The climate of the South African republic. Central African climate What to take with you

The position of the Congo Basin in equatorial and subequatorial latitudes determines the features of its climate. The northern part of the depression is equatorial, the Azande Rise and the whole South part- subequatorial climate. In the depression, continental tropical air transforms into equatorial air, and ascending air currents dominate, with which heavy rainfall is associated.

Temperatures are high and uniform throughout the year. In the equatorial zone, mean monthly temperatures vary within +23 - + 25 ° С. Their fluctuations increase on the marginal uplifts. So, in Katanga, the temperature of the warmest month is + 24 ° С, the coldest + 16 ° С. However, the main differences in climate are not related to temperature conditions, but to the precipitation regime.

In the central part of the depression, precipitation falls evenly, with maximums in spring and autumn, during periods of the sun's zenital position; their number per year reaches 2000 mm and more. Moving to the north and south, the rainy periods gradually merge into one long and a relatively short (2-3 months) dry period (with precipitation below average monthly rate). The north of the country is at lower latitudes than the south, so the dry season is less pronounced there. At the same time, the amount of precipitation decreases. On the northern and southern marginal uplifts, 1500-1700 mm of moisture falls per year. The wettest windward slopes of the South Guinean Uplands receive up to 3000 mm of precipitation per year. The driest is the coastal lowland south of the mouth of the Congo (500 mm per year or less), which is affected by the impact of the cold Benguela Current and the descending air currents of the South Atlantic Maximum; temperatures are also dropping, especially in summer.

Climate of South Africa

The South African Plateau lies in the subequatorial, tropical and subtropical climatic zones... However, tropical climates prevail. Summer Southern hemisphere a local baric depression forms over the Kalahari. The north of the region (up to the middle reaches of the Zambezi) is irrigated by the summer equatorial monsoon. The entire eastern part is influenced by the southeast trade wind, bringing humid tropical air from the Indian Ocean, heated over the warm Mozambican Current. Heavy rainfall fall on the Mozambique lowlands, the slopes of the Great Ledge and the eastern edge plateaus. To the west of the Great Ledge and the marginal plateaus, the marine tropical air quickly transforms into continental air and the amount of precipitation decreases. The western coast is under the influence of the South Atlantic Anticyclone, amplified by the powerful cold Benguela Current. Atlantic air warms up above the surface of the mainland and almost does not emit precipitation. On the western fringe plateaus there is a front between maritime Antlantic and continental tropical air; here the amount of precipitation increases slightly. In the winter of the Southern Hemisphere, a local anticyclone forms over the plateau, which merges with the South Atlantic and South Indian baric maximums. Downward currents of air lead to the dry season; precipitation does not fall.

The South African Plateau is an area of ​​relatively high temperatures, significant daily and annual fluctuations. But on the plateau, temperatures are tempered by significant heights. Above most of the plateau, summer temperatures are +20 - + 25 ° С, without rising above + 40 ° С; winter temperatures equal to +10 - + 16 ° С. On the Upper Karoo plateau, there are frosts in winter, and snow falls on the Basuto Highlands.

The plateau is an area of ​​predominantly scarce precipitation, which is distributed very unevenly over its territory. Their number decreases when moving from east and north to west and south. In the north of the region, up to 1500 mm of moisture falls per year; here the rainy season, brought by the equatorial monsoons, lasts up to 7 months. A lot of precipitation falls on the east coast, where the barrier role of the Great Ledge is especially pronounced. Precipitation is brought here by the southeastern summer trade wind (more than 1000 mm per year, and on the slopes of the Basuto Highlands - over 2000 mm). The most frequent and heavy rainfall occurs from November to April. On the eastern marginal plateaus, the amount of precipitation decreases on the Veld plateau (750-500) and Matabele (750-1000 mm). Summer maximum precipitation persists in the interior regions, but their annual amounts are decreasing. On the central Kalahari plains, the rainy season is reduced to 5-6 months, the annual precipitation does not exceed 500 mm. To the southwest, the amount of precipitation decreases to 125 mm per year. The driest part of the region is the coastal Namib desert (less than 100 mm of precipitation per year). Little precipitation will fall on the western edge plateaus (up to 300 mm per year).

