The weather conditions the past four months were predominantly cool, and rainy :

        Very windy and mild in September, particularly towards the end,       blowing north to north-easterly.

        The first rain fell in October on the 4 th, but only 2.5 mm, followed by a hot, dry fortnight. Heavy rain came down on 17 (10 mm), and 18 (20mm) , also causing a power breakdown, and 19 October (15 mm with hail). Rainy, misty conditions lasted till 23 October, with some more rain on 29 (22mm) and 31 October(42mm), totalling 151mm for October.

         The whole of November was rainy, drissly, and misty, with a couple of thundershowers. The maximum temperatures varied between 18° and 28°, and the minimum between 12° and 17°, mainly cloudy and misty with occasional sunshine,  mild to cool with light wind. A total rainfall of 185mm was recorded, which is exceptionally good for November. Everything turned lush green, the most beautiful sight in a long time.     

          The rainy, misty and cool conditions continued in December, and by the middle of the month more than 100 mm have already been recorded, with maximum temperatures below 30°, also exceptional  as it is normally on the dry and warm end of the scale in December. During the last two weeks in December the weather was more typical with hot spells, but good rain fell on 30 December, completing the month with a total of 150 mm.

 In  January the temperatures climbed and heated the waters of the dams to 20° – 25°, causing loss of fish, and disappointing fishing.

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At 2000 m above sea level, Vlakfontein farm is one of the highest on the Eastern Escarpment. It has a sub-alpine climate, and is well known for its windy, rainy, misty, cool weather, and undulating green hills reminding visitors of the Scottish Highlands.

                                  Proving the point Allen playing “Amazing Grace”.

Summers are moderate with rain, thunder showers, and occasional floods, somewhat unpredictable and often misty or drizzly with temperatures between 19 and 33 degrees.  Winters vary from cold to moderate with frost and occasional snow and temperatures zero to 15 degrees..  Prevailing wind direction is north to north-easterly. The rainfall averages 800 mm per year.

The climate lends itself perfectly to  trout favouring cool, clear water, and hence flyfishing for trout is popular in the region.

  All through the year one can expect fast changes in the daily weather conditions, and warm clothing is always advisable.

See Weather Update for past or current conditions.

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