Bloemfontein, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Bloemfontein, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Bloemfontein, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Bloemfontein
- Important essentials for Bloemfontein
- Activities for Bloemfontein
- Bloemfontein in January: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in February: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in March: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in April: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in May: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in June: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in July: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in August: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in September: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in October: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in November: weather and what to pack
- Bloemfontein in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Bloemfontein, South Africa
Based on the climate and weather in Bloemfontein, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Bloemfontein, South Africa
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bloemfontein, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
For families with young children
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bloemfontein may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. This one should work in most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
Activities for Bloemfontein, South Africa
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Bloemfontein.
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Binoculars
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
If you visit Anglo Boer War Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
What to wear/what to pack for Bloemfontein, South Africa by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Bloemfontein in January, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
February
If you visit Bloemfontein during February, you are likely to notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
March
March in Bloemfontein is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
April
If you are traveling to Bloemfontein in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sandals
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
May
May in Bloemfontein is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
June
If you are traveling to Bloemfontein in June, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
July
July in Bloemfontein is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
August
If you are traveling to Bloemfontein in August, you will notice that it is crisp and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
September
September for Bloemfontein is balmy and very dry. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
October
October in Bloemfontein is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Light skirts
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you are traveling to Bloemfontein in November, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in Bloemfontein is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Bug repellent
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
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