Planning a visit to Howick Falls requires understanding the seasonal weather shifts across the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. From roaring summer water volumes following Highveld thunderstorms to clear sunny winter hiking days and annual spring craft celebrations, each month presents distinct advantages for travel which tourists gather at.
The premier cultural highlight in the region is the Midlands Meander Annual Arts & Craft Festival, an event that draws visitors from Durban and Johannesburg to explore studios, artisan food producers, and countryside galleries surrounding Howick.
Midlands Meander Annual Arts & Craft Festival
📍 Location: Howick & Surrounding Midlands Route
Celebrate the arrival of spring across the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands with over 150 local artisans, potters, woodworkers, and cheese producers along the 80 km country route centered around Howick Falls. Enjoy live acoustic performances, craft beer tastings, and open studio demonstrations.
Event Pass & Details →Midlands Meander Festival Highlights & Itinerary
The Midlands Meander was established in 1985 by local artists seeking a joint marketing route for their rural studios. Today, the network covers 80 km of paved and gravel country roads extending north from Howick Falls toward Curry’s Post, Balgowan, and Nottingham Road.
During the four-day festival in mid-September:
- Open Studio Demonstrations: Watch master woodturners, weavers, and glassblowers work in their original workshops.
- Artisan Cheese & Chocolate Tastings: Sample handmade goat cheeses, organic chocolate, and cured meats. Special tasting passes cost R150 (~$8.20) per person.
- Craft Markets at Howick Falls: The craft stalls along Falls Drive host expanded outdoor exhibits featuring Zulu basket weaving, beadwork, and wooden sculptures.
- Live Acoustic Stages: Country venues along the R103 host afternoon musical performances with craft beverage gardens.
Season-by-Season Weather & Waterfall Flow
Understanding seasonal weather patterns helps travelers select the best dates for viewing the 95-meter waterfal drop and participating in outdoor adventures.
1. Summer (November to March) – Peak Waterfall Flow
- Water Volume: Maximum power. Heavy afternoon thundershowers fill the Umgeni River catchment, sending millions of liters of water over the cliff face every hour.
- Weather Conditions: Warm and humid with daytime temperatures ranging between 24°C and 29°C. Afternoon lightning storms are frequent.
- Best For: Photographing thunderous waterfall volume, lush green vegetation, and heavy spray clouds.
- Traveler Tip: Wear waterproof jackets and carry umbrella protection when walking along the viewing deck.
2. Autumn (April to May) – Crisp Skies & Mild Hiking
- Water Volume: Moderate, steady river flow following summer rainfall.
- Weather Conditions: Crisp, cool mornings (10°C) giving way to warm, clear afternoons (18°C to 24°C).
- Best For: Comfortable outdoor walking, craft browsing, and photographing golden afternoon light on the cliff walls.
3. Winter (June to August) – Clear Sky Hiking Season
- Water Volume: Reduced flow revealing the raw dark sandstone cliff geology behind the waterfall.
- Weather Conditions: Cold, crisp mornings (temperatures drop to 3°C) followed by dry, sunny days (16°C to 20°C). Minimal rain.
- Best For: Deep gorge hiking without humidity, clear visibility across the Drakensberg mountain range, and ziplining adventures.
- Traveler Tip: Pack warm insulated jackets for early morning departures.
4. Spring (September to October) – Festival & Wildflower Season
- Water Volume: River levels begin to rise as early spring rains return.
- Weather Conditions: Fresh breezes and blooming flora with daytime temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
- Best For: Attending the Midlands Meander Arts Festval and outdoor canopy tours.
Regional Food & Craft Destinations
Travelers visiting during festival periods can combine viewing Howick Falls with gourmet culinary stops along the R103 route:
- Howick Falls Craft Market: Located directly at the main parking area on Falls Drive. Local Zulu craftspeople sell hand-carved wooden animals, woven wire art, and traditional beadwork.
- Piggly Wiggly Country Market: Situated 12 km north of Howick in Lions River. Features coffee roasters, ceramic painting, and local wine tasting rooms.
- Nottingham Road Brewery: Located 35 km north of Howick. Offers craft beer flights and pub meals overlooking countryside pastures.
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Festival Logistics & Accommodation Guidance
Accommodation in Howick and surrounding country inns fills up completely during the September festival weekend.
- Driving Routes: Access the festival route via Exit 99 on the N3 national highway. Detailed highway driving directions and toll details are available on our Howick Transport Guide.
- Activity Passes: Combine festival market browsing with high-flying canopy ziplining in the nearby forest reserve. Read our complete activity review on the Karkloof Canopy Tour Zipline Page.
- Safety Regulations: When visiting crowded craft centers or hiking the river gorge, review safety protocols published on our Howick Rules & Safety Page.
Official Event & Tourism Links
- Explore participating artist studios via the official Midlands Meander Association Portal.
- Inspect municipal event permits and regional notices on the uMngeni Local Municipality Official Portal.
- Access provincial event calendars at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority.