Things to Do in Pretoria

About Pretoria

Where jacaranda trees paint entire streets in purple hues and three capital city functions converge, Pretoria stands as South Africa's administrative heartbeat with a character entirely its own. This is a city where colonial grandeur meets modern African ambition, where wide boulevards lined with historic buildings give way to vibrant neighborhoods that pulse with contemporary energy. Here, altitude brings crisp air and endless blue skies, while the surrounding Magaliesberg mountains frame a cityscape that defies easy categorization.

Travel Tips

• Transportation: Download the Gautrain app and use the rapid rail system to travel safely between Pretoria, Johannesburg, and OR Tambo Airport; within Pretoria itself, use metered Uber or Bolt rather than metered taxis, as ride-sharing apps are more reliable and transparent with pricing.

• Timing Your Visit: Plan your sightseeing for October and November when Pretoria's 70,000+ jacaranda trees bloom purple, transforming the entire city into a spectacular purple canopy (earning it the nickname "Jacaranda City").

• Currency & Payments: While major establishments accept cards, always carry some South African Rand in cash for entry fees at attractions like the Voortrekker Monument (around R100) and for township tours or craft markets where card facilities may be limited.

• Safety Awareness: Avoid walking alone in the CBD after dark and don't display valuables openly; instead, stick to well-populated areas like Hatfield, Brooklyn, and Menlyn for dining and nightlife, where security presence is significantly higher and the atmosphere is more tourist-friendly.

When to Visit

When to Visit Pretoria, South Africa

October through March (spring and summer, with daytime temperatures ranging 25-32°C) is ideal for experiencing Pretoria's famous jacaranda trees, which bloom spectacularly in late October and early November, transforming the city into a purple wonderland and coinciding with the Jacaranda Festival. However, these summer months (December-February) bring afternoon thunderstorms and occasional heavy downpours, with January being the wettest month at around 125mm of rainfall, plus higher humidity levels that can make the heat feel oppressive—though storms typically clear quickly and vegetation is at its lushest. April through September (autumn and winter) offers bone-dry, sunny days with crisp temperatures of 18-23°C and cold nights dropping to 2-5°C, making this perfect for wildlife viewing at nearby reserves since animals congregate around water sources, and you'll encounter fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices, particularly June-August. Budget travelers should target May or September for the sweet spot of mild weather (around 22°C), minimal rainfall, and off-peak pricing, while avoiding major South African school holidays in late March-April, June-July, and December when domestic tourism peaks and attractions become crowded. Winter's only significant downside is the brown, dormant landscape and that frost occasionally affects the Highveld region, but the consistently clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures make it surprisingly appealing for sightseeing and exploring Pretoria's outdoor attractions like the Union Buildings gardens.