Driest Cities in KwaZulu-Natal

Top 71 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · South Africa · KwaZulu-Natal

Driest Cities — KwaZulu-Natal

1 Ncotshane 27.5"

2 Matatiele 28.9"

3 Ekuvukeni 29.7"

4 Weenen 29.7"

5 Cedarville 30.2"

6 Ladysmith 30.4"

7 Newcastle 30.4"

8 Colenso 30.5"

9 Charlestown 30.6"

10 eMkhuze 30.7"

11 Glencoe 31.1"

12 Pietermaritzburg 31.4"

13 Cato Ridge 31.4"

14 Albert Falls 31.4"

15 Trust Feed 31.4"

16 Winterton 31.4"

17 Kokstad 31.7"

18 Utrecht 31.7"

19 Dannhauser 32.0"

20 Nondweni 32.0"

21 Nqutu 32.0"

22 Dundee 32.2"

23 Manguzi 32.9"

24 Mondlo 33.0"

25 Nongoma 33.0"

26 Richmond 33.6"

27 Hopewell 33.6"

28 Estcourt 33.7"

29 Ixopo 34.3"

30 Greytown 34.4"

31 Harding 34.4"

32 Mooi River 34.5"

33 Frischgewaagd 34.6"

34 Vryheid 34.6"

35 Mpumalanga 34.6"

36 Wembesi 35.1"

37 Paulpietersburg 35.9"

38 Ulundi 36.3"

39 Mpophomeni 37.0"

40 Howick 37.0"

41 Lidgetton 37.0"

42 Melmoth 38.6"

43 eMuziwezinto 38.9"

44 Scottburgh 39.8"

45 Craigieburn 39.9"

46 Magabeni 39.9"

47 Pinetown 39.9"

48 Durban 39.9"

49 Folweni 39.9"

50 Berea 39.9"

51 eMkhomazi 39.9"

52 KwaDukuza 40.3"

53 Darnall 40.9"

54 Margate 42.4"

55 Ga-Malakhe 42.5"

56 Port Shepstone 42.5"

57 Port Edward 42.6"

58 Empangeni 43.0"

59 eSikhaleni 43.7"

60 Mandeni 43.7"

61 Eshowe 43.7"

62 Sundumbili 43.7"

63 Ntuzuma 45.5"

64 Shakaskraal 45.5"

65 Ballitoville 45.5"

66 Tongaat 45.5"

67 Inanda 45.5"

68 Hazelmere 45.5"

69 Richards Bay 45.6"

70 Mtubatuba 46.9"

71 Kgwaripe 48.8"

The driest cities in KwaZulu-Natal receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Ncotshane receives just 27.5 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. Ncotshane gets just 27.5" 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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