Africa) on 6 July 2010.
- In South Africa, the largest reported widest range between the high and the low of one day is 34.8 C (62.6 F), at Skukuza (South Africa) on 8 September 1972.
- In South Africa, the smallest reported narrowest range between the high and the low of one day is 0.0 C (0.0 F), at Cape Agulhas (South Africa) on 28 June 1988.
Caveat.Single readings can still be instrument errors that quality control missed. A station with one faulty value can top a list, so read each entry as a reported value, not as a confirmed event.
Biggest one day rise in the daily maximum
The largest increase in the daily maximum temperature from one day to the next. Values are in degrees Celsius with Fahrenheit beside them.
| Rank | Station | Country | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East London | South Africa | 19.1 C (34.4 F) | 30 September 1983 |
| 2 | Cedara | South Africa | 18.5 C (33.3 F) | 22 September 1962 |
| 3 | Fort Beaufort | South Africa | 18.1 C (32.6 F) | 11 December 2025 |
| 4 | Bethlehem | South Africa | 17.8 C (32.0 F) | 19 November 1988 |
| 5 | George Airport | South Africa | 17.2 C (31.0 F) | 30 September 2018 |
| 6 | Grahamstown | South Africa | 17.0 C (30.6 F) | 12 September 2020 |
| 7 | Cradock | South Africa | 16.2 C (29.2 F) | 3 October 2023 |
| 8 | Willowmore | South Africa | 16.0 C (28.8 F) | 17 October 2025 |
| 9 | Van Reenen | South Africa | 15.9 C (28.6 F) | 20 April 2007 |
| 10 | Riversdale | South Africa | 15.1 C (27.2 F) | 22 October 2018 |
Biggest one day drop in the daily maximum
The largest decrease in the daily maximum temperature from one day to the next. Values are in degrees Celsius with Fahrenheit beside them.
| Rank | Station | Country | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cedara | South Africa | 22.8 C (41.0 F) | 23 September 2017 |
| 2 | Skukuza | South Africa | 21.6 C (38.9 F) | 17 August 1968 |
| 3 | Cradock | South Africa | 21.4 C (38.5 F) | 15 January 2025 |
| 4 | East London | South Africa | 21.3 C (38.3 F) | 1 October 1983 |
| 5 | Calvinia | South Africa | 20.9 C (37.6 F) | 23 September 1995 |
| 6 | Deaar(Ua) | South Africa | 19.4 C (34.9 F) | 14 January 2001 |
| 7 | Bethlehem | South Africa | 19.0 C (34.2 F) | 29 October 2023 |
| 8 | Kimberley | South Africa | 18.9 C (34.0 F) | 6 November 1998 |
| 9 | Bethal | South Africa | 18.3 C (32.9 F) | 6 November 1990 |
| 10 | Fort Beaufort | South Africa | 18.0 C (32.4 F) | 19 October 2002 |
Biggest one day rise in the daily minimum
The largest increase in the daily minimum temperature from one day to the next. Values are in degrees Celsius with Fahrenheit beside them.
| Rank | Station | Country | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upington Agr. | South Africa | 21.6 C (38.9 F) | 19 March 1989 |
| 2 | Mafikeng | South Africa | 18.6 C (33.5 F) | 13 April 2023 |
| 3 | Taung | South Africa | 17.3 C (31.1 F) | 20 April 2024 |
| 4 | Fort Beaufort | South Africa | 17.3 C (31.1 F) | 9 July 2025 |
| 5 | Worcester | South Africa | 16.9 C (30.4 F) | 6 July 2017 |
| 6 | Calvinia | South Africa | 16.2 C (29.2 F) | 6 September 1969 |
| 7 | Kimberley | South Africa | 15.3 C (27.5 F) | 23 September 2013 |
| 8 | Skukuza | South Africa | 15.2 C (27.4 F) | 1 July 1994 |
| 9 | Bloemfontein Airpor | South Africa | 14.6 C (26.3 F) | 8 September 2013 |
| 10 | Postmasburg | South Africa | 13.8 C (24.8 F) | 4 July 2016 |
Biggest one day drop in the daily minimum
The largest decrease in the daily minimum temperature from one day to the next. Values are in degrees Celsius with Fahrenheit beside them.
| Rank | Station | Country | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvinia | South Africa | 18.8 C (33.8 F) | 6 July 2010 |
| 2 | Skukuza | South Africa | 17.9 C (32.2 F) | 7 August 1995 |
| 3 | Kimberley | South Africa | 16.6 C (29.9 F) | 6 June 1994 |
| 4 | Upington Agr. | South Africa | 16.5 C (29.7 F) | 18 March 1989 |
| 5 | George Airport | South Africa | 16.4 C (29.5 F) | 13 January 1985 |
| 6 | Springbok | South Africa | 16.0 C (28.8 F) | 29 October 2018 |
| 7 | Bloemfontein Airpor | South Africa | 15.8 C (28.4 F) | 26 December 2003 |
| 8 | Mafikeng | South Africa | 15.0 C (27.0 F) | 14 April 2023 |
| 9 | Fort Beaufort | South Africa | 15.0 C (27.0 F) | 31 July 2025 |
| 10 | Noupoort | South Africa | 14.8 C (26.6 F) | 15 October 2011 |
Widest range between the high and the low of one day
The largest difference between the highest and the lowest temperature of the same day. Values are in degrees Celsius with Fahrenheit beside them.
