Cheap flights to South Africa

Most popular in	December	High demand for flights, 9% potential price rise
Cheapest in	February	Best time to find cheap flights, 3% potential price drop
Average price	$1617	Price for this month
Cheapest price	$1392	From Auckland to Johannesburg

Cheapest prices for South Africa flights by month

January

$2042

February

$1535

March

$1616

April

$1799

May

$1681

June

$1837

July

$1879

August

$1666

September

$1624

October

$1541

November

$1546

December

$2135

At the present moment the cheapest month to fly to South Africa is currently February; with December being the most expensive. Prices will vary depending on multiple factors such as booking in advance, airline and departure airports and times.

When is the best time to fly to South Africa?

Choose a month below to see average flight price and weather conditions.

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Base

Price	1404 - 2695 NZD
Temperature	17.8 - 26.3 °C
Rainfall	4 - 151 mm

Flying to South Africa in October is usually considered the best time to fly. However, you will find other deals are always available year round. January tends to be the warmest period in South Africa so if you are looking for sun or warmer climates then look to fly around this time. December is the wettest if you need to factor this in to your plans.

When is the best time to book flights to South Africa?

The price you pay for your flight to South Africa may vary depending on when you book. For the best chance of a lower fare, look to book 54 days in advance of your trip. Fares are likely to increase a fortnight or so before your departure date.

Days before departure

Which day is cheapest to fly to South Africa?

At the moment, Tuesday is the most economical day to take a flight to South Africa. Saturday is likely to be the most costly.

What time of day is cheapest to fly?

Flights at midday are typically the cheapest time of the day to fly to South Africa. Flights in the morning are usually the most expensive.

The beautiful land of South Africa has emerged from its turbulent past and reinvented itself as the diverse and exciting destination we know today.

Intrepid travellers buy cheap flights to South Africa to spot the continent’s famous wildlife and explore the great, untamed outdoors.

South Africa, located on the southernmost tip of the continent, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean, has emerged from its turbulent past and reinvented itself as an exciting destination that is captivating many intrepid travellers.

Most flights to South Africa arrive in either Cape Town, the oldest city in southern Africa and the most progressive, or brash and bustling “Joburg” (Johannesburg).

South Africa climate

South Africa has diverse climactic regions, given its size, but the summers are generally warm and sunny (December to April), with heavy rains in the afternoons. Winters in the Cape are cool and wet and snow falls on the mountain ranges, as well as in Natal. Gauteng and the northern areas experience regular evening thunderstorms in summer, while winters usually see warm days and cold nights.

When to fly to South Africa

Peak Season:

As South Africa is a year-round destination, the best time to book flights to South Africa depends on what you want to do.

The best time for game watching is in spring. Whale watching time for Southern Right Whales is between mid-June and the end of October, while the Humpback whales are seen between August and December. Summer is prime surfing and diving time, while hiking is most pleasant in spring and autumn.

Getting around South Africa

Eight airlines operate domestic flights around South Africa. South African Airways, the national carrier, flies between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, George, Upington, Kimberley, East London, Mthatha, Margate, Sun City and other destinations. South African Express flies between Johannesburg, Cape Town, East London and George and other cities.

British Airways flies from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, as well as between Cape Town and Durban. Other domestic airlines include Kululu.com, Mango and Nationwide. There are also smaller charter airlines.

By Bus: Intercape, Greyhound and Translux run coach services around South Africa.

By Rail: Spoornet connects the major cities. The luxury Blue Train (scheduled and charter) runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and there are also special packaged routes. Luxury rail journeys are also run by Rovos Rail, while the Steam Train Company offers scenic old-style tours.

By Road: South Africa’s roads are excellent and the major international car rental firms have branches at the airports and around the country. You can also rent a motorbike or campervan/motorhome. Drive on the left.