If you're a South African who has recently moved overseas — or is planning to — winter is probably one of the biggest adjustments you haven't fully prepared for. South African winters can be cold, particularly in Johannesburg, the Free State, or the Western Cape. But winter in the UK, New Zealand, Canada, the northern USA, or most of Europe is a genuinely different experience. We're talking frozen pipes, icy pavements, heating bills that arrive like a small shock, and afternoons that go dark before 4pm.
The good news: once you know what's coming, it's very manageable. This guide covers everything South African expats need to know about surviving — and eventually enjoying — their first winter abroad.
Key takeaways for South African expats facing their first winter abroad
- Proper winter clothing is an investment, not a luxury — budget for it before you arrive
- Heating costs can be significantly higher than expected, especially in older homes
- Short daylight hours affect mood and energy — this is well-documented and very manageable
- Vitamin D deficiency is common during long winters — supplementation is widely recommended
- Snow is magical the first time and logistically challenging every time after that
- Most South Africans adapt faster than they expect — preparation is the key
What does winter actually feel like for South Africans moving abroad?
The version of winter most South Africans imagine involves cosy fireplaces, mulled wine, and pretty snow scenes. That version exists. But so does waking up in complete darkness, scraping ice off a windscreen at 7am, watching your electricity bill climb, and spending two weeks in a row without seeing direct sunlight.
The adjustment is real. But it is also temporary. Most South Africans who move overseas find that by their second or third winter, they have adapted more than they ever expected — and some genuinely grow to love it.
What to wear in winter as a South African expat
One of the most common and expensive surprises for South Africans moving abroad is discovering that their existing wardrobe is not built for a real winter. A stylish coat that works perfectly for a cold Cape Town evening is often completely inadequate for a British January or a New Zealand July in the South Island.
What you actually need:
- Thermal base layers — worn under everything else, these make a bigger difference than any single coat
- A proper winter coat — insulated, wind-resistant, and ideally water-resistant. Budget between NZ$200–400 / £100–250 for something that will last
- Waterproof boots with grip — pavements ice over and standard shoes become a hazard
- Gloves, scarf, and a beanie — not optional. Frozen fingers waiting for a bus are a rite of passage that you only need to experience once
- Wool or thermal socks — the difference between cold feet and warm feet changes your entire experience of winter
The principle is layering, not one heavy item. Three mid-weight layers retain heat better than one massive coat. It feels counterintuitive until you try it.
How to manage heating costs in your first winter abroad
In South Africa, many homes are not designed around central heating because winters are relatively short and mild. Overseas — particularly in Europe, the UK, and parts of New Zealand — heating is a significant and ongoing household expense.
What to expect:
Monthly heating costs vary significantly by country, property type, and how well-insulated the home is. In the UK, winter energy bills can easily reach £150–200 per month for an average home. In New Zealand, older homes in particular are often poorly insulated by modern standards, which means a heater runs constantly but warmth is patchy.
What helps:
- When renting or buying, ask specifically about insulation, the age of the heating system, and whether the home has double glazing
- Older homes in the UK and Europe can have dampness and mould issues during winter — check for these before signing a lease
- Draft excluders, thermal curtains, and door seals are inexpensive and make a real difference
- The constant shift between freezing outdoor air and heated indoor spaces dries out the air and affects respiratory health — a small humidifier helps considerably
Mental health and seasonal adjustment — what South African expats need to know
This is the part of winter abroad that doesn't get talked about enough. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinically recognised condition associated with reduced daylight exposure. In countries like the UK and northern Europe, daylight hours can drop to as few as seven or eight hours per day in December. For South Africans accustomed to long, sunny days, this is a significant change.
Common experiences include:
- Low mood and reduced motivation, particularly in the afternoon and evening
- Stronger feelings of homesickness — being indoors more often reduces the social activity that normally offsets it
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns from reduced natural light exposure
- A general flatness that lifts noticeably as days lengthen in spring
What actually helps:
- Getting outside every day, even briefly, especially in the middle of the day when light is strongest
- Regular exercise — even a 20-minute walk makes a measurable difference to mood during winter months
- Vitamin D supplements, which are widely recommended by GPs in low-sunlight countries during winter
- A daylight therapy lamp, which mimics natural light and is used by many people in northern climates
- Staying socially connected — find the local South African community, which exists in virtually every major city abroad
The single most important thing to know is that feeling flat during a long winter is common, recognised, and temporary. Spring arrives and the difference is dramatic.
