Explore South Africa: La Niña Brings Lush Safari Opportunities and Warmer Nights for Tourists

Published on December 3, 2025

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has published its latest Seasonal Climate Watch for December 2025 to April 2026, which bears significance to South Africa’s tourism sector. A weak La Niña event is predicted for the peak travel season, and this could affect travel experiences and tourism activities. This phenomenon will particularly affect the country’s northeast and southwestern regions.

La Niña’s Impact on South Africa’s Summer Weather

For the country’s tourism industry, the predicted weak La Niña event will likely change the expected rainfall and temperature patterns compared to an El Niño Southern Oscillation Neutral (ENSO) phase. Popular wildlife destinations in the northeast, such as the Kruger National Park, the Addo Elephant Park, and the Pilanesberg National Park, will experience above expected rainfall, thus creating an appealing safari and eco-tourism opportunity. Numerous rural tourism destinations, eco-lodges, and nature reserves located in the northeast will likely benefit from the verdant landscape expected from this rainfall.

The forecast predicts that some rainfall-related challenges will occur. The possibility of extreme rainfall affecting accessibility in parts of the region, as some roads will become impassable. Further, outdoor events, including safaris and any other outdoor activities, will be canceled, prompting tourism operators to change schedules and re-direct itineraries. For seamless experiences, travelers should check and follow the instructions of local tour operators.

Warmer Nights Across South Africa

South Africa is anticipating overall above-normal minimum temperatures, and coupled with wetter conditions in the northeast, the forecast predicts warmer nights. These conditions will likely impact the traveler’s comfort levels and the energy use of hotels, lodges, and resorts. Higher temperatures during the night will decrease the appeal of urban getaways in coastal cities, particularly Cape Town and Durban, and heighten the demand for cool water activities and night-structured tourism.

Providers in the hospitality industry will need to install adequate cooling systems to maximize comfort for guests in the coming years, as they will deal with irrationally high levels of nighttime warmth. Higher nighttime temperatures will also drive demand for water-based recreational activities, such as walking along the coast, kayaking, and hiking, that are available in closed, warmer regions of Cape Town, Durban, and the Garden Route.

Southern and Southwestern Regions Responsibilities

While the northeastern area of South Africa doesn’t experience the high warmth usually expected regarding the Southwestern area of the country. Southwestern cities, particularly Lake Side Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and the Western Cape, are expected to experience significantly high increases in temperature, with enough to solicit the interest of tourists looking for coastal and urban holidaying. With warm conditions also prevails, demand for holiday resorts around Cape Town and area vineyards will on the increase. This period may also see high levels of participation in outdoor hiking, wine tasting, and sighting at prominent landmarks, including Table Mountain.

Southwest tour operators may look to take advantage of offered packages centered around outdoor activities, fine dining, and culture. On top of this, the summer heat may allow travelers to cool off with the Atlantic Ocean’s swell and coastal breeze; this may increase interest in and demand for beach tourism.

Safari and Eco-tourism Implications

The impact of the predicted wetter conditions in the northeast region will make wildlife safaris more appealing in places like Kruger, Pilanesberg, and Hluhluwe iMfolozi National Parks. Increased wildlife activity and visibility may also make for a more enticing and unique safari experience, in addition to increased opportunities for birdwatching, dramatic scenery, and the discovery of newborn wildlife.

However, tours during the safari may be impeded by heavy rains and limited road accessibility, as they may be the main causes of delayed or disrupted itineraries. A positive side to this adversity is that the rains will also replenish and restore overused natural habitats, which ultimately improves conservation efforts, the health of wildlife populations, and the overall biodiversity within an ecosystem.

Weather-Related Travel Disruptions

Weather changes are an everyday occurrence for the travel industry and are expected to arrive along with the new season. Marketing strategies should be implemented to focus on the travel patterns of visitors aiming to appreciate the greenery of South Africa as the north-eastern regions will receive above average rainfall. Those travelling to engage in beach and water activities will benefit from the cooler temperatures in the South Western part of the Country.

Preparedness is key in ensuring changes to expected travel itineraries are minimal. Proactive communication with travellers should take place to ensure adaptative strategies are implemented. Changes in the itineraries for outdoor activities, communication of potential changes in the accessibility of routes and alternative activities to replace beach and rain exposed outdoor settings.

Conclusion

The expected weak La Niña for the Summer of 2025-2026 South Africa is La Niña for the South Africa the Summer of 2025-2026 July will be an interesting one for the tourism sector. With rainfall in the north-eastern regions while the South Western regions will be warmer, tourism to coastal and urban target regions will be heightened, along with the warmer nights. The industry will need to adapt to new expectations of providing top tier experiences, to remain competitive, ensuring South Africa tourism retains its position as a leading travel target for international and regional travellers.