Durban, South Africa Climate & Monthly Averages

South Africa 🇿🇦 · humid subtropical climate
Annual avg
70°
Hottest month
February
Coldest month
July
Rainy days / yr
114
Sunshine
9.6 h/day
Right now: 66° and clear - see live conditions

The climate of Durban

Located in South Africa, Durban experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 81°F (27°C) in February and dip to about 72°F (22°C) in July, with around 38.1 inches (968 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.

Climate quick facts

  • Hottest month: February - highs near 81°F (27°C)
  • Coldest month: July - highs near 72°F (22°C)
  • Record high: 97°F (36°C) · Record low: 46°F (8°C) (2015–2024)
  • Wettest month: April (10 rainy days) · Sunniest: January (11.0 h sun/day)
  • Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters

Temperatures through the year

The warmest stretch of the year centers on February. Highs average 81°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 72°F (22°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows around 56°F (13°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 97°F (36°C) and dropped as low as 46°F (8°C).

Rain, sun and snow

April is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.5 inches (115 mm) of rain over 10 days, while June is the driest. January brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.0 hours of sun a day.

Monthly climate table

Monthly averages for Durban based on 2015–2024 weather data.
MonthHighLow Rain daysPrecipitation SunshineHumidity
January 81° 71° 12 3.9 in 11.0 h/day 77%
February 81° 72° 10 4.1 in 10.0 h/day 78%
March 81° 70° 11 3.7 in 10.0 h/day 78%
April 77° 66° 10 4.5 in 9.0 h/day 77%
May 75° 62° 6 3.5 in 9.3 h/day 74%
June 73° 58° 5 0.9 in 9.6 h/day 67%
July 72° 56° 5 1.5 in 9.3 h/day 65%
August 72° 58° 7 1.4 in 9.2 h/day 70%
September 73° 62° 9 3.0 in 8.9 h/day 76%
October 74° 64° 12 4.2 in 9.4 h/day 76%
November 76° 66° 13 3.5 in 9.6 h/day 77%
December 79° 70° 14 3.9 in 9.9 h/day 78%

Durban month by month

Durban weather in January

January brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 12 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Durban.

Durban weather in February

February brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 10 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Durban.

Durban weather in March

March brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 11 wet days.

Durban weather in April

April brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 10 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Durban.

Durban weather in May

May brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 6 wet days.

Durban weather in June

June brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 5 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Durban.

Durban weather in July

July brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 5 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Durban.

Durban weather in August

August brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 7 wet days.

Durban weather in September

September brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 62°F (16°C), about 9 wet days.

Durban weather in October

October brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 12 wet days.

Durban weather in November

November brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 13 wet days.

Durban weather in December

December brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 14 wet days.

Seasons in Durban

Spring (September through November)

Spring in Durban is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 74°F (24°C) and nights around 64°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season.

Summer (December through February)

Summer in Durban is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (27°C) and nights around 71°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season.

Fall (March through May)

Fall in Durban is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (25°C) and nights around 66°F (19°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.

Winter (June through August)

Winter in Durban brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 72°F (22°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); rain falls on about 17 days over the three months.

Climate questions, answered

What is the average temperature in Durban?
Averaged over all twelve months, Durban sits at 70°F (21°C) - about 76°F (24°C) by day and 65°F (18°C) after dark.
Is Durban hot in summer?
Warm to hot: February, the warmest month, averages highs of 81°F (27°C) - hot afternoons happen, but extremes are not the norm.
Is Durban cold in winter?
Cold never really arrives: July, the coolest month, keeps nights around 56°F (13°C).
How many rainy days does Durban get in a year?
Count on around 114 days of rain or snow annually - concentrated in April, sparsest in June.

Best time to visit Durban

The best time to visit Durban is generally May to August, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 73°F (23°C).

Pack for Durban with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - February nights average 72°F (22°C).

Durban temperature records (2015-2024)

Highest recorded
97°
in August
Lowest recorded
46°
in July
Annual precipitation
38.1"
Snowy days / yr
0

Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.