South Africa turns purple: The magic of Jacaranda season

Every year, between October and November, some of South Africa’s streets erupt into a sea of lavender and violet.

The annual jacaranda bloom is one of the country’s most loved natural spectacles – a fleeting, almost dreamlike reminder that summer is near.

From Pretoria’s jacaranda-lined avenues to Johannesburg’s canopied suburbs, the trees paint the cities purple, attracting photographers, tourists, and locals who pause to look up and smile.

When Jacaranda season blooms

Jacarandas bloom in early to mid-spring, typically from early October to mid-November. The timing depends slightly on rainfall and temperature, but you can count on the first purple flushes appearing soon after the first warm days of the season.

Pretoria usually blooms a little earlier than Johannesburg, thanks to its warmer climate. By late October, both cities are blanketed in flowers, and fallen petals turn the pavements into soft violet carpets.

Where to see Jacarandas in South Africa

1. Pretoria: The Jacaranda City

Pretoria, the administrative capital, is the heart of jacaranda season. With over 70 000 jacaranda trees, it’s no wonder the city is nicknamed Jacaranda City.

• Best spots include:
  • Union Buildings: A panoramic view of purple treetops cascading through the city.
  • Church Street: One of the longest urban streets in South Africa, lined with jacarandas from end to end.
  • Groenkloof and Brooklyn: Residential areas that turn into living lavender tunnels.

2. Johannesburg

Johannesburg, though more urban and fast-paced, offers some of the most striking jacaranda scenes in its leafy northern suburbs.

• Best spots:
  • Melville, Rosebank, and Parktown: Old neighbourhoods with tall jacarandas arching over quiet streets.
  • Randburg and Sandton: Newer plantings that bring a pop of colour to business districts.
  • Westcliff: The view from the top of the hill captures miles of purple canopy below.

3. Stellenbosch and Makhanda (Grahamstown)

While Pretoria and Johannesburg take most of the glory, smaller towns like Stellenbosch in the Western Cape and Makhanda in the Eastern Cape also host enchanting jacaranda-lined streets, blending colonial architecture with bursts of colour.

Tips for experiencing Jacaranda season

• Go early: The soft morning light makes the purple glow even richer, and it’s cooler for walking or photographing.
• Drive or walk: Some of the best views come from slow drives through jacaranda-lined suburbs or strolls beneath the petals.
• Capture responsibly: Many of the most photogenic spots are residential, so be respectful when stopping for photos.