Driest Cities in South Africa

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · South Africa

Driest Cities — South Africa

1 Nababeep 08 5.3"

2 Springbok 08 6.1"

3 Kakamas 08 6.2"

4 Lutzville 11 7.7"

5 Laingsburg 11 8.0"

6 Nuwerus NC 08 8.0"

7 Upington 08 8.0"

8 Vanrhynsdorp 11 8.1"

9 Vredendal 11 8.5"

10 Klawer 11 8.5"

11 Carnarvon 08 8.8"

12 Lamberts Bay 11 9.1"

13 Beaufort West 11 9.1"

14 Calvinia 08 9.3"

15 Touwsrivier 11 10.1"

16 Prieska 08 10.1"

17 Prince Albert 11 10.3"

18 Clanwilliam 11 10.5"

19 Victoria West 08 10.6"

20 Calitzdorp 11 10.9"

21 Aberdeen 05 11.5"

22 Murraysburg 11 12.0"

23 Jansenville 05 12.2"

24 Oudtshoorn 11 12.6"

25 Citrusdal 11 12.7"

26 De Aar 08 12.8"

27 Zoar 11 12.9"

28 Ladismith 11 13.0"

29 Oakglen 08 13.1"

30 Pearston 05 13.2"

31 Graaff Reinet 05 13.3"

32 Postmasburg 08 13.4"

33 Willowmore 05 13.5"

34 Dysselsdorp 11 14.1"

35 Hopefield 11 14.5"

36 Bontrug 05 14.6"

37 Kirkwood 05 14.6"

38 Kathu 08 15.0"

39 Piketberg 11 15.2"

40 Colesberg 08 15.2"

41 Swellendam 11 15.2"

42 Moorreesburg 11 15.6"

43 Velddrif 11 15.7"

44 Langebaan 11 15.7"

45 Saldanha 11 15.7"

46 Saint Helena Bay 11 15.7"

47 Vredenburg 11 15.7"

48 Middelburg 05 15.8"

49 Heidelberg 11 15.8"

50 Cradock 05 16.2"

51 Porterville 11 16.3"

52 Daniëlskuil 08 16.3"

53 Ritchie 08 16.4"

54 Koffiefontein 03 16.7"

55 Riversdale 11 16.7"

56 Jacobsdal 03 16.8"

57 Trompsburg 03 16.9"

58 Kuruman 08 16.9"

59 Venterstad 05 16.9"

60 Bethulie 03 17.2"

61 Jagersfontein 03 17.2"

62 Petrusburg 03 17.3"

63 Kimberley 08 17.5"

64 Barkly West 08 17.6"

65 Edenvale 06 17.6"

66 Randburg 06 17.6"

67 Eden Glen Ext 60 06 17.6"

68 Roodepoort 06 17.6"

69 Ivory Park 06 17.6"

70 Thembisa 06 17.6"

71 Diepsloot 06 17.6"

72 Johannesburg 06 17.6"

73 Midstream 06 17.6"

74 Germiston 06 17.6"

75 Krugersdorp 06 17.6"

76 Midrand 06 17.6"

77 Centurion 06 17.6"

78 Eastleigh 06 17.6"

79 Alexandra 06 17.6"

80 Eden Glen 06 17.6"

81 Soshanguve 06 17.6"

82 Pretoria 06 17.6"

83 Brits 10 17.6"

84 Letlhabile 10 17.6"

85 Mabopane 06 17.6"

86 Hartbeespoort 10 17.6"

87 Ga-Rankuwa 10 17.6"

88 Lephalale 09 17.7"

89 Bredasdorp 11 17.8"

90 Mossel Bay 11 17.8"

91 Albertina 11 17.8"

92 Carletonville 06 17.9"

93 Uniondale 11 17.9"

94 Westonaria 06 17.9"

95 Glenharvie 06 17.9"

96 Fochville 10 17.9"

97 Stilbaai 11 17.9"

98 Edenburg 03 18.0"

99 Somerset East 05 18.0"

100 Marapong 09 18.0"

The driest cities in South Africa receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Nababeep receives just 5.3 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Nababeep gets just 5.3" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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