A Guide to Hoedspruit Weather with Tips for the Best Time to Visit

This guide will provide you with information about the climate in Hoedspruit, as well as what are the best months to visit.

Located in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Hoedspruit is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers because it offers some of the best hiking trails, safaris, bird watching, and outdoor activities available. The climate in Hoedspruit is subtropical, with hot and humid summers and warm and dry winters. The average temperature ranges from 23°C (73°F) in winter to 32°C (90°F) in summer.

The town experiences very little rainfall year round but does have an occasional heat wave during summer months. Summertime in Hoedspruit starts from November to May, when temperatures can reach as high as 40°C  (104°F) on some days,  Winter is from June to September, when temperatures can drop to around 10°C (50°F)

Temperature

Average temperatures in Hoedspruit vary somewhat. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a very low chance of precipitation throughout the year. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Hoedspruit, the hottest months are February, December, and then January. The warmest time of year is generally mid February where highs are regularly around 34°C (93°F)  with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F) at night.

Humidity and Wind

Hoedspruit, South Africa has some humid months, and slightly dry months in the opposite season. The least humid month is August (39.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is January (64.6%).

Wind in Hoedspruit is usually calm. The windiest month is September, followed by October and November. September’s average wind speed of around 6.1 knots (7 Mph or 11.3 Kph) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late September where average top sustained speeds reach 11.3 knots (13mph or 21kph), which is considered a moderate breeze.

Precipitation

IThe months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Hoedspruit are July, September, and then August. The lowest chance of rain  occurs around early to mid May. For example, on the week of May 7th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain in mid January with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of January 15th.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

With the Covid  lockdowns and travel restriction imposed by governments around the world traditional travel figures have been affected. Traditionally (Pre-Covid) the busiest month for tourism in Hoedspruit was,  August, followed by April and May. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Hoedspruit in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Safari and Wildlife Viewing

May to September is generally the best time for wildlife viewing in this region. These are the winter months, and they coincide with the dry season. At this time wildlife gathers around permanent water sources and foliage recedes, making animals easier to spot with longer sightings. September is a particularly good time. During the rain season there are great opportunities for photographers with the green foliage and dramatic skies as a backdrop. Summer has the greatest variety of birds.

Overall Hoedspruit Travel Experience by Season

Spring (September through November)

Spring daily highs range from 92.9°F (33.8°C) and 86°F (30°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 0 to 4 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so accommodation may be affordably priced.

Summer (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Hoedspruit to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 92.2°F (33.4°C) and 88.9°F (31.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 3 to 6 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Autumn (March through May)

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 92.1°F (33.4°C) and 81.9°F (27.7°C) with colder temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 0 to 4 days of significant precipitation per month. Autumn is the busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Winter (June through August)

The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the least precipitation with 0 to 1 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Hoedspruit, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.