Subheading: Chase the winter

What is a snowbird?

A snowbird is a person who flocks from their homes to places with more favourable weather during the winter months. In the northern most parts of America and Europe this usually means someone who “migrates” Southwards to sunny shores and longer days.

South African snowbirds however, flock to our frosty highlands in search of mythical powdery white snow.

But we are already sunny and pleasant…

South African winters are famously mild, which means few of us really feel the need to hide out in the warmer regions during winter. We have an abundance of sunshine, even in the middle of July.

What we don’t have much of is snow and a reason to wear your puffiest K-way jacket.

Luckily for those frosty seekers among us, there is hope. Certain parts of South Africa can be counted on to consistently have a couple of days of snow each year.

No South African destination will necessarily give you weeks of snow or drift deep enough to get lost in, but you will be able to experience a bit of freezing weather as you sit in front of a fireplace and think about how you’re not paying in forex for your glühwein.

Snow and stars in Sutherland

If you want to get away from everything and everyone, including cell reception and civilization, Sutherland is the place to go in June and July. Not only do you stand a really good chance of catching some flakes, but if it turns out to be unseasonably warm, you’ll still be able to experience the SALT and engage in a bit of world-class stargazing.

African Alpine escape

The Drakensberg are always a good bet for any kind of holiday. In winter, even more so. Between Cathedral Peak and Golden Gate National Park you’re sure to have some luck in your snow search.

Snow might make certain hikes a bit treacherous, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip them altogether, just be sure to prepare yourself and put some safety measures in place before heading out. If hiking in the cold doesn’t sound like fun, pack the books and board games and spend a well deserved get-away in front of the fireplace.

Cape of storms

Nowhere in South Africa will you get snow on the beach, but the Western Cape does offer some lovely snowy mountains. Matroosberg (Sneeuberg), and the Cederberg offer regular winter snowfall and promises to give you a wonderful winter chill as you drive up some of the higher mountain passes.

If the snow stays away while you’re there, it is still one of our country’s best kept secrets and between fruit orchards, the rugged Skruweberge and the Tankwa karoo and Sutherland just a few hours away, it’s a perfect winter destination regardless of the snow report.

A snowy affair

Maybe because we are so spoilt by our country’s perfect weather, or simply because we always want what we can’t have, but there is no denying that South Africans are in awe of a bit of snow. With the winter upon us, why not act on this impulse and head out, in search of fresh powder? (Even if you won’t be able to build a snowman, much less make a snow angel.)

Click below for more snowy updates and travel ideas:

https://doesitsnowin.com/south-africa/

https://www.getaway.co.za/travel/travel-ideas/6-places-snow-south-africa/