The climate of the Cape Mountains is subtropical. In the southwest, it is of the Mediterranean type, with a rainy warm winter and dry hot summers. Temperatures are tempered by altitude and sea. In Cape Town, the average January temperature is + 21 ° С, in July + 12 ° С. The rains begin in April, are plentiful from June to September, and then cease as wet westerly winds are replaced by winds of subtropical anticyclones. Snow falls on the tops of the mountains in winter. In the western part of the mountains, on their windward slopes, falls the largest number precipitation (up to 1800 mm per year). To the east, their number decreases to 800 mm. East of 22 ° E in the precipitation regime, the typical features of the Mediterranean climate disappear, and the summer maximum begins to prevail due to the penetration of humid oceanic monsoons onto the continent. There is little rainfall on the coastal plain (in Cape Town - 650 mm per year). The climate of the inner parts of the mountains is subtropical continental.

Madagascar's climate is mostly tropical and hot. In the north, the average temperature of the coldest month (July) is + 20 ° С, the warmest (January) + 27 ° С. In the south, the average July temperature drops to + 13 ° С, the average January temperature drops to + 33 ° С. On the plateau, the climate is temperate, with temperatures decreasing with altitude. In Antananarivo, at an altitude of 1400 m, the average January temperature is below + 20 ° С, the average July temperature is + 12- + 13 ° С. Precipitation in different areas the islands are not the same. Most of the precipitation is brought by the southeastern trade wind from the Indian Ocean. Therefore, on the east coast (lowland and plateau slopes), it rains almost evenly throughout the year and the amount of precipitation reaches 3000 mm per year. On the eastern plateaus, the amount of precipitation decreases, but exceeds 1500 mm. There are rainy and dry periods in the west of the island. The amount of precipitation decreases from 1000 to 500 mm per year. In the extreme southwest, inaccessible to humid air currents, moisture falls less than 400 mm per year.

From this we can conclude that the climate of the regions of Africa and their parts is significantly different (table 3.1). This is facilitated by the differences between different climate-forming factors and the intensity of their influence on a certain territory.

Table 3.1 Regional Climate Differences in Africa

The climate of South Africa is tropical, in the south of the country it is subtropical. South Africa is located in the very south of the African continent, and on the one hand it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, on the other by the Indian Ocean. At the same time, the western coast of the country is washed by the cold Bengal current, and the eastern one by the warm Mozambican current. Sea currents have a huge impact on the formation of the country's climate. So, East Coast South Africa has average air temperatures about 6 ° C higher (due to the warm Mozambique Current) than parts of the western coast located at the same latitude (in the Bengal Current area, the water temperature all year round does not rise above + 18 ° С).

The climatic conditions in South Africa are very diverse and depend on the height relative to the ocean level and the distance from it, while even neighboring areas can differ significantly from each other in terms of air temperature. For example, the average annual temperatures in Cape Town and Pretoria are the same, although these cities are separated from each other by almost ten degrees of latitude (!).

A pronounced subtropical climate with high humidity is characteristic of the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, and the central part of the country is characterized by hot summers with occasional thunderstorms and cool winters. The central highland regions are characterized by large daily temperature ranges, and in winter, at night, there are even frosts. In coastal areas, the climate is more humid and characterized by an abundance of tropical rainfall.

In general, the climate in South Africa is very comfortable and healthy. The country is free of malaria and yellow fever, which are present in many African countries... South Africa takes one of the first places in the world in terms of the number of sunny days (!). The sun is constantly shining here for seven months a year! More than half of the solar energy of the entire earth per 1 m² is absorbed here.

Since South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere, climatic seasons here they replace each other the other way around - when it is winter in the northern hemisphere, in South Africa it is hot summer, when in the northern hemisphere it is summer - in South Africa it is winter. Seasonal differences are more pronounced when comparing the northern part of the country with the southern one. But in general, climatic periods are replaced, almost imperceptibly.

Winter in South Africa

In early December, the hot tropical summer begins in South Africa. This is a very pleasant season of the year, when the weather is sunny and dry, the heat, if any, is moderate, and the nights bring coolness. Day and night air temperatures rise to a comfortable level for beach holiday, marks, and tourists can soak up the sun. It is during the summer period, from December to March, that the water temperature in the oceans reaches its maximum, while the Atlantic is never warm here and the water temperature warms up, only, up to + 20 ° С. But the water temperature near Port Elizabeth reaches summer time+ 22 ° C.

