In Graaff-Reinet, the changing seasons shape life and leisure, offering visitors a unique way to experience the Karoo all year round.
A Brief Overview of Karoo Weather:
Summer (November – February): 13 °C – 36 °C (55 °F – 97 °F), hot days, dramatic skies, brief bursts of rain
Autumn (March – May): 10 °C – 31 °C (50 °F – 88 °F), mild temperatures, golden light, ideal exploring weather
Winter (June – August): 3 °C – 19 °C (37 °F – 66 °F), cold nights, clear days, fires and hearty food
Spring (September – October): 7 °C – 28 °C (45 °F – 82 °F), fresh growth, blossoms, renewed energy
Summer in Graaff-Reinet
November to February
The Karoo is a semi-arid region, which means that summer is hot, with daytime temperatures often climbing into the mid to high 30s (°C). Many are therefore surprised when the occasional afternoon thunderstorm rolls through town, clearing the air and reinvigorating the land. This rare spectacle is a real treat and is the basis of what people are talking about when they say you can “smell” the rain in the Karoo.
It is also the time of year when birdlife is at its most active, so if you’re a twitcher, look forward to some great sightings in the nearby Camdeboo National Park, or even in the hotel’s garden!
Drostdy Hotel is well set up for summer living. Three swimming pools offer welcome relief during the heat of the day, while shaded courtyards and alfresco dining spaces invite slower afternoons. Lunches under the pergola at De Camdeboo Restaurant are unhurried, while cocktails come into their own as the sun begins to set, whether ordered from the ladies bar or enjoyed throughout the day from the poolside menu, beside the water.
All of our rooms and suites are air-conditioned, providing a cool, quiet retreat after time spent exploring the town or surrounding nature reserves.
Packing List:
Lightweight, breathable clothing
A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Binoculars for birdwatching
A good book for poolside afternoons
Autumn in Graaff-Reinet
March to May
Autumn in Graaff-Reinet is the season locals quietly wait for. Days hold their warmth, and evenings begin to cool as the glare of midsummer softens, making time outdoors feel easy again. It’s an ideal moment to enjoy Drostdy Hotel’s courtyards and gardens in comfort, lingering a little longer without retreating from the sun.
Meals at De Camdeboo Restaurant can be taken inside or outside, depending on the weather, and in many respects you get the best of both worlds: Summer and winter, without the restrictions of each.
What do we mean? Well, our historic streets invite unhurried walks, the short trip to the Valley of Desolation feels comfortable at any time of day, and evenings naturally draw you back to fires, generous plates, and a considered bottle from the wine shop.
This gentle balance is why many think autumn is the Karoo at its most accommodating.
Packing List:
Light layers for changing temperatures
Comfortable shoes
A camera
A notebook or journal
Winter in Graaff-Reinet
June to August
Winter in the Karoo brings clear, crisp days, where direct sunlight feels pleasant enough, but you’ll never want to be far away from your jersey or jacket. Our advice? Layer up! It can be unpredictable out there. Mornings and evenings are cold, and temperatures can drop significantly overnight. So much so that windscreens frost over! Rain is uncommon during these months, leaving the landscape and many riverbeds completely dry. For visitors, winter offers a chance to experience the Karoo’s quiet, stark beauty and enjoy cosy indoor comforts after a day of exploring. (Not to mention the stargazing, which is spectacular on clear nights.)
At Drostdy Hotel, winter is all about life’s little comforts; communal fireplaces in shared spaces, like De Camdeboo Restaurant, draw guests together. Hearty, Karoo-inspired dishes take centre stage, paired with South African wines and the chance to linger over a drink in our bar, lounge or library. This is also the perfect season for wine and art. Cue our on-site wine shop and Imibala Art Gallery.
Inside your room, underfloor heating in the bathrooms, heated towel rails, bathrobes, and soft furnishings create a sense of warmth and retreat. Staying in is absolutely no hardship when you have room service and plush amenities at your fingertips!
And, if you’re looking for a little extra indulgence, why not book a treatment at our onsite Africology Spa, where you can enjoy a complimentary Himalayan Salt Sauna before or after your massage?
Packing List:
Warm layers, coat, and scarf
Warm pyjamas and sheepies (slippers)
Closed shoes
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Spring in Graaff-Reinet
September to October
Spring brings warmer days and cool evenings to Graaff-Reinet and is often considered one of the most comfortable times of year to visit.
In the veld, new growth appears, with spring flowers dotting the landscape and migratory birds beginning to arrive. Spring suits guests who enjoy being out and about and, as a special treat – you will find Graaff-Reinet’s famous Jacaranda trees in full flower!
Outdoor dining returns to focus, walking and sightseeing feel effortless, and Drostdy Hotel’s layout allows for easy movement between quiet interiors and open-air spaces. It’s also just before the busy festive period, which means there are plenty of specials and packages to be capitalised on.
Packing List:
Light layers
Walking shoes
Binoculars
A camera
Stay With Us
There is no single best season to visit our beautiful town, only one that suits how you like to travel.
Plan your visit by browsing our rooms and suites, and contact our friendly reservations team at reservations@drostdy.co.za to secure your preferred dates. You can also book instantly using our online reservation system for added convenience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Graaff-Reinet and helping you enjoy the Karoo at your own pace.
