Pretoria Weather in March

March weather

March feels warm rather than scorching, with afternoons reaching 29°C and cooler evenings near 15°C. Rain falls on 13 days, often as summer storms, so outdoor plans can be interrupted. You'll still get sunny spells for the Union Buildings gardens or a walk around the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

If you're hoping to hike, keep a flexible plan. Wet trails can be slippery, and storm clouds may build later in the day. The Kruger House Museum or the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History makes a useful indoor alternative.

Events and local days

Human Rights Day falls on 21 March and is a public holiday across South Africa. Pretoria may host commemorations and community events, though the programme changes each year. Some offices and shops may close, so don't count on every service running as usual.

Travelling with kids? The botanical garden's open paths and birdlife make a good outing between showers.

Crowds and practical tips

March is usually quieter than the April-to-September period, which is Pretoria's best-known travel season. You're also past February's hotter, wetter weather. Prices can be easier than in the busier months, but school holidays sometimes overlap with March, so family attractions may feel busier then.

For a practical plan, visit the Union Buildings in the morning, then head to the nearby Pretoria Art Museum if rain rolls in. It keeps your day centred on the same part of town, rather than leaving you caught in a storm far from shelter.