Durban in August

In August, Durban averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (34 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

August offers comfortable temperatures in Durban, with some rain to plan around.

22°C
Avg high
14°C
Avg low
12
Rain days
34 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Durban

11th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
4%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
11 h 2 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the coolest months in Durban (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (25°C). August runs roughly the same as July (22°C) and warms a further 1°C into September (23°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Durban

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:29 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:31 PM
Day length
11 h 2 min

Times shown for Durban local time (Africa/Johannesburg), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Durban — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Durban's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:29 AM – 6:09 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:09 AM – 7:09 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:51 PM – 5:51 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:51 PM – 6:31 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Durban in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Durban's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — August in Durban

High season

This is a busy month in Durban — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Durban

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.6
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Durban — August

21.3°C (70°F)
pleasant
warm enough for most swimmers without a wetsuit

Across the year Durban's sea swings from 20.8°C (September) to 25.5°C (February) — August sits at 21.3°C.

Durban in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 82°F 21°C / 70°F 86 mm 19
February 28°C / 82°F 21°C / 70°F 100 mm 18
March 27°C / 81°F 20°C / 69°F 86 mm 18
April 25°C / 77°F 18°C / 64°F 97 mm 15
May 24°C / 75°F 16°C / 60°F 70 mm 10
June 23°C / 73°F 13°C / 56°F 18 mm 8
July 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 35 mm 9
August 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 34 mm 12
September 23°C / 74°F 16°C / 60°F 60 mm 14
October 24°C / 74°F 17°C / 62°F 101 mm 18
November 25°C / 76°F 18°C / 65°F 79 mm 20
December 26°C / 79°F 20°C / 68°F 98 mm 19

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Durban in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Durban in August?

In August, Durban averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 14°C (57°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Durban in August?

August can be fairly wet in Durban, with about 12 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Durban?

August is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Durban in August?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Durban for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Durban on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.