South Africa’s winter doesn’t send everyone into hibernation – in fact, many of us embrace winter by escaping to our favourite small towns in off-season, year after year.
From snowy mountain hamlets to sunny coastal retreats, these underrated towns offer cosy fireplaces, outdoor adventures and unique attractions that keep South Africans coming back every winter. Below, we explore 12 of the country’s best-kept winter getaways that blend local charm, natural beauty and that special something that locals love.
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1. Montagu, Western Cape
Tucked along the R62 in the Western Cape’s Cape Winelands, Montagu has a way of making visitors feel at home – perhaps because so many grew up holidaying here. Generations of South Africans return to Montagu for its healing hot springs and old-world charm. Montagu Springs Resort, with its warm mineral pools, has been a family tradition for decades. Beyond soaking in Avalon Springs’ thermal baths, winter visitors enjoy the town’s historic thatched architecture, dried-fruit farm stalls, and rugged rock formations perfect for hiking and climbing. It’s a tranquil country dorp where crisp mornings turn into sunny afternoons – ideal for scenic tractor rides up the Langeberg Mountains or sipping local muscadel by a fire. Montagu’s mix of natural relaxation and small-town hospitality keeps returning locals enchanted year after year.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / fabulousfabs
2. Arniston, Western Cape
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) is an Overberg coastal gem that remains blissfully low-key even during peak season. Come winter, this once-humble fishing village transforms into a serene retreat known for whale watching and windswept beauty. Locals who prefer a quieter seaside escape love Arniston’s unspoilt beaches and limestone caves – including the famous Waenhuiskrans Cave – which you can explore at low tide. Whitewashed, thatch-roofed cottages dot the village, many of them centuries-old national monuments that add to the timeless atmosphere. In the winter months, southern right whales arrive along the Whale Coast, and you’ll often find Capetonians and other South Africans returning annually to spot them from the cliffs or the comfort of the Arniston Hotel. With its lovely ocean views, fresh seafood and shipwreck history, Arniston has earned its title as a cherished winter holiday hideaway for those in the know.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bothar at English Wikipedia
3. Hogsback, Eastern Cape
If you’re dreaming of a fairytales, Hogsback in the Amathole Mountains delivers magic from all angles. This misty village, said to have inspired Tolkien’s Middle-Earth, is a winter dreamland where snow blankets the forests and gardens some years. For many Eastern Cape families, Hogsback’s annual “Christmas in July” festival is a must – a quirky celebration of all things merry and bright (think log fires, hearty feasts and even a visit from Santa). In fact, the Hogsback Winter Celebration each July has become one of the village’s biggest events, growing more popular every year. Locals return for the enchanted hikes through ancient forests, cascading waterfalls like the 39 Steps, and the chance of waking up to a dusting of snow on the Amatola peaks. Even when the weather only brings brisk mountain air and crackling fireplaces, Hogsback’s mystical atmosphere – which comes with eco-shrines, fairy gardens and art galleries – makes it a fantastic winter escape that South Africans revisit over and over.
4. Chintsa, Eastern Cape
South Africa’s Wild Coast is a winter hotspot for those seeking mild days and crowd-free beaches. One of the region’s best-kept secrets is Chintsa (Cintsa), a sleepy seaside village about 40 km northeast of East London. Chintsa rewards returning visitors with a 15-km stretch of pristine golden beach and lush coastal forest – plenty of space to stroll, fish, or even horse-ride along the shore in peace. Its name means “river of crumbling banks” in Xhosa, and indeed the village is set around a tranquil lagoon that’s perfect for kayaking or simply lazing in a hammock under the winter sun. Locals who come back every winter cite Chintsa’s warm subtropical climate (even in mid-year) and welcoming community vibe as big draws. Whether you’re sampling fresh seafood at a local eatery or learning a bit of Xhosa from the friendly residents, Chintsa gives you an off-the-beaten-path coastal escape where you can really unwind. It’s the kind of underrated beach town that remains low-key but loved by those who’ve discovered its serene charm.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Håkon Thingstad
5. Sutherland, Northern Cape
When it comes to chasing snow, South Africans flock to Sutherland every winter – and for good reason. This High Karoo town is famously the coldest place in the country, with temperatures often dropping far below freezing. Tourists and locals alike storm into Sutherland in winter (its busiest season) to get a glimpse of snow and experience its magic. The surrounding Roggeveld mountains frequently wear a coat of white in July and August. But it’s not only the snow that draws annual visitors – Sutherland’s crystal-clear night skies are the stuff of legend. Home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the town is nicknamed the “Gateway to the Universe”. The dry, clear winter air offers prime stargazing opportunities, and astronomy enthusiasts often make an annual pilgrimage to marvel at the Milky Way from the local observatory or their guest farm’s stoep. By day, Sutherland charms with its rustic Karoo architecture and cozy pubs serving hearty lamb curry to ward off the chill. The stark contrast of a snow-dusted semi-desert, plus warm Karoo hospitality, ensures that Sutherland remains a top winter destination that South Africans return to year after year.