The main beach area of ​​the country can be called the coast of Natal province, south and north of Durban. On the shores of the Indian Ocean in South Africa, the sun almost always shines, clear weather prevails all year round, regardless of the season. Average daily air temperature in Durban in summer months is + 28 ° C, at night up to + 25 ° C. You can swim here all year round - the water temperature in the ocean reaches + 24 ° C in summer and up to + 20 ° C in winter.

In the areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria, summer is rainy, but it usually rains only in the afternoon, it is always sunny and dry before lunchtime. The average daily temperature in Pretoria and Johannesburg at this time of the year is + 28 ° C, at night there is a slight cooling - up to + 23 ° C. In mountainous areas between Johannesburg and Transkei, air temperatures drop in accordance with the altitude (the higher the altitude - the lower the air temperature).

Cape Town is considered the windiest city in the world. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town in the summer months is + 26 ° C, at night, dropping to only + 20 ° C. This time of year blows here Eastern wind, which is called the "Cape Doctor". Despite the slight discomfort (since the wind is strong enough), it scares away insects and disperses industrial emissions... In the summertime, clouds hang over Table Mountain, and this is considered one of the landscape attractions of this country.

Despite the seemingly low air temperatures for Africa, the sun is very hot here, and burns very quickly. From the end of February, birds can be seen gathering in flocks and circling over the beaches and villages. Many birds (for example, swifts and swallows) travel a long way and arrive in South Africa from the northern hemisphere to winter, and at the end of summer (winter) they are going to return home. So, don't be surprised if on the other end the globe, thousands of kilometers from home, you will meet such familiar and dear birds ...

Spring in South Africa

March is the last hot month in South Africa, the end of the month can be described as the beginning of autumn. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town is + 25 ° C, dropping to + 19 ° C at night, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, on average, + 26 ° C during the day, and up to + 19 ° C at night. The warmest in March will be in Durban - up to + 28 ° C in daytime, at night + 25 ° C. And if March is still quite suitable for a beach holiday, then starting from April it will be already cool to swim. But, it is at this time that the hunting season opens - all hunting farms are open. Hunting for baboons, which are widespread in South Africa in large numbers, is especially widespread, because these monkeys are predators and exterminate young antelopes.

In April, the autumn period begins throughout South Africa. Despite the fact that there is very little rainfall in the fall, a thick fog rises at night and in the mornings practically throughout the country. Autumn in southern Africa is not much different from autumn in European latitudes. Many turn yellow deciduous trees and the vineyards are covered with the golden colors of autumn.

The air temperature is decreasing everywhere by 2 - 3 degrees, and the daily drops are becoming greater. The average daytime air temperature in April in Cape Town reaches + 22 ° C, and at night it drops to + 17 ° C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in April during the daytime around + 24 ° C, at night up to + 19 ° C. It is still warm in Durban - during the day + 25 ° C, at night up to + 21 ° C.

In May, downpours become more frequent in South Africa, cloudy weather begins to prevail, many trees acquire a yellow tint. This time is associated with harvesting, therefore, in the fields you can see many peasants who harvest corn, cotton and sugarcane.

It gets even colder throughout South Africa in May. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town is already barely reaching + 19 ° C, and at night there is no more than + 14 ° C, and all because of strong and cold winds. Slightly warmer in Pretoria and Johannesburg - in the daytime up to + 22 ° C, but at night it is also cool - no more than + 15 ° C. It is also windy in Durban, but here it is warmer - the average daytime air temperature is + 24 ° C, at night up to + 20 ° C.

Summer in South Africa

June starts in South Africa winter period... The weather behaves very unpredictably during the day. Also, climatic conditions differ from location - in some regions in winter time the year is very comfortable, in others it is very cold. On the territory of savannas and plains, precipitation is extremely rare, but in the mountains there is often snow and the air temperature can drop below 0 ° C. Moving from Cape Town to the north along the Atlantic coast, the climate becomes drier and hotter - the Namib Desert is approaching. Here the coast is inhabited by large colonies of birds (gulls, gannets, pelicans, flamingos and many others), and the cold Bengal Current significantly lowers the temperature of the Atlantic waters. With the cold current, sardines come to the shores and remain for spawning. And they are followed by predators - sharks, seals, dolphins and others, therefore, the winter period is considered the best time for diving in these places. Those lucky enough to find a flock of sardines underwater will be very impressed. Sharks and dolphins are circling everywhere, seized by a thirst for easy profit, and birds crashing into the water.

In winter, the coast of South Africa is very cool, winds blow and it rains from time to time. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town in winter is about + 17 ° C, at night it is very cool, only up to + 12 ° C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg during the day + 19 ° C, at night, too, up to + 12 ° C. In Durban, it is a little warmer - + 21 ° C during the day and up to + 17 ° C at night, not at all beach weather. In the mountains, at the height of winter, you can see snow, moreover, not a little. Sometimes there is snow in large cities, but there it melts quickly.

Tourists wandering into South Africa in the middle of winter are in for a stunning sight. In July, whales come to the shores en masse and stay close to the coast until October. Off the coast of South Africa, whales give birth and raise their cubs. At this time, they come so close to the shore that they can be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, ships full of tourists often go out to sea, who want to see a huge whale with their own eyes!

August is the last winter month in South Africa. This time the best way suitable for visiting the southern part of the Kalahari Desert. From mid-August to mid-September, the desert is covered with millions of flowers. The entire desert burns with orange fire, occasionally diluted with yellow or blue glades.

Autumn in South Africa

Spring begins in South Africa from the very first days of September! At this time, the air temperature begins to increase everywhere, precipitation becomes less, and the sun is shining more and more often. The water in rivers and lakes is warming, its temperature is about + 15 ° C. The vegetation of plants is actively developing, everything around it blooms and smells. This is the best time to visit national parks and travel to remote areas of the country.

Perhaps only in South Africa you can see so many flowers at the same time. They literally cover all lawns inside cities and fields outside of civilization. In spring, the Kalahari Desert continues to bloom, where there are 3,000 species of flowers (!), Of which about 1,500 are unique (!), Which are not found anywhere else on earth. And in Namakualand 4,000 more species of flowers bloom (!), 1,000 of which are unique. Here flowers dry up with the onset of summer, and the place turns into a desert.

Already in September, in the west of the country, there are more and more sunny days, and it rains even less often - only 2 - 3 rains can pass in a month. Cape Town at this time is very picturesque - its botanical gardens and flower gardens are considered one of the most beautiful in the world! The average air temperature in Cape Town in September is + 18 ° C, at night up to + 14 ° C, but the ocean off the coast of the city at this time of the year is very cold - no more than + 15 ° C. It will be very warm in September in Pretoria and Johannesburg, here the average daytime air temperature rises up to + 26 ° C, at night, as a rule, about + 20 ° C. But in Durban, it is still not hot - the air temperature during the day warms up only to + 23 ° C, dropping to + 20 ° C at night. But the ocean on this side of the coast is slightly warmer, and in September it warms up to + 18 ° C.

It gets even warmer in South Africa in October. This month the most beautiful city the country is considered to be Pretoria. The fact is that the whole city is planted with trees called "Jacaranda". In October, these trees begin to bloom, painting all the streets in purple while giving off an incredible scent everywhere. The scent of these flowers makes women all over the world look for perfumery that is even slightly similar to it.

In October, the average daytime temperature in Cape Town already reaches + 21 ° C, at night it drops to + 16 ° C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in October there are wonderful air temperatures - during the day, on average, + 27 ° C, at night + 22 ° C, and in Durban during the day + 23 ° C, at night + 20 ° C. In some mountainous regions of the country, there are strong daily temperature fluctuations in spring, when the air cools down to temperatures below 0 ° C at night. The greatest amount of precipitation in the mountains falls at this particular time.

November is the last spring month- a great time to travel around the country. A particularly enjoyable visit this month is the Blyde River Canyon. At this time, in good spring weather here you can see a view of 120 kilometers around, it seems as if the whole earth is visible. This place was nicknamed "God's Window".

The November air temperature in the country is excellent: the average daytime temperature in Cape Town is + 22 ° C, although it drops to + 17 ° C at night. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in November, it is very comfortable during the day - about + 27 ° C, at night up to + 22 ° C. In Durban during the day, on average, + 23 ° C, at night about + 21 ° C.

