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Mthatha, South Africa
Eastern Cape · South Africa
Mthatha is a large city in Eastern Cape, South Africa with a population of 164,848. Elevation: 2,277 ft (694 m). Average temperature: 63°F (17°C).
Data updated June 2026
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About Mthatha
Mthatha, alternatively rendered Umtata, is the main city of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Eastern Cape province of South Africa and the capital of OR Tambo District Municipality. The city has an airport, previously known as the K. D. Matanzima Airport after former leader Kaiser Matanzima. Mthatha derives its name from the nearby Mthatha River which was named after the sneezewood (umtati) trees, famous for their wood and medicinal properties.
People
Climate
| Population | 164,848 |
| Population Density | 7,769 / sq mi |
| Elevation | 2,277 ft (694 m) |
| Coordinates | -31.5889°, 28.7844° |
| Timezone | Africa/Johannesburg |
| Country | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| State / Province | Eastern Cape |
| Average Temperature | 63°F (17°C) |
| January Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| July Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| Annual Precipitation | 29.1 inches (740 mm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 0.0 inches (0 cm) |
About Mthatha
Mthatha is a large city in South Africa (Eastern Cape) with a population of 164,848. The city sits at an elevation of 2,277 feet (694 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 63°F (17°C). Temperatures range from 70°F in January to 55°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 29.1 inches. The timezone is Africa/Johannesburg.
Climate in Mthatha
Mthatha has an average annual temperature of 16.4°C (62°F). The hottest month is Jan (20.9°C), the coldest is Jul (11.2°C). Average annual precipitation is 1253 mm.
Temperature
| Annual Average | 63.3°F |
| 17% above South Africa avg | |
| January Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| July Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 283 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,277 ft (694 m) |
| Area | 21.2 sq mi (55.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 7,769/sq mi |
| Coordinates | -31.5889°N, 28.7844°W |
| Timezone | Africa/Johannesburg |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| February | 71°F (21°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| March | 69°F (20°C) | 4.0 in | |
| April | 65°F (18°C) | 2.1 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 0.9 in | |
| June | 55°F (13°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
| July | 55°F (13°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| August | 58°F (14°C) | 0.9 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 1.7 in | |
| October | 63°F (17°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 in | |
| December | 68°F (20°C) | 4.1 in |
Mthatha has a seasonal temperature swing of 16°F / from 55°F in July to 71°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 29.2 inches, with February being the wettest month (4.1") and June the driest (0.6").
Colleges & Universities in Mthatha
| Institution | Type | Founded | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPS Academy | College | - | Visit → |
| Walter Sisulu University | University | - | , |
Schools in Mthatha
39 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyndale Primary School | - | - | - | - |
| Umtata Christian School | - | - | - | - |
| Ngwayibanjwa Senior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Xolilizwe Sangoni Senior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Ntshele Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Zamukulungisa Senior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Upper Zimbane Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Jersey Farm Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Lutholi Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Ntilini Full Service School | - | - | - | - |
| Southernwood Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Gxulu Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Langeni Senior Primary School | - | - | - | - |
| Mennonite Bible School | - | - | - | - |
| Fairfield Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Sehushe Commercial School | - | - | - | - |
| Ntapane Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Mthatha Community Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Ndamase SS School | - | - | - | - |
| Khanyisa High School | - | - | - | - |
| St John's College | - | - | - | - |
| Ntshabeni Primary School | - | - | - | - |
| Mziwodumo Primary School | - | - | - | - |
| Highbury Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Rosedale Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Ncambele Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Mpindweni Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| James Kobi Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Norwood Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| St Joseph's Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Ncise Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Mbuqe Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Ezra Sigwela Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Holy Cross Senior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Transkei Primary School | - | - | - | - |
| Umtata High School | - | - | - | - |
| Vela Private School | - | - | - | - |
| Holy Cross Senior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| Umtata International School | - | - | - | - |
Museums in Mthatha
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela Museum | ||||
| Nelson Mandela Museum, Qunu |
Hotels in Mthatha
1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Restaurants in Mthatha
2 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Train Stations in Mthatha
2 train stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Bus Stations in Mthatha
3 bus stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Gas Stations in Mthatha
19 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Banks in Mthatha
5 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Shopping Malls in Mthatha
2 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Golf Courses in Mthatha
1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Airports Near Mthatha
7 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| K. D. Matanzima Airport | UTT | Medium Airport |
| Port St Johns Airport | JOH | Medium Airport |
| Idutywa Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Koffee Bay Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Maclear Airport | - | Small Airport |
| The Haven Airstrip | - | Small Airport |
| Ugie Airport | - | Small Airport |
Treatment Centers in Mthatha
1 treatment centers.
| Center | Type | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Thembalitsha Rehabilitation Centre |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Mthatha
4 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| All Saints Catholic Cathedral – Amaroma | |
| Northcrest Assembly Of God | |
| Presbyterian Church Hall | |
| Saint Andrews Presbyterian |
Quick Facts
Around Mthatha
Places within 5 km radius - OpenStreetMap data
Things to See Near Mthatha
1 places within 15 km
- • Grosvenor Hotel
🇿🇦 About South Africa
Public Holidays in South Africa
12 public holidays this year
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Get ReportFrequently Asked Questions About Mthatha
What is the population of Mthatha?
Mthatha has a population of 164,848 residents and is located in South Africa. The population density is 7,769 people per square mile, spread across 21.2 square miles.
What is the weather like in Mthatha?
Mthatha enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 70°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 283 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.1 inches.