| Rank | Station | Country | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skukuza | South Africa | 34.8 C (62.6 F) | 8 September 1972 |
| 2 | Upington Agr. | South Africa | 33.6 C (60.5 F) | 16 March 1989 |
| 3 | Calvinia | South Africa | 33.1 C (59.6 F) | 17 October 2000 |
| 4 | Bethal | South Africa | 32.0 C (57.6 F) | 20 September 1976 |
| 5 | Bethlehem | South Africa | 31.9 C (57.4 F) | 18 October 1996 |
| 6 | Potchefstroom | South Africa | 31.8 C (57.2 F) | 3 April 2014 |
| 7 | Malmesbury | South Africa | 31.3 C (56.3 F) | 29 October 2017 |
| 8 | Bloemfontein Airpor | South Africa | 30.8 C (55.4 F) | 3 October 2022 |
| 9 | Taung | South Africa | 30.8 C (55.4 F) | 21 August 2023 |
| 10 | Riversdale | South Africa | 30.7 C (55.3 F) | 3 March 2015 |
Narrowest range between the high and the low of one day
The smallest difference between the highest and the lowest temperature of the same day. Values are in degrees Celsius with Fahrenheit beside them.
| Rank | Station | Country | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Agulhas | South Africa | 0.0 C (0.0 F) | 28 June 1988 |
| 2 | Marion Island | South Africa | 0.0 C (0.0 F) | 16 May 1993 |
| 3 | Skukuza | South Africa | 0.2 C (0.4 F) | 10 September 1981 |
| 4 | Cedara | South Africa | 0.2 C (0.4 F) | 17 September 2026 |
| 5 | East London | South Africa | 0.3 C (0.5 F) | 21 April 1943 |
| 6 | Pietersburg Muni | South Africa | 0.3 C (0.5 F) | 29 October 1961 |
| 7 | Kimberley | South Africa | 0.3 C (0.5 F) | 1 December 1990 |
| 8 | Cape St. Francis | South Africa | 0.3 C (0.5 F) | 12 November 2000 |
| 9 | Van Reenen | South Africa | 0.3 C (0.5 F) | 18 September 2026 |
| 10 | Upington Agr. | South Africa | 0.4 C (0.7 F) | 11 June 1955 |
Only stations with at least 10 complete years are listed, and a station appears once per list.
Hot and Dry Summers: South Africa
13 stations with a 1961-1990 record- In South Africa, the share of stations with a hot and dry summer is shown for each year from 1960 to 2000, for 13 stations with at least 20 complete summers in 1961-1990. Each year counts the stations of that set with a complete summer in the year.
- In South Africa, 6.9% of station summers in 1961-1990 were hot and dry (360 station summers).
- In South Africa, 11.9% of station summers in 1986-2000 were hot and dry (176 station summers).
- In South Africa, 1991 had the highest share: 45.5% of 11 stations (5).
A summer is hot when its mean daily maximum is at or above the station's 80th percentile of its 1961-1990 summers, and dry when its rain is at or below the 20th percentile. A summer is hot and dry when it is both. Summer is June to August north of the equator and December to February south of it, labelled by the year of its first month.
Share of stations with a hot and dry summer
| Summer | Stations with a hot and dry summer |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 0.0% |
| 1961 | 0.0% |
| 1962 | 8.3% |
| 1963 | 9.1% |
| 1964 | 0.0% |
| 1965 | 0.0% |
| 1966 | 0.0% |
| 1967 | 23.1% |
| 1968 | 27.3% |
| 1969 | 33.3% |
| 1970 | 0.0% |
| 1971 | 0.0% |
| 1972 | 16.7% |
| 1973 | 0.0% |
| 1974 | 7.7% |
| 1975 | 0.0% |
| 1976 | 7.7% |
| 1977 | 0.0% |
| 1978 | 0.0% |
| 1979 | 0.0% |
| 1980 | 0.0% |
| 1981 | 0.0% |
| 1982 | 38.5% |
| 1983 | 7.7% |
| 1984 | 0.0% |
| 1985 | 8.3% |
| 1986 | 0.0% |
| 1987 | 0.0% |
| 1988 | 0.0% |
| 1989 | 10.0% |
| 1990 | 9.1% |
| 1991 | 45.5% |
| 1992 | 23.1% |
| 1993 | 0.0% |
| 1994 | 23.1% |
| 1995 | 7.7% |
| 1996 | 0.0% |
| 1997 | 25.0% |
| 1998 | 8.3% |
| 1999 | 8.3% |
| 2000 | 16.7% |
The ten most extreme station summers
| Rank | Station | Country | Summer | Mean daily maximum vs 1961-1990 | Rain, percent of 1961-1990 mean |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marion Island | South Africa | 2004 | +4.4 C (+7.9 F) | 48% |
| 2 | Cape Agulhas | South Africa | 1999 | +1.6 C (+2.8 F) | 96% |
| 3 | Cedara | South Africa | 1994 | +2.2 C (+4.0 F) | 57% |
| 4 | Cape Columbine | South Africa | 1999 | +2.0 C (+3.7 F) | 37% |
| 5 | Marion Island | South Africa | 1995 | +1.7 C (+3.0 F) | 58% |
| 6 | Cape Agulhas | South Africa | 1998 | +1.2 C (+2.1 F) | 67% |
| 7 | Pietersburg Muni | South Africa | 1997 | +1.8 C (+3.2 F) | 30% |
| 8 | Marion Island | South Africa | 1994 | +1.7 C (+3.0 F) | 67% |
| 9 | Cedara | South Africa | 1982 | +1.5 C (+2.7 F) | 52% |
| 10 | Marion Island | South Africa | 2003 | +1.8 C (+3.3 F) | 73% |
Ranked by the temperature z score minus the rain z score against the station's own 1961-1990 mean and standard deviation (at least 0.3 C and 5 mm). A summer is labelled by the year of its first month.
Download the Data
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-Daily). Records are computed by World Extreme Weather Monitor and are not official NOAA products. (US Government open data (NOAA NCEI)) Data as of 2026-10-12. Trends and counts are computed by this site from daily station records. The long-record station set is described under each chart.