Durban, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Durban, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Durban, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Durban
- Important essentials for Durban
- Activities for Durban
- Durban in January: weather and what to pack
- Durban in February: weather and what to pack
- Durban in March: weather and what to pack
- Durban in April: weather and what to pack
- Durban in May: weather and what to pack
- Durban in June: weather and what to pack
- Durban in July: weather and what to pack
- Durban in August: weather and what to pack
- Durban in September: weather and what to pack
- Durban in October: weather and what to pack
- Durban in November: weather and what to pack
- Durban 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 Durban, South Africa
Based on the climate and weather in Durban, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Durban, South Africa
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Durban, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb 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
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. This one should work in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Durban may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
For families with young children
Airplane or car necessities
Activities for Durban, South Africa
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Durban.
If you go to Durban Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Binoculars
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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.
If you see Durban Natural Science Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Comfy walking shoes
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
We also recommend these top tours in and around Durban.
What to wear/what to pack for Durban, South Africa by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Durban is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
February
February here is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
March
In March, Durban is hot. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Durban, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
April
In April, Durban is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Durban, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
May
May in Durban is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
June
June in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
July
July for Durban is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August for Durban is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sandals
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
September
September in Durban is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Extra socks
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
October
If you go to Durban in October, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you vacation in Durban during November, you are likely to find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in Durban is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Sandals
Light skirts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
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