Grahamstown, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Grahamstown, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Grahamstown, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Grahamstown
- Important essentials for Grahamstown
- Activities for Grahamstown
- Grahamstown in January: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in February: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in March: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in April: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in May: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in June: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in July: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in August: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in September: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in October: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown in November: weather and what to pack
- Grahamstown 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 Grahamstown, South Africa
Based on the climate and weather in Grahamstown, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Grahamstown, South Africa
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Grahamstown, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. This one should be appropriate for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
-
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 Grahamstown 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.
What to wear/what to pack for Grahamstown, South Africa by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Grahamstown in January, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
February
February in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
March
If you are traveling to Grahamstown in March, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
April
If you are traveling to Grahamstown in April, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
May
May in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
June
June here is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost once in a while. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
July
July here is crisp. Temperatures average in the 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost sometimes. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
August
If you go to Grahamstown in August, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
September
If you go to Grahamstown in September, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
October
October for Grahamstown is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
November
November for Grahamstown is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
December
If you are traveling to Grahamstown in December, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to Makana Botanical Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
Activities for Grahamstown, South Africa
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Grahamstown.
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