Pretoria
ISO3: ZAF
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I have not visited ❌
Time Zone: Africa/Johannesburg
"Stad van Jakarandas | City of Jacarandas"
25.7479° S, 28.2293° E
About:
Pretoria, South Africa, was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius, a Voortrekker leader. He named it after his father, Andries Pretorius. In 1860, it became the capital of the South African Republic. The city was captured by British forces in 1900 during the Second Boer War, and became the administrative center for the Transvaal and South Africa. Today, Pretoria is one of South Africa's three capital cities, serving as the executive (administrative) capital.
When to visit:
Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, experiences a subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild, dry winters. The best time to visit Pretoria for a holiday is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. This period offers pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy popular sights such as the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and National Zoological Gardens in comfortable weather conditions during this time of year.
When to avoid:
Pretoria, South Africa experiences its peak holiday season during the months of December and January, coinciding with the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere. However, this time of year can often bring high temperatures and increased humidity, making outdoor activities less enjoyable for some travelers. Additionally, popular tourist attractions and accommodations may be more crowded and expensive during this period. For those seeking a more relaxed and budget-friendly travel experience, it may be advisable to avoid visiting Pretoria during the peak holiday season and consider alternative times of the year to explore the city's attractions.
"Winter (Jun–Aug)"
In Pretoria, South Africa, the warmest part of the year is typically from October to March, which is the Southern Hemisphere's summer. During this period, temperatures usually range from a daytime high of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), dropping to a comfortable 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at night.
Rainfall is quite significant during these months, as Pretoria experiences its rainy season. The city sees an average of 100-150mm of rainfall per month, primarily in the form of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Despite the rain, there's still plenty of sunlight, with about 8-10 hours of daylight per day.
Humidity levels are moderate, usually hovering around 50-60%, making the heat feel more intense but not unbearably muggy. Cloudiness varies; mornings often start clear, but clouds tend to build up by the afternoon, leading to those characteristic thunderstorms.
A typical day for a visitor during this time would start with a warm, sunny morning, perfect for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, it becomes hotter, and by the afternoon, the skies may become cloudy, often resulting in a thunderstorm. However, these are usually brief and followed by clear skies. Despite the rain, the overall atmosphere is vibrant and lively, with the lush greenery of Pretoria in full bloom.
Summer (October–March)
In Pretoria, South Africa, the warmest part of the year is typically from October to March, which is the Southern Hemisphere's summer. During this period, temperatures usually range from a daytime high of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), dropping to a comfortable 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at night.
Rainfall is quite significant during these months, as Pretoria experiences its rainy season. The city sees an average of 100-150mm of rainfall per month, primarily in the form of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Despite the rain, there's still plenty of sunlight, with about 8-10 hours of daylight per day.
Humidity levels are moderate, usually hovering around 50-60%, making the heat feel more intense but not unbearably muggy. Cloudiness varies; mornings often start clear, but clouds tend to build up by the afternoon, leading to those characteristic thunderstorms.
A typical day for a visitor during this time would start with a warm, sunny morning, perfect for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, it becomes hotter, and by the afternoon, the skies may become cloudy, often resulting in a thunderstorm. However, these are usually brief and followed by clear skies. Despite the rain, the overall atmosphere is vibrant and lively, with the lush greenery of Pretoria in full bloom.
Language:
afrikaans
Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is a multilingual city. The most commonly spoken language is Northern Sotho, followed by Afrikaans and English. Other languages spoken include Tswana, Zulu, and Tsonga. These languages reflect the diverse cultures and ethnic groups in the city. Afrikaans and English are often used in business and government, while Northern Sotho and other African languages are commonly spoken at home and in social settings.