Rainfall in South Africa is unevenly distributed and fluctuates significantly from west to east. In the northwest of the country, the annual precipitation does not exceed 200 mm of precipitation per year. The eastern regions of South Africa receive from 500 mm to 900 mm of precipitation per year, and sometimes the amount of precipitation there exceeds 2,000 mm of precipitation per year. The central part of the country receives, on average, 400 mm of precipitation per year, and this figure increases as you approach the coast.

When is the best time to go to South Africa. You can go to South Africa any month, here the best time to visit the country depends only on your desires. If you are dreaming of visiting the extraordinary Cape Town, the best time to travel is the summer months - from December to March. At this time, it is usually warm and sunny here, only sometimes it can go pouring rain with thunder and lightning and get a little cold. But remember: high season in South Africa starts from December 20 to January 5, when most people take their annual leave, prices for accommodation, flights and car rentals will be very high. And although Cape Town is beautiful at any time of the year, it will be most comfortable here in the summer.

If you go to South Africa for a beach holiday - then feel free to go to the vicinity of Durban for a good wave and the most warm sea in the country. Beach holidays here are possible in the summer months - from December to March, this time is considered the warmest and most comfortable. Here you can relax on the chic beaches, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, diving or fishing. But the rest of the months are of little use for a beach holiday - it is cold, windy and sometimes very rainy.

The spring months - September to November - are the best times to visit the Western Cape, the time when magnificent wild flowers and daisies bloom in the Namacaland Valley. In addition, it is in spring that everything around blooms, every flower, every plant in the country blooms and emits a fragrant aroma. Even the big cities of South Africa and those who cannot resist spring mood, and even here all the streets bloom with a colorful carpet. Therefore, if you want really colorful photos, go to South Africa in the spring months.

Numerous National parks South Africa can be visited at any time of the year, but, for example, nature reserves in Zululand, in the north of Natal, it is preferable to visit winter months between July and September. During this time, hippos, crocodiles and white rhinos can be seen here in large numbers.And here is one of best reserves Africa and the most famous park in South Africa - National park The Kruger is best visited from May to October when the dry season is and the months of September and October are especially favorable. At this time, you can see the maximum diversity of the local fauna, because most of the animals gather at this time of the year near water bodies.

The autumn months - from March to early June - are the hunting season in the country, and if you are a big fan of hunting, you can try your hand in the vastness of Africa.

The time is from July to October - perfect for whale watching. It was during this period that they massively sail to the coast of South Africa, there are a lot of them here, at the same time they begin to breed here.

In the winter months, it is better to exclude the coastal cities of South Africa from visiting - it is damp, chilly, cold and rainy. The mountainous region of the country is also famous for its special climate - in winter it can be very cold and knee-deep snowdrifts.

Tours in South Africa – specials of the day

South Africa has many different climatic zones... There are deserts and areas with Mediterranean and even subtropical climate... Difference in temperature and humidity in different zones this part of the world is quite significant. In general, the seasons here are the exact opposite of the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere.

Weather in South Africa now:

Summer weather in South Africa occurs from October to March, at which time the air temperature can range from 15 to 35 degrees. Winter weather set from June to August, when temperatures can drop below zero at night and rise to twenty degrees during the day. Spring and autumn take up short periods of time - two months each.

South Africa climate by month:

Spring

Spring in South Africa comes in August. At this time, the temperature begins to rise, its daily jumps increase. In August, in different zones of the South African region, the temperature can rise to 20 degrees during the day and drop to 8-10 degrees at night. In September, these indicators increase by an average of 2-5 degrees. The water in rivers and lakes is warming, its temperature is about 15 degrees. At this time, vegetation actively develops and flourishes. So, in Botswana, acacia, mocutemo and other plants begin to grow and bloom.

In spring, in areas located far from the coast, the wind season begins. Unlike winter and other seasons, when the wind speed is rarely one and a half meters per second, in August the wind speed reaches 8 meters per second.

Summer

Summer in South Africa starts in October. In this season in different areas the temperature can reach 35 degrees. During the day, there is a dry heat throughout the territory, while at night the thermometers drop to fifteen degrees. In some places, for example in South Africa, there are strong daily temperature fluctuations, when the air cools down to temperatures below zero at night. Usually such drops are found in the mountains. The largest amount of precipitation falls on this particular time. At the same time, the flowering of vegetation begins.

