Polokwane, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Polokwane, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Polokwane, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Polokwane, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in Polokwane, South Africa, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Polokwane, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Polokwane, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Polokwane, South Africa by month

January

January for Polokwane is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you vacation in Polokwane during February, you may find that it is hot. 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 (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you vacation in Polokwane during March, you might find that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s 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 occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit 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 Polokwane may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

Traveling to Polokwane in April, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you vacation in Polokwane during May, you may find that it is a perfect temperature 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 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you go to Polokwane in June, you will notice that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to Polokwane in July, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you vacation in Polokwane during August, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Polokwane is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit 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 Polokwane may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Polokwane is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Polokwane is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit 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 Polokwane may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December here is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Polokwane may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you find the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

If you plan to go to the must-see Roman Catholic Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Polokwane Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Polokwane, South Africa

Polokwane, also known as Pietersburg, is the capital city of Limpopo province in South Africa. The city is a popular tourist destination and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic sites. In this article, we will be exploring the top tourist attractions in Polokwane.

1. Polokwane Game Reserve: Located on the outskirts of the city, the Polokwane Game Reserve is a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, bird watching and horse riding. The reserve boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and several species of antelope.

2. Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum: This open-air museum is situated in the Bakone village, just outside Polokwane. It provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle and practices of the Bakone people. The museum comprises of thatched-roof huts and displays various aspects of Bakone culture, including their crafts, food, and clothing.

3. The Pietersburg Art Museum: The Pietersburg Art Museum is located in the city centre and houses an impressive collection of contemporary and traditional South African art. The museum includes a sculpture garden, a library, and several exhibition halls.

4. The Meropa Casino and Entertainment World: This is one of the biggest and most popular casinos in South Africa. It offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker. The complex also has a hotel, restaurants, bars, and a theatre.

5. Sanrock Art Gallery: This art gallery is situated in a scenic location next to the cycad gardens. It exhibits a varied and high-quality collection of indigenous art from South Africa, including sculptures, paintings, prints, and beadwork.

6. The Irish House: The Irish House is a popular pub and restaurant situated in the city centre. It is known for its lively atmosphere, great food, and wide selection of drinks.

7. Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park: The Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park is situated next to the airport and provides a unique opportunity to witness a range of bird and reptile species up close. Visitors will also have an opportunity to view the anaconda, crocodile, and several species of venomous snakes.

In conclusion, Polokwane is a city with plenty to offer for tourists. From cultural experiences to beautiful nature reserves and a variety of entertainment options, visitors are guaranteed to have a memorable stay in the city.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Skerries, Ireland, Inverbeg, Scotland, United Kingdom, Aktobe, Kazakhstan, Simeria, Romania, Honshu, Japan, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, United States of America, Siquijor, Philippines, Sewanee, Tennessee, United States of America, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Pampanga, Philippines, and Apaneca, El Salvador.