Last updated: August 31, 2025
November in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, presents a dynamic tapestry of weather characterized by warm temperatures and increased humidity. Daily highs can reach a scorching 35°C (96°F), while the average temperature hovers around a comfortable 19°C (66°F), dropping to a cool 5°C (41°F) at night. This month also brings significant precipitation, with an average of 138 mm (5.4 in) spread over 17 days, leading to lush, vibrant landscapes. The humidity levels often peak at a steamy 87%, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for experiencing the region's natural beauty and rich heritage.
In November, Pietermaritzburg experiences a delightful transition as the temperatures continue to rise before the peak of summer. With a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a pleasant average of 19°C (66°F), days become increasingly mild, while highs reach up to 35°C (96°F). This month marks a shift towards warmer weather, following a pattern of steadily increasing temperatures from the cooler winter months. As the city prepares for the approaching summer, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the comfortable warmth, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. Overall, November offers a taste of the vibrant summer season that South Africa is known for, all while featuring moderately cool evenings.
In November, Pietermaritzburg experiences a notable increase in rainfall, with an impressive total of 138 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation over an average of 17 days. This marks a significant uptick from the preceding months, as the city transitions towards the summer rainfall season. Following the relatively dry winter months of June and July, November's rainfall not only revitalizes the landscape but also precedes the even wetter December, which averages 160 mm (6.3 in), signaling the peak of the rainy season. The pattern suggests that November serves as a crucial bridge, allowing the lush surroundings to flourish and prepare for the impending summer abundance.
November brings a notable increase in humidity to Pietermaritzburg, with levels rising to 87%, making it one of the more humid months of the year. Following a gradual ascent from 85% in September to 86% in October, this uptick aligns with the region’s transitional season, as temperatures rise and the promise of summer is palpable. Interestingly, the humidity in November surpasses the mid-year lows of 79% to 80% witnessed in the winter months, highlighting the area’s tendency for higher moisture content as the year progresses. This trend not only fosters a lush, verdant landscape but also sets the stage for the impending summer rains that characterize the South African climate.
In November, Pietermaritzburg experiences an UV Index of 13, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This marks a gradual decline from the high levels observed in the peak summer months of January through October, where indices ranged from 11 to a striking 15. Notably, despite the slight drop, November still maintains a level of intensity that requires caution when basking in the sun. As the year transitions towards summer, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant about UV exposure, making suitable sun protection a priority. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, visit the Pietermaritzburg UV Index.
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As November dawns in Pietermaritzburg, the city enjoys a delightful average of 324 hours of sunshine, marking a continuation of the sunny trend seen throughout the year. This month follows a pattern of abundant daylight, with only a slight dip from the 326 hours recorded in October. As the spring season unfolds, the warmth and brightness of November serve as a pleasant prelude to the peak summer months. With sunshine hours on the rise since the cooler winter months of June and July, the city is embraced by an increasingly vibrant atmosphere, making November a wonderful time for outdoor adventures and festivities under the sun.
In November, the likelihood of sunny weather in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, presents a moderate chance at 30%. While this marks a slight increase from October's 33%, it remains significantly lower than the peak sunshine observed in the winter months of June and July, which enjoy an impressive 74% and 85% chance of sun, respectively. As the transition into summer begins, November's sunshine offers a hint of optimism, but it's still overshadowed by the promising days of late autumn, where the sun's appearance becomes more sporadic compared to the vibrant months to come. Overall, although November may not be the sunniest month, it serves as a gentle lead-in to the sunnier stretches ahead.
As November rolls into Pietermaritzburg, the city welcomes 13 hours of daylight, mirroring the longer days of January and February. This trend signifies a gradual transition towards the sun-drenched peak of summer, with daylight duration gradually increasing from the shorter days of winter. The steady climb from 10 hours in May to 12 hours in October culminates in November's robust daylight, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Following this, December too maintains the delightful 13 hours, suggesting that the essence of summer is firmly taking root in the heart of this vibrant city.
As November arrives in Pietermaritzburg, a subtle shift in the wind patterns can be felt, mirroring the transition towards the warmer summer months. With an average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), November marks a consistent peak that aligns with the elevated breezes seen in the preceding months of October and August. This gentle, yet invigorating, wind embodies the essence of late spring in the region, offering a refreshing contrast to the milder conditions of earlier in the year. As the air begins to warm up, the breezy ambiance of November invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors, setting the stage for the vibrant summer season ahead.
Weather in Pietermaritzburg varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares November’s weather to other months in Pietermaritzburg, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
November and January exhibit distinct weather patterns, reflective of the transitional seasons. In November, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month sees significant rainfall, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) over 17 days, accompanied by high humidity at 87%. In contrast, January features milder conditions, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a similar maximum of 36°C (97°F). The average temperature increases slightly to 21°C (70°F), while precipitation decreases to 113 mm (4.5 in) over 15 days and humidity drops slightly to 85%. For more details on this period, you can check Pietermaritzburg weather in January.
When comparing the weather in November and February, both months show a similar maximum temperature of around 35°C (95°F), but November experiences a broader range with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) compared to February's higher minimum of 12°C (53°F). The average temperature in February is slightly warmer at 21°C (71°F), while November averages 19°C (66°F). Precipitation is also notable in both months, with November receiving 138 mm (5.4 in) over 17 days and February slightly wetter at 154 mm (6.1 in) across 18 days. Humidity levels are comparable, with November at 87% and February slightly lower at 86%. For more details on February weather, visit Pietermaritzburg weather in February.
