Pretoria in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Pretoria

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

109 mm (4.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect summer weather with warm days 29°C (84°F) and cool evenings 18°C (64°F) - ideal for outdoor activities without the scorching heat of December-January
Jacaranda trees in full purple bloom throughout the city, creating Instagram-worthy streetscapes on streets like Herbert Baker and Government Avenue
Low tourist season means 40-50% cheaper accommodation rates and no queues at Union Buildings or Voortrekker Monument
Excellent game viewing conditions at nearby reserves as animals gather around water sources during the dry season transition

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 3-4pm on 60% of days, lasting 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours that can flood low-lying areas
High UV index of 8 combined with Pretoria's altitude of 1,339m (4,393ft) means sunburn happens within 15-20 minutes without protection
Many locals are on school holidays (mid-January to mid-February), so popular weekend spots like Rietvlei Nature Reserve can be crowded with families

Best Activities in February

Union Buildings and Government Precinct Walking Tours

February's mild morning temperatures 22°C (72°F) make this the perfect time to explore Pretoria's administrative heart before afternoon storms. The jacaranda-lined Government Avenue is at peak bloom, and you can combine this with the Mandela statue and Herbert Baker architecture tours. Start early at 8am to avoid both crowds and heat.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available daily, or book guided tours through the city tourism office 2-3 days ahead. Typical guided tours cost R150-300 ($8-16). Morning slots fill up during school holidays. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cullinan Diamond Mine Underground Tours

February's hot afternoons make underground mine tours particularly refreshing - it's a constant 15°C (59°F) below ground. This is peak season for the 2-hour underground experience as locals seek cool activities. The mine is 30km (19 miles) east of Pretoria and combines well with morning city activities.

Booking Tip: Book underground tours 7-10 days ahead as they limit groups to 12 people. Surface tours available same-day for R200-350 ($11-19), underground experiences R450-650 ($24-35). Closed Sundays. See current availability in booking section below.

Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve Hiking

Early morning hikes (6-8am) offer perfect conditions before the heat builds. The 3km (1.9 mile) trails provide panoramic city views and the monument's air-conditioned museum is ideal for midday refuge. February's clear mornings offer the best photography light for the monument's granite structure.

Booking Tip: Monument entry R50 ($3), nature reserve R35 ($2). No advance booking needed except for weekend braai facilities. Guided cultural tours available R120-200 ($6-11). Best accessed by car - 15km (9 miles) south of city center. See current tour options in booking section below.

Pretoria National Botanical Garden Sunrise Sessions

February showcases the garden's summer flora at peak bloom. Early morning visits (6-9am) offer perfect temperatures for the 5km (3.1 miles) of trails and avoid afternoon storms. The quartzite ridges and endemic plants are uniquely beautiful during summer months, and bird activity peaks at sunrise.

Booking Tip: Day entry R35 adults ($2), R15 children. Special guided bird walks Saturday mornings R80 ($4) - book through reception. Bring water and sun hat. Restaurant open 8am-4pm for post-hike meals. See current guided activities in booking section below.

Hatfield and Brooklyn Food Market Tours

February's warm evenings create perfect conditions for outdoor dining and food markets. Hazel Food Market (Thursday-Saturday) and Neighbourgoods Market Brooklyn (Saturday) showcase seasonal produce and local flavors. Evening temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make al fresco dining comfortable.

Booking Tip: Markets free to enter, food items R30-150 ($2-8). Saturdays busiest - arrive before 10am or after 2pm. Food tours typically R350-500 ($19-27) including tastings. No advance booking needed for market entry. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve Game Drives

February's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources, making game viewing excellent. Early morning drives (6-8am) offer perfect temperatures and active animals. Located 20km (12 miles) southeast, it's less crowded than Kruger alternatives and perfect for half-day trips before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Self-drive entry R50 per vehicle ($3). Guided game drives R200-400 ($11-22) per person, book 2-3 days ahead on weekends. Best wildlife viewing first 2 hours after sunrise. Bring binoculars and water. See current guided drive options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

University of Pretoria Summer Concerts

Weekly outdoor concerts at UP campus featuring local and international artists. February's warm evenings create perfect amphitheater conditions, and student energy adds to the atmosphere.

Early to Mid February

Jacaranda Season Peak Bloom

While not an organized event, February marks peak jacaranda flowering throughout the city. Streets like Herbert Baker, Government Avenue, and University Road become purple tunnels perfect for photography and romantic walks.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index 8 at 1,339m (4,393ft) altitude causes burns in 15-20 minutes

Lightweight waterproof jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon storms hit suddenly with heavy downpours lasting 30-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - summer rains make pavements and hiking trails slippery

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity which traps sweat and becomes uncomfortable

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - morning activities expose you to intense African sun with minimal shade

Light layers for evening - temperatures drop from 29°C to 18°C (84°F to 64°F) between day and night

Insect repellent for outdoor dining - warm humid evenings attract mosquitoes in garden restaurants and outdoor markets

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation essential for township tours and suburban attractions, battery drains faster in heat

Water bottle (minimum 1 liter) - dehydration happens quickly in dry summer heat combined with altitude

Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces - museums and malls keep temperatures around 18°C (64°F) for relief from heat

Insider Knowledge

Time afternoon activities around the 3-4pm storm window - locals plan indoor activities like Ditsong museums or Menlyn Park shopping during peak downpour hours

Jacaranda petals make cars slippery when wet - local tip is to park under trees before storms to wash your car naturally, but avoid driving immediately after rain

February school holidays mean domestic tourists flood weekend attractions - visit Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument on weekdays for 70% fewer crowds and better photos

Altitude affects alcohol tolerance - Pretoria's 1,339m (4,393ft) elevation means one drink feels like two, especially dangerous when combined with dehydration from summer heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon storm intensity - tourists get caught without shelter when sudden thunderstorms flood streets and create dangerous driving conditions

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - locals know to finish hiking and sightseeing before storms hit, but tourists often get soaked at Voortrekker Monument or Saint Vincent

Wearing dark colors in summer heat - black clothing becomes unbearable in 29°C (84°F) temperatures, stick to light colors that reflect heat rather than absorb it