Beach & Coast in South Africa
The warm-water city on the Indian Ocean
Durban is South Africa's warm, lively east-coast city, with a long sandy beach, a tropical climate and a strong Indian heritage. The Golden Mile promenade is the focus of city life, and the city is the best place in South Africa for curry, including the famous bunny chow.
The uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium and Victoria Street Market are all worth visiting, and the city is a gateway to the Zulu heartland, the Drakensberg, and the game reserves of KwaZulu-Natal. It is also the base for the Sardine Run each winter.
The city’s coast has dolphins and, between June and November, humpback and southern right whales. uShaka Marine World has an aquarium. Sharks are a feature of the coast, and shark nets protect the main beaches.
Look out for
A long curve of beach below a city of towers, with the green hills of KwaZulu-Natal behind.
Activities here
Durban has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers (days of 28°C to 32°C) and mild winters (days around 23°C). The sea is warm all year.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | 21 | 120 |
| Feb | 28 | 21 | 110 |
| Mar | 27 | 20 | 120 |
| Apr | 26 | 18 | 90 |
| May | 24 | 15 | 60 |
| Jun | 23 | 12 | 30 |
| Jul | 22 | 12 | 30 |
| Aug | 23 | 14 | 40 |
| Sep | 23 | 16 | 70 |
| Oct | 24 | 17 | 100 |
| Nov | 25 | 19 | 110 |
| Dec | 27 | 20 | 110 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to September is drier and cooler, with sunny days and calm seas. It is a lovely time to visit.
November to March is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
Durban is a year-round destination. Winter is mild and drier, and summer is hot and humid.
Best time to visit Mar to Oct
King Shaka International Airport is about 35 kilometres north of the city, with flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Dubai. It is the gateway to the KwaZulu-Natal reserves, which are about three hours north.
Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
Durban has good private hospitals. The city itself is a low-risk malaria area, but the north of the province is higher. Swim only at patrolled beaches.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for families
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaOur take
“Our take”
Durban is a good first night or last night for a KwaZulu-Natal trip, with a curry on the first evening.
Safaris from
US$3,666 per person
Plan your time in Durban
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