November and March exhibit noticeable differences in their weather patterns. November typically experiences a wider temperature range, with minimum temperatures plummeting to 5°C (41°F) and maximum temperatures soaring to 35°C (96°F), leading to a higher average temperature of 19°C (66°F). In contrast, March begins with warmer minimum temperatures at 12°C (54°F) and maintains an average of 21°C (69°F) with maximums reaching 34°C (93°F).
Precipitation levels also vary, with November receiving 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain over 17 days, making it a wetter month compared to March's 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain over 15 days. Both months share similar humidity levels, hovering around 86% to 87%. For more detailed information, you can check Pietermaritzburg weather in March.
November and April present contrasting weather patterns, despite their similar average temperatures. In November, temperatures range from a cool 5°C (41°F) to a warm 35°C (95°F) with an average of 19°C (66°F), accompanied by a higher level of precipitation measuring 138 mm (5.4 in) over 17 days, resulting in a humid atmosphere with 87% humidity. In contrast, April sees slightly milder temperatures with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Additionally, April experiences significantly less rainfall at 65 mm (2.6 in) over just 12 days, making the humidity slightly lower at 86%. For more detailed insights on April's climate, check out Pietermaritzburg weather in April.
When comparing the weather in November and May, November presents a warmer and wetter scenario. With average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), it is typically hotter than May, which has an average temperature from 2°C (36°F) to 30°C (86°F). November experiences significantly more rainfall, with 138 mm (5.4 in) over 17 days, compared to May's 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 6 days. Humidity levels in both months are quite similar, hovering around 86-87%. For more specific insights into May's weather, you can explore Pietermaritzburg weather in May.
When comparing the weather in November and June, notable differences are evident. November boasts a wider temperature range, with minimum temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and maximums reaching up to 35°C (96°F), resulting in an average of 19°C (66°F). In contrast, June is cooler with minimums of 1°C (34°F) and maximums of 29°C (84°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). Additionally, November experiences significantly more precipitation at 138 mm (5.4 in) over 17 days, while June has much lighter rainfall totaling just 12 mm (0.5 in) over only 2 days. Humidity levels are also higher in November at 87% compared to June's 80%. For more details about the weather in June, you can visit Pietermaritzburg weather in June.
When comparing the weather in November and July, notable differences emerge. November experiences a wider temperature range with nighttime lows of 5°C (41°F) and daytime highs soaring up to 35°C (96°F), while July sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, November is much wetter, averaging 138 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation over 17 days, compared to July’s modest 13 mm (0.5 in) that falls over just 2 days. Humidity levels are also higher in November at 87%, while July's humidity is slightly lower at 80%. Overall, November presents a warmer and wetter climate than the cooler, drier July. For more detailed information, you can view Pietermaritzburg weather in July.
November and August present distinct weather patterns, with November typically experiencing warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), compared to August's cooler range of 2°C (35°F) to 31°C (88°F). Additionally, November is considerably wetter, receiving 138 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation over 17 days, while August sees only 38 mm (1.5 in) across 9 days. The humidity also rises in November at 87%, compared to August's 79%, indicating a more tropical feel as the year progresses. For more details on August weather, check out Pietermaritzburg weather in August.
In September, Pietermaritzburg experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at a maximum of 37°C (98°F). The month has relatively lower precipitation, totaling 60 mm (2.4 in) over about 10 days, combined with a humidity level of 85%. In contrast, November warms up, boasting a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), reaching maximum temperatures of 35°C (96°F). However, this month sees significantly increased rainfall, with 138 mm (5.4 in) spread over 17 days, and humidity remains high at 87%. For more details on September weather, visit Pietermaritzburg weather in September.
In comparing the weather between October and November, October generally experiences slightly cooler temperatures with an average of 17°C (64°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F), while November sees warmer averages, peaking at 19°C (66°F) and maximums reaching 35°C (96°F). Both months exhibit high humidity, with November slightly higher at 87% compared to October's 86%. Additionally, November tends to be wetter, receiving 138 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation over 17 days, whereas October has 86 mm (3.4 in) spread across 13 days. For more information, you can check Pietermaritzburg weather in October.
November and December showcase a gradual transition in weather patterns, with both months displaying warm temperatures and noticeable humidity. November features a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), peaking at a maximum of 35°C (96°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, with 138 mm (5.4 in) falling over 17 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 87%.
In contrast, December sees slightly higher temperatures, with minimums at 10°C (50°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), reaching up to a maximum of 36°C (98°F). Precipitation increases to 160 mm (6.3 in) over 22 days, while humidity remains similar at 86%. For more detailed information about the specific weather conditions during December, you can visit Pietermaritzburg weather in December.
As November rolls into Pietermaritzburg, the city experiences a distinct shift in weather, characterized by warmer temperatures that bring a touch of summer. With average highs soaring and mornings starting out cool, this month transitions from the crispness of spring to a more humid environment, with moisture levels reaching a substantial 87%. Although November sees a fair share of rainfall, contributing to lush greenery, the pleasant warmth often invites outdoor activities. For those fascinated by weather patterns, November offers a unique glimpse into the tropical climate of the region. To learn more about the comprehensive weather trends throughout the year, visit Pietermaritzburg Climate.