Driest Cities in Eastern Cape

Top 86 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · South Africa · Eastern Cape

Driest Cities — Eastern Cape

1 Aberdeen 11.5"

2 Jansenville 12.2"

3 Pearston 13.2"

4 Graaff Reinet 13.3"

5 Willowmore 13.5"

6 Kirkwood 14.6"

7 Bontrug 14.6"

8 Middelburg 15.8"

9 Cradock 16.2"

10 Venterstad 16.9"

11 Somerset East 18.0"

12 Addo 18.3"

13 Nomathamasanqa 18.3"

14 Cookhouse 18.4"

15 Khaya Mnandi 19.0"

16 Kariega 19.0"

17 Burgersdorp 19.6"

18 Steynsburg 19.8"

19 Paterson 20.0"

20 Bedford 20.0"

21 Adelaide 20.6"

22 Tarkastad 21.0"

23 Sterkstroom 21.3"

24 Gqeberha 21.5"

25 Molteno 21.9"

26 Aliwal North 22.1"

27 Queensdale 22.1"

28 Queenstown 22.1"

29 Fort Beaufort 22.2"

30 Ilinge 22.7"

31 James Calata 22.8"

32 Lady Frere 23.0"

33 Whittlesea 23.4"

34 Indwe 23.6"

35 Dordrecht 23.9"

36 Joubertina 24.1"

37 Humansdorp 24.3"

38 Jeffreys Bay 24.3"

39 Patensie 24.3"

40 St Francis Bay 24.3"

41 Hankey 24.3"

42 Alice 24.5"

43 Cathcart 24.5"

44 Alexandria 25.0"

45 Peddie 25.0"

46 Kenton 25.2"

47 Grahamstown 25.3"

48 Barkly East 25.5"

49 Ngcobo 25.6"

50 Cala 25.8"

51 Cofimvaba 25.9"

52 Port Alfred 26.1"

53 Lady Grey 26.4"

54 Bathurst 26.5"

55 Maluti 26.9"

56 Kareedouw 27.1"

57 Dimbaza 27.1"

58 Dutywa 27.4"

59 Kruisfontein 27.8"

60 Khowa 28.2"

61 Stutterheim 28.3"

62 Ugie 29.0"

63 Butterworth 29.1"

64 Mthatha 29.1"

65 Tlokoeng 29.4"

66 Tsolo 29.7"

67 Maclear 30.2"

68 Louterwater 30.5"

69 Phakamisa 30.5"

70 Ilitha 30.5"

71 Qonce 30.5"

72 Bhisho 30.5"

73 Ndevana 30.5"

74 Qumbu 30.6"

75 Mount Frere 31.6"

76 Komga 32.2"

77 Mdantsane 32.9"

78 Mount Ayliff 32.9"

79 Clydesdale 33.4"

80 East London 33.7"

81 Libode 34.4"

82 Gonubie 34.7"

83 Flagstaff 34.7"

84 Bizana 38.2"

85 Lusikisiki 40.9"

86 Port Saint John’s 42.6"

The driest cities in Eastern Cape receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Aberdeen receives just 11.5 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. Aberdeen gets just 11.5" 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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