image: Wikimedia / South African Tourism
6. Clarens, Free State
Clarens wears the crown as the “Jewel of the Eastern Free State,” and winter only amplifies its charm. This art-lover’s and adventurer’s haven sits tucked between the Maloti Mountains, where occasional snowfall gives the sandstone cliffs a powdered-sugar coating. Thanks to its central location and gorgeous surroundings (including the adjacent Golden Gate Highlands National Park), Clarens has become one of the most popular winter getaway spots in South Africa. Locals come back each winter for the village vibe – think cosy cafes and craft breweries around a quaint town square – as much as for the scenery. The town boasts over 20 art galleries and countless craft shops, reinforcing its reputation as the country’s “art mecca”. During winter, the air is crisp and perfect for activities like quad biking or trout fishing by day, followed by warming up with hot cocoa or a cherry liqueur (a nod to the region’s cherry farms) by night. Whether visitors are browsing local artworks, hitting the hiking trails, or simply enjoying a fireplace with a view of snow-capped peaks, Clarens offers a charming mix of culture and nature. It’s no wonder many Joburg and Durban families return every July to make new memories in this picturesque little town.
Image: Wikimedia / JMK
7. Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Underberg is the gateway to KZN’s southern Drakensberg and a snow chaser’s paradise in winter. Each year, adventurers from Durban and beyond base themselves in this farming village with one goal: reach the snow of Sani Pass. Underberg’s high-altitude valleys regularly see frost and snowfall – a novelty in sunny South Africa – turning the landscape into a postcard-perfect tableau of white-capped peaks reflected in glassy lakes. The town itself sits in a lush green basin (often dusted white in July), and offers a range of lodges and cottages where returning visitors toast their toes after a day in the mountains. The real highlight is just up the road: Sani Pass, the famous 4×4 route into Lesotho, where snow is almost guaranteed on the summit mid-winter. Many locals make an annual trek to Underberg specifically to take a guided Sani Pass drive or even go skiing and sledding at the Lesotho border when conditions allow. Even without snow, Underberg’s crisp air and dramatic berg scenery – from frozen waterfalls to clear starry nights – offer a rejuvenating escape. This Drakensberg jewel proves that winter in KZN isn’t all beaches and sunshine; for some, it means log cabins, woolly blankets, and the adventure of an alpine-style outing right here in South Africa.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Joseph Argus
8. Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal
Not all winter getaways are about the cold – some South Africans head straight for warmth when June arrives. Scottburgh, on KZN’s sunny South Coast, is a perennial favourite for families seeking a mild winter beach break. This unassuming coastal town, about 60 km south of Durban, offers balmy days and an inviting Indian Ocean (with water temps pleasant enough for year-round swims). Many inland locals return every winter to enjoy Scottburgh’s Blue Flag main beach without the summer crowds. The town has a bit of everything: tidal pools and supertubes for kids, scuba diving on the Aliwal Shoal for the adventurous, and the famous annual sardine run spectacle along the shoreline (if timing is right). Visitors can take microlight flights for a bird’s-eye view of the coast or go shark-cage diving nearby, as noted by travel guides. And when the sun dips, the Umdoni Park forest offers serene nature walks with prolific birdlife. Scottburgh’s longstanding caravan park and affordable B&Bs see many of the same faces each winter, as friends meet up year after year under the subtropical winter sun. With its laid-back charm, warm climate and mix of activities, Scottburgh proves that an “off-season” seaside escape can be just as magical – and often more peaceful – than the peak summer holiday.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ossewa
9. Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
In the highlands of Mpumalanga, Dullstroom has earned a reputation as the place to get cozy in winter. At 2,100m above sea level, Dullstroom (also called Emnotweni) regularly sees sub-zero nights, beckoning Gauteng locals who crave a proper chilly getaway. In fact, many Joburg and Pretoria families make an annual winter pilgrimage here for its “perfectly cozy” atmosphere. What draws them? Perhaps it’s the crackle of wood-burning fireplaces found in nearly every country cottage, or the allure of hearty meals and locally brewed beer at the town’s quaint pubs. Dullstroom is famous for its fly-fishing estates – winter mornings often find anglers casting lines on misty trout dams, warming up with a glass of sherry afterward. The village’s charming main street features art shops, a legendary whisky bar, and decadent pancake restaurants, all catering to the weekend influx of repeat visitors. Beyond the village, the rolling highveld hills offer hiking, horse riding, and birding (look out for endangered cranes). But it’s that simple winter joy – bundling up the kids for a farm sunrise, munching pancakes as frost melts away, and cherishing uninterrupted family time – that keeps South Africans coming back to Dullstroom every winter.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bougnat87