The small South African country of Swaziland is distinguished by a huge variety and richness of flora. There are about two and a half thousand plant species here. These are all kinds of flowers and shrubs. This time of year accounts for most of the holidays in South Africa. The largest of them are New Year and Christmas, which is celebrated according to the Catholic tradition on December 25th.

Autumn

The fall season begins in South Africa in April and does not last very long - until about mid-May. This is very interesting time of the year. Despite the fact that there is very little rainfall in autumn, a thick fog rises at night and in the morning almost throughout the entire territory. The temperature gradually drops down, the daily drops become less. For example, in April in South Africa the temperature rises to 23 degrees during the day and drops to 12 degrees at night. In some countries, for example, in Zimbabwe, such a season as autumn does not stand out at all, winter comes abruptly, in late March - early April.

Winter

Winter is the most varied season in South Africa. This time of year begins in June and ends in August. On average, the temperature ranges from 10-20 degrees Celsius. On the territory of savannas and plains, precipitation is extremely rare, but in the mountains there is often snow. In mountainous areas, the air temperature can drop significantly below zero. Although most of the regions are characterized by slight frosts.

In South Africa, there are no animals that hibernate with the onset of cold weather. Representatives of the local fauna generally behave the same at any time of the year. The fauna is quite diverse here. You can find both predatory animals such as jackals, hyenas, leopards and lions, and herbivorous elephants, antelopes, zebras and all kinds of monkeys.

Long-term weather regime typical for South Africa due to its geographic location.

Characteristic

The country's climatic conditions range from Mediterranean in the southwestern part to temperate in the central part of the country and subtropical in the northeast. A small area in the northwest has a tropical desert climate. The territory is characterized by warm, sunny days and cold nights. Precipitation usually falls during the summer (November to March), although the southwest in Cape Town during the winter (June to August). The air temperature here depends on the height of the terrain above sea level, ocean currents and latitude. Average monthly temperatures some localities exceed +32 ºC in summer, and sometimes reach +38 ºC in the north of the country. The absolute maximum temperature above +48 ºC was recorded in the North Cape and Mpumalanga provinces. Freezing temperatures are found in the mountains on high altitudes in winter. Absolute temperature minimums were recorded mainly in mountainous areas.

Extreme natural phenomena

Impact on climate

Climatic conditions vary greatly between the western and eastern parts of the country. From the east, the coast of South Africa is washed by the warm current of Cape Igolny (Indian Ocean), from the west it is washed by the cold Benguela current (Atlantic Ocean). The air temperature in Durban, on the shores of the Indian Ocean, is, on average, almost 6 ° C warmer than the air temperature at the same latitude on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The influence of these two currents can be seen even on the narrow peninsula of the Cape of Good Hope, where the average water temperature is 4 ° C higher on the east side than on the west.

Precipitation

Precipitation varies considerably from west to east. In the northwest, the annual rainfall is often below 200 millimeters. Most of the eastern regions, on the other hand, receive from 500 millimeters to 900 millimeters of precipitation per year, and sometimes the amount of precipitation there exceeds 2000 mm. The central part of the country receives an average of 400 mm of precipitation per year, this figure increases when approaching the coast. The indicator of 400 mm of precipitation per year is considered a conditional line; the territories to the east of it, as a rule, are suitable for growing crops, and to the west only for grazing livestock and cultivating crops on irrigated land. In the highlands, the average annual rainfall in places does not exceed 200-300 mm per year, so in Sutherland per year on average 237 mm of precipitation falls.

Air temperature

The average annual temperature in Cape Town is 17 ºC, and in Pretoria 17.5 ºC, although these cities are separated from each other by almost ten degrees of latitude. It is often believed that the coldest place in the country is Sutherland in the west of the Roggeveld Ridge, where the temperature dropped to -16 ° C on July 12, 2003, but in fact the most low temperatures attested at Baffelsfontein Eastern Cape: −18.6 ° C. Most high temperatures found inland: in the Kalahari near Upington in 1948, a temperature of 51.7 ° C was recorded. The average annual temperature in the country, taking into account the height above sea level, is 16.5 degrees, the lowest average annual temperature is observed in Sutherland, 11.7 degrees. Maximum temperature even in summer it usually does not exceed 34-35 degrees, on winter nights it can drop to -5 -10 degrees.

