Climate Overview
The climate in Phuthaditjhaba is temperate. The average annual temperature is 14°C and approximately 930mm of precipitation falls per year. December is the wettest month, receiving around 174mm of rainfall. Phuthaditjhaba is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed — summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: December, January, February. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 0°C. Light snow can occur between July and October.
Temperature
Temperatures in Phuthaditjhaba vary considerably across the year, with a 24°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. December is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 24°C with a mean of 18°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 0°C and an average of 7°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 14°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between August and September, with a 4°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Phuthaditjhaba is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 930mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 78mm per month. The wettest month is December, averaging 174mm of rainfall. January and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 12mm. That's 162mm less than December, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic. Light snowfall can occur between July and October, totalling around 8cm annually. September is the snowiest month with approximately 3cm.
Wind
Phuthaditjhaba is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 17km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 21km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 15km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 6km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
3 days until Autumn
It is currently winter in Phuthaditjhaba, which began on June 21, 2026. Phuthaditjhaba is in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed — spring starts in September, summer in December, autumn in March, and winter in June. The warmest period peaks in December at around 24°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 0°C. Autumn is next, beginning on March 20, 2026 — 3 days from now.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Phuthaditjhaba is during March and October, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 16°C with modest rainfall averaging 83mm per month. By contrast, December can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 24°C, while July is the coldest period with lows dropping to 0°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely — pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Phuthaditjhaba based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.