Essentially, Autumn extends gradually from April through May into the mid-Winter cold spell of June, July and August. The thermometer rises from late August, however it can remain cold in early September, only warming up from mid-October. Spring follows, naturally and morphs rapidly into Summer and the 35°C - 43°C swelter of December, January – and more lately March.

Hot Stuff

South African homes of older vintage don’t cope well with extremes of temperature change, especially cold and damp. In the Winter months – short though they might be – intelligent insulation and heating systems are necessary to combat chilly rooms and draughts. Comment from those in the know:

Says Andrew Balding of Morso Fireplaces: ‘Standard house design in South Africa has not developed, or evolved, much in the last 12 / 18 months. A slow transition towards greener building methods and the introduction of double-glazing – plus better insulation and alternative eco-friendly heating and cooling systems – indicates that South Africans are considering the options, before spending hard-earned income.

May/June 2010