Winter (roughly May to September)
Cooler, drier weather thins out vegetation and concentrates animals around water sources, making winter a strong season for game viewing in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Mkhuze, Tembe and Ndumo. It's also a good time for comfortable diving conditions at Sodwana Bay and for spotting ragged-tooth sharks on the reefs.
Summer (roughly November to March)
Summer brings warmer, wetter weather, lush green scenery and newborn animals, along with the best birding as migrant species arrive. It is also nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the northern beaches, with guided turtle tours running on summer nights.
Whale watching and shoulder seasons
Whale watching along this stretch of coast is best in the cooler months into early spring, as humpback whales migrate along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The shoulder seasons (April and October) often combine reasonable weather with fewer crowds.
Booking around school holidays
South African school holidays, particularly December to January and around Easter, bring higher demand for accommodation and activities across the route. Booking well ahead for these periods is recommended, especially for popular camps inside the reserves.