Weather Conditions

While South Africa is often thought of as sunny and warm, weather conditions can vary significantly by region. In the Magaliesberg and the Cradle of Humankind area, hot air ballooning is dependent on calm and dry weather, as flying in wind or rain can be dangerous. Safety is our top priority, and flights may be cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions. To ensure a comfortable experience, we recommend dressing in layers and following the guidelines provided.

Despite the sunny reputation of South Africa, the weather can be unpredictable, with some regions experiencing cold or wet conditions at different times of the year. The Magaliesberg and the Cradle of Humankind region, where our hot air balloon flights take place, are located in a summer rainfall area. Unlike coastal areas, it doesn’t experience heavy winter rainfall, making it ideal for ballooning during much of the year.

Weather Dependency and Safety:

Hot air ballooning is highly weather-dependent, and it’s not safe to fly in windy or rainy conditions. It’s crucial to meet at the time provided when booking to avoid turbulence and thermals that can occur after sunrise. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, your pilot may cancel the flight at the launch site, or even the night before. While we understand this can be disappointing, passenger safety is always our highest priority, and the pilot's decision is final.

In the event of a weather-related cancellation, we will do our best to reschedule your flight at a time that works for all passengers.

What to Wear:

If the weather is favourable for flying, we recommend dressing warmly in layers that can be removed as the day heats up. Long pants and flat shoes are ideal for comfort. These are just recommendations, and we can discuss them further when booking your flight.

If you have any further questions about how weather conditions might affect your hot air balloon adventure, feel free to contact us.