Northern Cape, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Northern Cape, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Northern Cape, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Northern Cape
- Important essentials for Northern Cape
- Activities for Northern Cape
- Northern Cape in January: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in February: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in March: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in April: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in May: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in June: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in July: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in August: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in September: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in October: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape in November: weather and what to pack
- Northern Cape 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 Northern Cape, South Africa
Based on the climate and weather in Northern Cape, the best time to go is October. See below for details.
Important essentials for Northern Cape, South Africa
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Cape, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
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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).
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. This one should be appropriate for most places, but check with your hotel.
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Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Northern Cape may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Northern Cape, South Africa by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Northern Cape is blindingly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
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High-SPF sunscreen lotion
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Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
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Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed for cooling and to provide UV protection.
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Personal cooling fan
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Light linen shorts
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Protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
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Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
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Lightweight 'harem' pants
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Thin short sleeve shirts
Do pack additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
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Skirts
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Sunglasses
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A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
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100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
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Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
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Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
February
February in Northern Cape is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
March
March in Northern Cape can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
April
April for Northern Cape is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
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Sandals
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Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
May
If you visit Northern Cape during May, you may notice that it is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
June
June here is crisp and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
July
July in Northern Cape is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
August
If you are traveling to Northern Cape in August, you will notice that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
September
If you visit Northern Cape during September, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
October
October for Northern Cape is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend 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 suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
November
If you vacation in Northern Cape during November, you are likely to see that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
December
If you vacation in Northern Cape during December, you will probably notice that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
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