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The Climate of Mpumalanga Province

Mpumalanga is a province where the climate varies due to is topography, and traveling through this area you are likely to feel the distinctive change in climate. The Mpumalanga climate changes from the Highveld to the Lowveld area, and the vegetation in each area is determined by the climate it experiences.

The capital of the Mpumalanga province is Nelspruit, and together with the Kruger National Park, they both fall in the Lowveld area. The Lowveld has a tropical climate, with warm sub tropical temperatures and experiences high summer rainfalls. Between the months of September and March this area receives an approximate rainfall of 620mm. Due to the moist climate, the Lowveld is a perfect home for mosquitoes to thrive in, and it is therefore advised to see your doctor or pharmacist in regard to anti-malaria treatments before traveling through this area. Although malaria is mostly under control, standard precautions should be taken, such as the correct medication, mosquito coils, insect repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts in the evenings.

The Highveld is a grassland savannah and has an extremely varied climate and is situated on the western side of Mpumalanga. This high lying escarpment also experiences a summer rainfall during the months of October to February, and has contrasting temperatures of 8 degrees to 26 degrees during this time. Winter temperatures average in the range of 19 degrees during the months of April to August. Due to the Highveld climate this area is the driest, and has the highest and lowest temperatures, of any other area in the Mpumalanga province.

Due to the entire Mpumalanga area averaging a total rainfall of 1,000 mm a year, it will come as no surprise that Mpumalanga climate supports the picturesque landscapes consisting of waterfalls, panoramic mountains, stunning valleys and breathtaking forests. With a population of approximately three million people, and home to some of the best Game and Nature Reserves in South Africa, Mpumalanga remains a top travel destination, no matter how varied or unpredictable the weather might be.