Refers to those rare places on our planet, where not every tourist gets. But almost everyone who is familiar with the call of wandering and the aroma of the earth scorched under the sun dreams of such a journey. Although South Africa, whose climate is very diverse, can give not only sunny days, but also rainy weeks, when everything around is under the influence of bad weather for many kilometers.

geographical position

South Africa is a fairly young state; today it has not yet turned a hundred years old. But the history of this place is truly unique and belongs to the most ancient on the planet.

South Africa is located in the southern part of the African continent and extends over more than one million square kilometers. This territory contains nine provinces and three capitals. Few people know that South Africa is one of the richest countries in the world. There are deposits of manganese, diamonds and gold here, and the recognized leaders in the list of countries recommended to visit can envy the diversity of flora and fauna.

Such a variety of plants and animals, many of which are truly unique, provided South Africa with a climate. He miraculously preserved rare species plants that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet and provided a comfortable life for many species of animals.

South African climate: briefly about the main

Briefly speaking about the climate of South Africa, the most important thing that needs to be mentioned is the number of climatic zones. There are twenty of them on the territory of the state, something like this is not found in any other country in the world! These amazing features of the South African climate have provided the state with an influx of tourists who, several years ago, were able to appreciate the possibilities of recreation in South Africa. Indeed, in one trip, you can easily cross several climatic zones and see rare species of animals live.

South Africa: nature and climate

The territory of South Africa is washed by the waters of two oceans at once, which significantly affects the climate of the state. Indian Ocean brings warm subtropical air, but the Atlantic contributes to the formation of hot and dry air masses over most of the Republic of South Africa. In general, the climate in the country can be characterized as moderate, which is very unusual for such a geographical location. But do not forget that South Africa is quite high above sea level and is often influenced by fresh ocean breezes. This feature makes it easy to carry even summer heat exceeding thirty-five degrees Celsius.

The twenty climatic zones that exist in South Africa can be roughly divided into:

• tropics;
• subtropics;
• mediterranean.

The east of the country is characterized by high humidity and high average annual temperatures, which is very similar to the Asian mainland. North South Africa can be safely attributed to tropical climate with big amount precipitation, but the south is just a Mediterranean paradise. Tourists from Europe often come here, surprised by the quite pleasant and comfortable climatic conditions.

South African climate: interesting features

For those who come to South Africa for the first time, the climate can bring many surprises and surprises. For example, the scatter is quite surprising. average annual temperatures v different parts country. It can go up to ten to twelve degrees, which is absolutely impossible in other states.

Winter and summer in South Africa are the opposite of the usual seasons for people in Europe and Asia. Summer lasts from October to April in the country, and winter begins in May. Moreover, spring and autumn fly by almost imperceptibly, they are very short. Usually the off-season does not last more than two to three weeks. The average monthly summer temperature is twenty-five degrees above zero Celsius, in winter, especially in the desert, the thermometer can drop to zero. In the daytime, even in winter, the air warms up quickly, which allows tourists to visit South Africa at any time of the year.

Influence of climate on flora and fauna of South Africa

A large territory of South Africa is given over to national parks and reserves. It is forbidden to hunt in them, and ideal conditions for active life animals. Tourists coming to african continent try to make sure to go on a safari to see the lions, elephants and rhinos in their natural environment a habitat. They feel great in the conditions a large number climatic zones and after the ban on shooting them was introduced, significantly increased their population.

For botanists, South Africa seems to be just paradise, because many houseplants were taken to Europe from here. Today the country boasts the largest number of endemic plants in the world. Now there are more than five thousand species that are not found anywhere else in nature. This fact makes South Africa's climate really special.

Of great interest to scientists is the silvery flower, which is the symbol of the country. The fact is that it is found only in South Africa. The climate of the country has a wonderful effect on this plant. On the one hand, climatic conditions allow the flower to grow within the same habitat zone, but on the other hand, it is the climate that does not allow the possibility of the spread of this plant throughout the territory of the Republic of South Africa.