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Weather & Climate in Bethlehem, South Africa
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bethlehem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 67°F in January while summers reach 44°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 284 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 5,348 feet.
Temperature
67°F Jan (20°C)
44°F Jul (7°C)
| Annual Average | 57.3°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| July Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| Sunny Days | 284 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,348 ft (1,630 m) |
| Area | 2,199.9 sq mi (5,697.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 41/sq mi |
| Coordinates | -28.2308°N, 28.3071°W |
| Timezone | Africa/Johannesburg |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
74 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.9.
| Jul 13, 1998 | 14 km ENE of Welkom, South Africa | M4.9 | 145 km | 10 km |
| Mar 22, 2019 | 8 km WNW of Virginia, South Africa | M4.9 | 150 km | 5 km |
| Nov 14, 1990 | 7 km WSW of Virginia, South Africa | M4.8 | 149 km | 5 km |
| Mar 1, 2015 | 8 km ESE of Welkom, South Africa | M4.8 | 148 km | 8 km |
| Aug 22, 1991 | 7 km NW of Virginia, South Africa | M4.5 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Jul 19, 2016 | 5 km NW of Virginia, South Africa | M4.3 | 146 km | 5 km |
| Mar 20, 2015 | 25 km ESE of Ventersburg, South Africa | M4.2 | 90 km | 5 km |
| Jul 24, 2001 | 12 km S of Hennenman, South Africa | M4.2 | 129 km | 5 km |
| Jun 26, 1993 | South Africa | M3.7 | 140 km | 5 km |
| Sep 7, 1993 | 2 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.7 | 140 km | 5 km |
| Apr 18, 1993 | 1 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.7 | 140 km | 5 km |
| Feb 21, 1996 | 12 km ESE of Virginia, South Africa | M3.6 | 130 km | 5 km |
| Sep 20, 1993 | 5 km WSW of Virginia, South Africa | M3.6 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Oct 14, 1995 | 3 km W of Virginia, South Africa | M3.5 | 146 km | 5 km |
| Sep 9, 2023 | 10 km ENE of Koppies, South Africa | M3.5 | 131 km | 5 km |
| Jan 2, 1994 | 2 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.4 | 140 km | 5 km |
| Jan 21, 1996 | 8 km NNW of Virginia, South Africa | M3.3 | 146 km | 5 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 | 10 km NNW of Virginia, South Africa | M3.2 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Aug 8, 1990 | 6 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.1 | 135 km | 5 km |
| Nov 29, 1993 | 8 km NW of Virginia, South Africa | M3.1 | 148 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F (20°C) | 4.7 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| February | 66°F (19°C) | 3.8 in | |
| March | 64°F (18°C) | 3.5 in | |
| April | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 in | |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 0.9 in | |
| June | 44°F (7°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| July | 44°F (7°C) | 0.4 in | |
| August | 49°F (10°C) | 0.7 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 in | |
| October | 60°F (16°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 63°F (17°C) | 3.9 in | |
| December | 66°F (19°C) | 4.1 in |
Bethlehem has a seasonal temperature swing of 23°F / from 44°F in June to 67°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 28.9 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.7") and June the driest (0.4").