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Harrismith, South Africa
Free State · South Africa
Harrismith is a mid-size city in Free State, South Africa with a population of 33,390. Elevation: 5,390 ft (1,643 m). Average temperature: 58°F (14°C).
Data updated June 2026
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About Harrismith
Harrismith is a large town in the Free State province of South Africa. It was named for Sir Harry Smith, a 19th-century British governor and high commissioner of the Cape Colony. It is situated by the Wilge River, alongside the N3 highway, about midway between Johannesburg, about 275Â km to the north-west, and Durban to the south-east. The town is located at the junction of the N5 highway, which continues westward towards the provincial capital Bloemfontein, some 340Â km to the south-west. This important crossroads in South Africa's land trade routes is surrounded by mesas and buttes. It is located at the base of one of these called Platberg.
People
Climate
| Population | 33,390 |
| Population Density | 15 / sq mi |
| Elevation | 5,390 ft (1,643 m) |
| Coordinates | -28.2728°, 29.1295° |
| Timezone | Africa/Johannesburg |
| Country | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| State / Province | Free State |
| Average Temperature | 58°F (14°C) |
| January Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| July Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| Annual Precipitation | 28.2 inches (716 mm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 0.0 inches (0 cm) |
About Harrismith
Harrismith is a mid-size city in South Africa (Free State) with a population of 33,390. The city sits at an elevation of 5,390 feet (1,643 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 58°F (14°C). Temperatures range from 67°F in January to 47°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 28.2 inches. The timezone is Africa/Johannesburg.
Climate in Harrismith
Harrismith has an average annual temperature of 0°C (32°F). The hottest month is Jan (0°C), the coldest is Jan (0°C). Average annual precipitation is 1129 mm.
Temperature
| Annual Average | 58.0°F |
| 7% above South Africa avg | |
| January Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| July Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| Sunny Days | 285 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,390 ft (1,643 m) |
| Area | 2,162.7 sq mi (5,601.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 15/sq mi |
| Coordinates | -28.2728°N, 29.1295°W |
| Timezone | Africa/Johannesburg |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F (19°C) | 4.5 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| February | 66°F (19°C) | 4.1 in | |
| March | 63°F (17°C) | 3.0 in | |
| April | 58°F (14°C) | 1.6 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 0.9 in | |
| June | 47°F (8°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest |
| July | 47°F (8°C) | 0.3 in | Driest |
| August | 51°F (11°C) | 0.8 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 0.9 in | |
| October | 61°F (16°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 63°F (17°C) | 4.4 in | |
| December | 66°F (19°C) | 4.5 in |
Harrismith has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 47°F in June to 67°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.5") and July the driest (0.3").
Schools in Harrismith
2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intabazwe Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Harrismith Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
Hotels in Harrismith
4 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Restaurants in Harrismith
5 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Cafes in Harrismith
1 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Zoos in Harrismith
1 zoos within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Train Stations in Harrismith
3 train stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Gas Stations in Harrismith
11 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Banks in Harrismith
5 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Ski Resorts Near Harrismith
1 ski resorts within range.
| Resort | Slopes (km) | Lifts | Peak (m) | Price | Season | Night | Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AfriSki | 0.0 | - | - | $0 | - | - | - |
Airports Near Harrismith
12 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Harrismith Airport | HRS | Medium Airport |
| Ladysmith Airport | LAY | Medium Airport |
| Aero Farm Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Alberta Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Amphitheatre Lodge Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Bingelela | - | Small Airport |
| El Mirador Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Glen Grey Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Glenside Airfield | - | Small Airport |
| Letseng Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Phuthadijhaba Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Sterkfontein Airport | - | Small Airport |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Harrismith
1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| N.G. Gemeente |
Quick Facts
🇿🇦 About South Africa
Public Holidays in South Africa
12 public holidays this year
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Get ReportFrequently Asked Questions About Harrismith
What is the population of Harrismith?
Harrismith has a population of 33,390 residents and is located in South Africa. The population density is 15 people per square mile, spread across 2,162.7 square miles.
What is the weather like in Harrismith?
Harrismith enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 67°F in January, while summers reach an average of 47°F in July. The area receives 285 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.2 inches.