Climate
Addo Section
The area is classified as semi-arid to arid, receiving an average rainfall of less than 445mm per year.
Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but there are two peaks, in February – March and again in October – November. Frost occurs at times during winter.
There is no natural water in this section of the park and most waterholes are fed by boreholes. There are a number of small pans in the area but these are dry except in years of exceptional rainfall.
Temperatures
| Daily Max | Jan: 32 °C | July: 18 °C |
| Daily Min | Jan: 15 °C | July: 5 °C |
Zuurberg Section
Height above sea level varies from 250m to 970m. Mean annual rainfall of approximately 722mm. Peaks in rainfall are in spring and autumn. Unlike other fynbos areas, the winter months are the driest. Thunderstorms occur in summer months when lightning fires can be caused.
Darlington Section
Average annual rainfall of 255mm. Maximum temperature in summer reaches 48 °C and minimum temperatures are just above 0°C in winter. Rainfall is mostly in the form of thundershowers and an occasional cold front from the west.
Coastal Section (Woody Cape)
The mean annual rainfall varies from 392 mm at Sundays River Mouth to 700mm near Woody Cape. Boknes to Bushmans River Mouth is the transition zone from all year rainfall to summer rainfall. The dunefield occurs in a rain shadow which receives lower rainfall than both Port Elizabeth and Alexandria. Fog and mist are common, with frost being rare.