Free State Weather & Climate: South Africa

Climate by month across Free State, South Africa, average temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

Climate overview of Free State

Whether you're visiting Free State in South Africa during the peak of January (32°C (90°F)) or the cooler months around June (19°C (66°F)), knowing what to pack starts with understanding the local climate. Our overview is based on data from Bloemfontein, the region's most prominent city. For more detailed climate information about other cities in the area, please see the section beneath the map further down the page.

Free State offers pleasant conditions in April, May, June, July, August and September, with temperatures typically ranging from 19°C (66°F) to 26°C (79°F).

January, February and December are generally the hottest months of the year.

Precipitation in Free State varies considerably throughout the year. The wettest conditions occur in January with 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while July stays relatively dry with 9 mm (0.4 in). June, July, August and September marks the driest time of year, with rainfall falling below 17 mm (0.7 in).

Visitors hoping to maximize their time in the sun should consider planning their trip for December, when daylight hours are at their peak.

Explore Free State by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Free State — and find the best time to visit. (based on Bloemfontein)

Popular cities by month

Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.

Bloemfontein Van Reenen Harrismith Philippolis Sterkfontein Dam Clarens
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)

Climate map of Free State

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)
32°

Compare popular cities

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.

Bloemfontein 19°C (66°F) 32°C (90°F) 2°C (36°F) 18°C (64°F) 582 mm (23 in) 3,319 hours
Van Reenen 19°C (66°F) 27°C (81°F) 4°C (39°F) 15°C (59°F) 1075 mm (42 in)
Harrismith 18°C (64°F) 26°C (79°F) 3°C (37°F) 15°C (59°F) 921 mm (36 in)
Philippolis 18°C (64°F) 32°C (90°F) 3°C (37°F) 18°C (64°F) 491 mm (19 in)
Sterkfontein Dam 18°C (64°F) 26°C (79°F) 2°C (36°F) 15°C (59°F) 1026 mm (40 in)
Clarens 16°C (61°F) 25°C (77°F) 0°C (32°F) 14°C (57°F) 906 mm (36 in)

Places in Free State, South Africa

Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.

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Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.