Health considerations for South Africans in their first winter abroad
Beyond mental health, the first winter overseas can take a physical toll that many immigrants don't anticipate.
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common during long winters in low-sunlight countries. Many GPs in the UK, for example, routinely recommend supplementation throughout winter. This is worth discussing with your doctor shortly after you arrive.
Dry skin is another consistent complaint. The combination of cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating strips moisture from skin quickly. Proper moisturiser, lip balm, and hand cream move from optional to essential.
Hydration is easier to neglect in winter because you don't feel thirsty the way you do in summer heat. Warm drinks help with comfort, but plain water intake matters just as much.
Illness is more frequent in your first winter simply because your immune system is adjusting to new viral environments. Prioritising sleep, nutrition, and basic immune support makes a real difference in how quickly you adapt.
Snow: the reality for first-time South African expats
For most South Africans, the first snowfall is genuinely magical. Building a snowman, seeing an entire city turn white overnight, going sledding or skiing — these are experiences you'll remember for a long time.
But snow is also logistically disruptive in ways people don't always prepare for.
What snow actually means day-to-day:
- Roads become dangerous and driving requires completely different skills — many people avoid it entirely until they're confident
- Public transport delays and cancellations become routine during heavy snowfall
- Black ice is invisible and far more hazardous than snow itself — it forms on pavements and roads when temperatures hover around zero
- Simple tasks take longer — clearing driveways, walking carefully, allowing extra travel time
- Flights and travel plans are affected more regularly than most people expect
Once you learn to manage it, snow stops being intimidating and becomes simply part of the rhythm of winter. The skiing trips, white Christmases, and quiet snowy Sunday mornings genuinely are as good as they look in photos.
Frequently asked questions about winter abroad for South African expats
How cold does winter get in New Zealand compared to South Africa? New Zealand winters vary significantly by region. Auckland winters are mild (average lows of 8–10°C), similar to a cold Johannesburg winter. The South Island — particularly Otago and Southland — can drop well below zero with regular frost and occasional snow. Wellington is known for its cold, strong winds, which make temperatures feel lower than they are.
Do South Africans struggle with winter depression when living abroad? Many do, particularly in the first year and in countries with very short daylight hours. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is well-documented and very common among people who move from sunny climates to higher-latitude countries. It is manageable with the right strategies — daylight lamps, vitamin D, exercise, and social connection are the most consistently effective approaches.
How much should a South African expat budget for winter clothing? For a practical, quality winter wardrobe (coat, boots, thermals, accessories), budget approximately NZ$400–700 / £200–400 / A$500–800. This is a one-off investment that lasts several years. Buying cheap winter clothing and replacing it annually costs more in the long run.
Is it worth buying winter clothing before leaving South Africa or after arriving? In most cases, buy after you arrive. South African winter clothing is often not rated for genuine cold-weather conditions, and sizing and availability will be far better in your destination country. Bring one warm layer for the journey but budget to shop once you're there.
How do I find other South Africans to connect with during winter abroad? Facebook groups are the fastest route — search for 'South Africans in [city/country]' and you'll find active communities in virtually every major expat destination. WhatsApp groups, braai communities, and SA social clubs exist in Auckland, Wellington, London, Sydney, Dubai, and most other major cities.
What is the biggest financial mistake South African expats make in their first winter? Underestimating heating costs. Most people budget for rent, food, and transport but don't account for energy bills that can double or triple in winter compared to summer months. Check the energy rating of any property before you sign a lease and ask the landlord for an estimate of typical winter bills.
Making the most of your first winter abroad
Your first winter abroad as a South African is genuinely one of the bigger adjustments of the expat experience. It can feel cold, expensive, and isolating at times — but most South Africans adapt faster than they expect, and many come to love aspects of winter they once dreaded.
Preparation is everything. The right clothing, the right expectations, and a plan for staying socially and physically active make the difference between a winter you endure and one you actually enjoy.
If you're preparing to move overseas from South Africa and need help with transferring your rands or completing your tax emigration, Rand Rescue has been helping South African expats do exactly this since 2008. Get a free, no-obligation quote →
Related reading: Tax Emigration from South Africa — a complete guide · How to transfer rands overseas
