The Eastern Cape has a varied climate, primarily influenced by its geographical features, including coastal and inland areas. The province can be broadly divided into two main climatic zones:
Coastal Climate: The coastal regions, such as Port Elizabeth and East London, experience a moderate maritime climate. Summers are warm but not overly hot, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. Winters are mild, with temperatures typically between 8°C and 20°C. Rainfall along the coast is distributed throughout the year, with the east receiving more consistent precipitation, averaging around 800–1,200 mm annually.
Inland Climate: In contrast, the inland areas like Cradock and Graaff-Reinet experience a semi-arid climate. Summers are hotter, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, and winters are cooler, with occasional frosts. The rainfall is much lower here, averaging between 300–600 mm per year, mostly during summer months in the form of thunderstorms .
The Eastern Cape’s diverse topography contributes to these varied conditions, with mountainous regions like the Drakensberg experiencing cooler and wetter conditions than the plains.
Latest weather forecast across the Eastern Cape:
easterncapesafariandtourism.com 