Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Weather by Month and Climate Averages

How much rain does Pietermaritzburg get?

Pietermaritzburg gets 578 mm of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 113 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 93% of South Africa.

December is the wettest month, with 90 mm. June is the driest, with 8 mm. December has the most rainy days, about 15.

Pietermaritzburg weather by month

Pietermaritzburg weather in January

In January, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 27°C and a low of 15°C. It gets 87 mm of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 33% of daylight hours. The January record high is 38°C (2016) and the record low is 6°C (1979).

Pietermaritzburg weather in February

In February, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 27°C and a low of 15°C. It gets 74 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 31% of daylight hours. The February record high is 37°C (2008) and the record low is 8°C (2007).

Pietermaritzburg weather in March

In March, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 26°C and a low of 14°C. It gets 77 mm of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 43% of daylight hours. The March record high is 36°C (2016) and the record low is 4°C (1970). March is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in April

In April, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 24°C and a low of 11°C. It gets 38 mm of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 46% of daylight hours. The April record high is 35°C (2017) and the record low is 0°C (1982). April is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in May

In May, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 23°C and a low of 7°C. It gets 18 mm of precipitation over about 5 rainy days. The sun is out about 68% of daylight hours. The May record high is 32°C (2024) and the record low is -4°C (2007). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in June

In June, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 21°C and a low of 3°C. It gets 8 mm of precipitation over about 3 rainy days. The sun is out about 77% of daylight hours. The June record high is 29°C (2021) and the record low is -4°C (1992). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in July

In July, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 21°C and a low of 3°C. It gets 12 mm of precipitation over about 3 rainy days. The sun is out about 78% of daylight hours. The July record high is 30°C (2019) and the record low is -5°C (2014). July is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in August

In August, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 22°C and a low of 6°C. It gets 11 mm of precipitation over about 4 rainy days. The sun is out about 67% of daylight hours. The August record high is 34°C (2024) and the record low is -4°C (2012). August is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in September

In September, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 24°C and a low of 9°C. It gets 27 mm of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 50% of daylight hours. The September record high is 37°C (2019) and the record low is -3°C (2013). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in October

In October, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 24°C and a low of 11°C. It gets 62 mm of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 37% of daylight hours. The October record high is 38°C (2015) and the record low is 2°C (1971). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in November

In November, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 25°C and a low of 12°C. It gets 74 mm of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 28% of daylight hours. The November record high is 38°C (2024) and the record low is 3°C (2017). November is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Pietermaritzburg weather in December

In December, Pietermaritzburg averages a high of 26°C and a low of 14°C. It gets 90 mm of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 24% of daylight hours. The December record high is 41°C (2015) and the record low is 4°C (1984).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Pietermaritzburg

July is the sunniest month in Pietermaritzburg, with sunshine about 78% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest, at 24%. Over the year the sun shines about 49% of daylight hours. Pietermaritzburg is cloudier than 95% of South Africa.

Humidity peaks in February at 80% and is lowest in July at 54%.

Pietermaritzburg has about 13 days a year above 32°C. Pietermaritzburg is cooler than 65% of South Africa.

First and last freeze in Pietermaritzburg

The first fall freeze in Pietermaritzburg typically comes around June 6, and the last spring freeze around August 16. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 294 days.

Pietermaritzburg weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Pietermaritzburg station is 41°C, on December 24, 2015. The coldest is -5°C, on July 9, 2014.

The wettest day on record brought 176 mm of rain, on November 15, 1999.

35 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.

The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.4°C per decade since 1970.

The best time to visit Pietermaritzburg

The most comfortable time to visit is typically March to November, when daytime highs sit near 23°C.

Winter (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 21°C and lows near 4°C.

Spring (September–November) is warm, with average highs around 25°C and lows near 11°C.

Summer (December–February) is warm, with average highs around 27°C and lows near 15°C. It can feel humid.

Autumn (March–May) is warm, with average highs around 24°C and lows near 10°C.

Pietermaritzburg climate questions

How much rain does Pietermaritzburg get?

Pietermaritzburg gets 578 mm of precipitation in an average year, over about 113 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Pietermaritzburg?

December is the wettest month in Pietermaritzburg, with 90 mm. June is the driest, with 8 mm.

How many rainy days does Pietermaritzburg have a year?

Pietermaritzburg has about 113 days with measurable rain in an average year. December has the most, about 15.

What is the hottest month in Pietermaritzburg?

February is the warmest month in Pietermaritzburg, with an average high of 27°C.

What is the coldest month in Pietermaritzburg?

June is the coldest month in Pietermaritzburg, with an average low of 3°C.

What is the record high temperature in Pietermaritzburg?

The record high at the Pietermaritzburg station is 41°C, set on December 24, 2015. The record low is -5°C, on July 9, 2014.

What is the sunniest month in Pietermaritzburg?

July is the sunniest month in Pietermaritzburg, with sunshine about 78% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Pietermaritzburg?

The first fall freeze in Pietermaritzburg typically comes around June 6. The last spring freeze is around August 16.

What is the best time to visit Pietermaritzburg?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically March to November, when daytime highs sit near 23°C.