10. Kaapsehoop, Mpumalanga
While lesser-known than Dullstroom, Kaapsehoop has a devoted following among those who have experienced its quirky charm. Perched on an escarpment above Nelspruit, this one-street former gold mining outpost is often shrouded in mist and steeped in legend. Winter is Kaapsehoop’s showtime: aloes burst into orange bloom on the surrounding hills, and chilly mornings invite a mystical fog that later burns off to reveal rolling grasslands. A herd of wild horses roams freely through the village and pine forests – an iconic sight that makes visitors feel like they’ve stepped into another world. Many Lowveld locals say winter is the best time to visit Kaapsehoop, precisely for that moody, romantic ambiance of misty dawns and clear, crisp afternoons. Days are filled with simple pleasures: hiking to find old stone ruins or the pretty Battery Creek waterfall, browsing quirky shops and cafés, and warming up with thin-crust pizza or pancakes by a wood-burning stove. By night, stargazing under the clear sky (if the mist has cleared) is spectacular at this altitude. With its eccentric vibe – signposts warn of “frogs and fairies” on the road – and natural beauty, Kaapsehoop offers a uniquely enchanting winter retreat that sees many repeat visitors seeking something offbeat yet soul-soothing.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / John A Forbes
11. Bela-Bela, Limpopo
For families across Gauteng and Limpopo, Bela-Bela is practically synonymous with winter school holidays. Formerly known as Warmbaths, this town’s geothermal hot springs have been a warm refuge for over a century. In winter, Bela-Bela’s popular resorts (like Forever Warmbaths and ATKV Klein-Kariba) buzz with activity as South Africans flock to enjoy the steaming outdoor pools under the mild Highveld winter sun. According to local travel experts, when it comes to hot springs and spa stays, Bela-Bela… and the various ATKV resorts across the country are the most popular winter escapes for South African families. The appeal is obvious: daytime temperatures here often reach a pleasant 20°C even in mid-July, providing a break from the chill elsewhere. Kids (and kids-at-heart) zoom down heated water slides while grandparents soak in therapeutic mineral baths – it’s a multi-generational paradise. Beyond the resorts, Bela-Bela offers game viewing at nearby reserves, adventure activities like zip-lining, and a chance to explore the Waterberg region’s natural beauty in the dry season. Many families return every winter to Bela-Bela as an easy, feel-good getaway – the kind of place where you can camp or chalet it, braai every night, and soothe any winter blues in warm, healing waters.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / JMK
12. Magaliesburg, North West
Just an hour or two from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Magaliesberg Mountains provide a convenient winter escape for city-dwellers – and one they revisit often. Centered around the village of Magaliesburg, this area straddles Gauteng and North West and is known for its scenic hikes, historic sites and country hospitality. Winter is an especially lovely time to visit: the days are typically sunny and cool (ideal for hiking the rugged trails or exploring the Cradle of Humankind caves nearby), and the nights are crisp – perfect for sitting around a crackling fire at a guest farm or lodge. The Magaliesberg range’s allure is such that it keep[s] adventurers… coming back for more, as one travel blog notes, with its cliffside climbs, canopy tours, and even hot-air balloon rides over frosty fields. Many Gauteng locals make Magaliesburg their go-to weekend getaway in winter to swap the city for tranquil bushveld scenery. You might spend your morning on a game drive at a local reserve (yes, there are Big 5 game farms in the area) and your afternoon browsing antiques in the village or sampling cheese at a farm stall. Come evening, the stars over Magaliesburg shine bright thanks to minimal city lights – another simple pleasure that brings people back. With its mix of adventure and relaxation so close to home, Magaliesburg proves you don’t have to travel far to find an underrated winter retreat that feels a world away.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / StormSignal
South African small town stays that are worth it
South Africa’s winter showcases a diversity of destinations – from snowy hamlets to sunny shores – that locals adore. These underrated towns might not grab international headlines, but they offer the kind of authentic experiences and seasonal highlights (think festivals, fireplaces, frost and fun) that have South Africans returning every year. Whether you’re after adrenaline in the Drakensberg, a steamy soak in Limpopo, or simply a quiet Karoo starlit night, you’ll find a winter haven that feels like your own special discovery. So this winter, follow the locals’ lead: swap the big cities for one of these charming towns and see why it’s worth making a yearly tradition. Your future self – rosy-cheeked from the cold or sun-kissed in the mild – will thank you for it.
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