The 6 Best Places to See Snow in South Africa This Winter

When you think of snow, South Africa may not be the first country that springs to mind. Yet, each winter, high-altitude pockets of the country are quietly transformed – fields frost over, mountain passes whiten, and for a few fleeting weeks, the land whispers of colder, wilder places.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping coffee while snowflakes drift outside your window or crunching across a field blanketed in white, then winter in South Africa might surprise you. From remote mountain villages to highland passes only reachable by 4x4s, here are the most magical places to experience snow in South Africa this winter.

1. Rhodes – Where Winter Wears a Woollen Cape

This tiny village offers a slow and soulful kind of snow experience | Photo: Wade Lambert via Unsplash

Tucked deep in the Eastern Cape Highlands, the hamlet of Rhodes feels like a step back in time. With sandstone cottages, crackling fireplaces, and narrow gravel lanes, this tiny village (declared a national monument) offers a slow and soulful kind of snow experience.

When the temperatures plummet, the nearby Naude’s Nek Pass – the highest dirt road in South Africa – often gets dusted in snow. Herds of sheep huddle in frosted fields, and the Bell River babbles beneath a silvered landscape. For photographers, adventurers, or those simply chasing stillness, Rhodes is a place where winter weaves magic into the mundane.

Travel tip: A 4×4 is strongly recommended in icy conditions, especially if you’re exploring beyond the village. Always check forecasts before attempting the passes.

2. Molteno and Stormberg – Where Coal Towns and Snow Collide

Molteno is South Africa’s coldest town – frosty mornings here aren’t just a winter oddity, they’re routine. But that’s not the only reason to visit. Nestled in the shadow of the Stormberg Mountains, Molteno and nearby towns like Dordrecht and Jamestown form part of a rugged, windswept plateau where snow in South Africa often arrives in fierce flurries.

This is farming country, but in winter, tractors trundle through white fields and icicles cling to fence posts. The historic Stormberg Battlefields, stark and silent under snow, feel especially haunting – this is where remnants of Anglo-Boer War skirmishes are preserved by frost.

Local legend: Many South Africans got their first taste of snow on childhood road trips through this very region.

3. Sani Pass – Where Africa Touches the Clouds

Sani Pass, where Africa touches the clouds | Photo: Brent Ninaber via Unsplash

The climb begins in KwaZulu-Natal’s lush Underberg region, where green hills ripple beneath a grey sky. But as you ascend Sani Pass – South Africa’s most legendary mountain pass – the vegetation thins, the wind bites, and the landscape takes on an alpine feel.

At over 2,800 metres above sea level, Sani Pass frequently receives snowfall in winter. The twisting gravel road (only navigable by 4×4) leads you to the Lesotho border and the Sani Mountain Lodge, where you can warm up with a drink in the “highest pub in Africa” while snow swirls outside.

Note: 4×4 vehicles are essential here, but always stay on designated roads – off-roading in rental vehicles is not permitted.

4. Matroosberg – The Western Cape’s Snow Playground

Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is the most accessible way to see snow in the Western Cape | Photo: Weyland Swart via Unsplash

A few hours from Cape Town, the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve offers some of the most accessible snow in the Western Cape. In a good winter, the upper reaches of the reserve turn icy white, drawing families, hikers, and photographers keen to glimpse the rare sight of snow in the Cape.

4×4 routes snake through the reserve’s higher ground, often capped with snow, but visitors can also enjoy guided hikes or even try their hand at snowman-building on the lower slopes. It’s a favourite for city dwellers craving a winter weekend with a frosty twist.

Plan ahead: The Matroosberg region can get busy when snow is forecast. Book early and drive carefully – ice can form unexpectedly on the roads.

5. Lesotho’s Afriski – Beyond the Border, But Worth the Drive

The Afriski Mountain Resort has the only operational ski resort in the region | Photo: Drew Farwell

While not within South Africa’s borders, Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho deserves an honourable mention. It’s the only operational ski resort in the region and is a popular winter escape for South Africans willing to drive a little further for a full-on snow experience.

Set in the Maloti Mountains, Afriski offers snowboarding, skiing, tubing, and snow hikes throughout winter. The resort has snowmaking equipment to supplement natural snowfall and is best reached via Caledonspoort or through Sani Pass (with a valid passport and appropriate vehicle).

Getting there: You’ll need a 4×4 for some of the routes, particularly if you’re entering via mountain passes. Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for snow and cold conditions.

6. Barkly East – Frozen Rivers and Wild Trout

Back in the Eastern Cape, Barkly East is a quiet town with a secret: it’s one of the few places in South Africa where you can find snow, frozen rivers, and trout fishing in the same week. Situated on the Kraai River and surrounded by basalt cliffs, Barkly East often experiences snowfalls in mid-winter, especially in its surrounding farmlands and on the Joubert’s Pass.

It’s also a favourite among fly-fishing enthusiasts, who brave the chill for a chance to cast into ice-cold waters rich with wild trout. Just be sure to pack gloves – you’ll need them.

Snow Forecast for Winter 2025

South Africa is expected to have a colder winter than average

According to recent weather forecasts (May 2025), South Africa is heading into a colder-than-usual winter, with below-average temperatures expected across high-altitude areas. Snowfall is likely in the Drakensberg, Eastern Cape Highlands, and parts of the Western Cape. Keep an eye on local news and weather apps if you’re planning a snow-chasing trip, as conditions can change rapidly.

Tips for Travelling in Snowy South Africa

4×4 driving through the snow | Photo: Martin Katler via Unsplash

• Hire the right vehicle: For destinations like Sani Pass or Matroosberg, a 4×4 is not just convenient – it’s essential. But always stay on designated roads – dune driving and bundu-bashing are strictly forbidden in 4×4 rentals.
• Pack warm gear: Snow in South Africa might be rare, but it still bites. Layer up with thermals, waterproofs, and proper footwear.
• Drive cautiously: Snow and black ice are dangerous, especially on mountain passes. Drive slowly, keep a safe distance, and avoid risky shortcuts.
• Keep checking the weather: Conditions shift fast. A clear sky in the morning might mean snowfall by sunset.

Chase the Chill with Confidence

Snow in South Africa is a fleeting treasure. It doesn’t last long, and it doesn’t come every year in equal measure. But when it does arrive, it transforms familiar landscapes into something extraordinary – quiet, soft, and shimmering with cold.

If you’re ready to chase snow this winter, make sure you’re equipped with the right vehicle. Drive South Africa offers a wide range of cars and 4x4s ideal for navigating snowy routes safely and comfortably.

Start your winter adventure today – hire a vehicle with Drive South Africa and explore the country’s coolest corners. To see our full range, simply use the handy booking tool at the top of the page!