The Best Time to Visit Dullstroom: A Month-by-Month Guide

Located in the Mpumalanga Highlands, Dullstroom moves to the quiet rhythm of the seasons. Winter brings fireside evenings and crisp air, spring arrives with clear skies and a sense of quiet renewal, summer carries the scent of rain across rolling hills, and autumn softens the landscape into warm, golden tones.

There’s no single “perfect” time to visit Dullstroom – only the season that best suits the experience you’re seeking. Whether you’re planning a short escape or a longer retreat at Walkersons Hotel & Spa, this month-by-month guide offers a way to plan your stay around the moments that matter most to you.

January

January is warm and green, with clear mornings and refreshing afternoon rain. The landscape is at its most lush, making it a lovely time for gentle walks around the estate and slow days spent outdoors before the heat settles in. For many guests, this is the month for spending long afternoons by the pool with a good book from our library, paired with a glass of chilled white wine or a Devil’s Peak draught beer.

Average temperatures: Low ±14°C | High ±24°C

February

The Highlands remain full and softly washed by summer rain, with cooler mornings and warm, relaxed afternoons. February lends itself well to unhurried breakfasts on the patio, a quiet spa treatment, and time outdoors between showers. It’s also a wonderful month to book a picnic basket and golf cart, then find a secluded shaded spot on the estate to celebrate with someone you love.

Average temperatures: Low ±14°C | High ±23°C

March

March brings more predictable weather and sunny skies as autumn begins to settle in, with mild days that are well suited to spending longer stretches outdoors. It’s a comfortable month for walking and fly-fishing, particularly for anglers interested in float tubing – the water is cooler (better for trout), but not yet too cold to enjoy a few relaxed hours on the dam.

Average temperatures: Low ±11°C | High ±22°C

April

As the grasslands begin to turn gold, April offers cooler evenings and softer light across the Highlands. Days remain pleasant for outdoor activities, while the return of fireplaces in the evenings creates a gently seasonal rhythm. It’s also the perfect month for long table lunches on the patio, where the slower pace of autumn is best enjoyed over good food, conversation and a view of the estate.

Average temperatures: Low ±7°C | High ±20°C

May

May introduces crisp mornings and cooler evenings, with days that remain clear and fresh. It’s a wonderful time to explore the estate on foot, especially for guests who enjoy a longer hike into the mountain reserve. As the colder months approach, zebra often begin moving further down the mountain to graze on the greener grass – making May a rewarding month for quiet wildlife moments during walks.

Average temperatures: Low ±4°C | High ±18°C

June

June brings bright winter days and cold nights, opening up wide views across the rolling hills. This is the time of year to embrace winter wellbeing – escaping the cold by booking a sauna session (available to hotel guests and bookable in advance), followed by a relaxing massage at the spa. Evenings are best enjoyed dressing up in winter coats for dinner in The Flying Scotsman, where the warmth of the restaurant contrasts beautifully with the crisp highland air outside.

Average temperatures: Low ±1°C | High ±16°C

July

July is the heart of winter in Dullstroom, with crisp air, pale skies and a pronounced sense of stillness across the estate. It’s well suited to guests seeking quiet retreat, spa rituals, and time to truly rest. Cold days are made for sitting by the fire with Walkersons’ famous tea and scones, while anglers who are willing to brave the winter chill will often find this a rewarding month for fly-fishing.

Average temperatures: Low ±0°C | High ±16°C

August

Late winter brings slightly longer days and cool, cloudless conditions, making August a comfortable month for outdoor time without summer heat. It’s a particularly lovely time for horse riding on the estate, with clear skies and open views across the Highlands. After a day outdoors, many guests settle into the cosy rhythm of a pre-dinner cocktail in The Colonel Potter Bar – perhaps followed by a board game and an early night by the fire.

Average temperatures: Low ±2°C | High ±18°C

September

Spring arrives quietly in September, with the first fresh green returning and the air beginning to soften. A little rain and slightly warmer weather make it a great month for cycling along the river paths, and for more experienced riders, tackling the mountain trail. Evenings remain cool enough for fireside moments, offering a gentle balance of outdoor activity and indoor comfort.

Average temperatures: Low ±6°C | High ±20°C

October

October brings warmer days and renewed energy to the landscape, with birdlife becoming more active and longer afternoons spent outdoors. It’s a lovely month for fly-fishing, bike rides and relaxed outdoor dining. Birders may also enjoy the chance to spot species such as the Blue Crane, Crowned Lapwing, African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher and a variety of colourful sunbirds as the estate settles into the rhythm of spring.

Average temperatures: Low ±9°C | High ±22°C

November

With summer approaching, November offers long, warm days and refreshing afternoon rain that restores the estate’s green tones. It’s also a beautiful time to enjoy the gardens as they begin to bloom again, adding colour and fragrance to every walk around the hotel and grounds. With longer daylight hours and comfortable temperatures, November is an ideal month to plan ahead – whether for a family getaway, a romantic escape, or an early summer break at Walkersons.

Average temperatures: Low ±11°C | High ±23°C

December

December carries a wonderful festive energy, with warm days, misty mornings, and a lively feel across the Highlands. Early walks remain peaceful before the day unfolds, and the pool is the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine. The longer days create space for shared meals, outdoor time, and relaxed evenings overlooking the water – a rhythm many guests come to associate with stays at Walkersons Hotel & Spa.

Average temperatures: Low ±13°C | High ±24°C

When is the best time to visit Dullstroom?

The best time to visit Dullstroom depends on the pace and atmosphere you’re drawn to. Winter offers fireside stillness and clear Highland skies, autumn and spring provide balanced weather and quieter rhythms, while summer brings green landscapes and longer days. Each season offers a different way to unwind and settle into the Highlands.

Discover Walkersons for yourself

However you choose to experience the seasons, Walkersons Hotel & Spa offers a setting to arrive gently, move unhurriedly, and spend meaningful time in the landscape. Plan your stay around the season that best reflects how you’d like to feel while you’re here. 

Contact reservations on book@walkersons.co.za or make use of our online booking engine to view live availability and book online.