Month-by-month flight prices, weather and crowds for South Africa, scored for travellers flying from Darwin.
The short answer
The best time to fly to South Africa from Darwin is April to May and August to September, when good weather, manageable crowds and competitive fares line up. The Window Score peaks at 81/100 in September. Flights are usually cheapest in March (around A$2,778 return).
Window Score blends weather, crowds, flight price and AUD strength. Higher is better.
| Month | Window Score | Avg temp | Rainfall | Crowds | Avg return fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46Fair | 25°C | 115mm | Peak season | A$3,095 |
| February | 60Good | 25°C | 90mm | Peak season | A$3,064 |
| March | 71Great | 23°C | 80mm | Busy | A$2,778 |
| April | 80Excellent | 21°C | 40mm | Moderate crowds | A$2,806 |
| May | 78Great | 17°C | 15mm | Low crowds | A$2,893 |
| June | 73Great | 14°C | 8mm | Low crowds | A$3,095 |
| July | 72Great | 14°C | 5mm | Moderate crowds | A$2,950 |
| August | 77Great | 17°C | 8mm | Low crowds | A$3,250 |
| SeptemberBest | 81Excellent | 21°C | 25mm | Moderate crowds | A$3,175 |
| October | 71Great | 23°C | 60mm | Moderate crowds | A$2,814 |
| November | 57Good | 24°C | 100mm | Moderate crowds | A$3,308 |
| December | 42Fair | 25°C | 115mm | Peak season | A$3,914 |
South Africa is one of the world's most varied travel destinations. Cape Town is consistently rated one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, with Table Mountain looming over the harbour, the Cape Winelands an hour east, and the Cape Peninsula's dramatic coastline to the south. Then there's the safari circuit: the Kruger National Park is one of Africa's great wildlife destinations, with all of the Big Five accessible on a self-drive.
The food and wine scene in the Western Cape is world-class. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are serious wine regions, with outstanding quality at a fraction of what equivalent experiences cost in Europe.
April to May and August to September are the best months to fly from Darwin to South Africa, when weather, crowds and fares align. The Window Score peaks at 81/100 in September.
March, with return fares from Darwin averaging around A$2,778, roughly 10% below the South Africa yearly average.
Return fares range from about A$2,778 in March up to A$3,914 in peak months. Booking in a lower-priced month can save hundreds.
This route generally involves at least one stop. Compare options for your travel month before booking.
See the full interactive breakdown on the South Africa dashboard or browse all destinations. Peak month: September (81/100).
