Richards Bay is a city located in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. It is situated on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, about 320 kilometres (200 mi) north of Durban. It is a deep-water harbour and is the only port between Durban and Maputo. Richards Bay is a major centre of industry, being home to the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, one of the largest industrial complexes in Africa.
Richards Bay is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its large natural harbour, its long sandy beaches, and its abundant wildlife. The harbour is home to many species of marine life, including whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Richards Bay is also the site of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, which took place in 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War. This battle was immortalised in the film Zulu, and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Richards Bay has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average annual temperature is about 21 °C (70 °F). The city is prone to severe storms, and is often affected by tropical cyclones.
Richards Bay is an important cultural centre, and is home to a number of museums and galleries. The city also hosts a number of festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
Richards Bay is an important economic centre in South Africa, and is home to a number of industries. The city is home to the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, which is one of the largest industrial complexes in Africa. The city is also home to a number of manufacturing plants, as well as a major port.
Experience Richards Bay with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Richards Bay. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Richards Bay in South Africa experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. During the summer months, temperatures reach an average high of 28°C and an average low of 20°C. The winter months see temperatures drop to an average high of 22°C and an average low of 10°C. The area typically experiences heavy rainfall during the summer months, with an average of 150mm of precipitation per month. The winter months are generally much drier, with an average of 30mm of precipitation per month.
Our weather forecast for Richards Bay helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May. 17th 2026 May. 17th 2026 | max: 25.8 °C min: 15.3 °C |
14.4 m/s 35.6 m/s |
0.3 % 24.1 m |
73.5 % 1,024 hPa |
06:28:40 17:07:45 |
|
| May. 18th 2026 May. 18th 2026 | max: 27.7 °C min: 15.1 °C |
14.8 m/s 38.5 m/s |
23.1 % 24.1 m |
73.3 % 1,021 hPa |
06:29:15 17:07:14 |
|
| May. 19th 2026 May. 19th 2026 | max: 27.0 °C min: 15.7 °C |
17.3 m/s 37.1 m/s |
56.9 % 24.1 m |
74.5 % 1,021 hPa |
06:29:50 17:06:45 |
|
| May. 20th 2026 May. 20th 2026 | max: 23.9 °C min: 17 °C |
11.5 m/s 11.5 m/s |
52.8 % 23.5 m |
78.2 % 1,023 hPa |
06:30:25 17:06:17 |
|
| May. 21st 2026 May. 21st 2026 | max: 26.3 °C min: 15.9 °C |
17.3 m/s 46.1 m/s |
29.3 % 24.1 m |
71.7 % 1,021 hPa |
06:31:00 17:05:50 |
|
| May. 22nd 2026 May. 22nd 2026 | max: 26.4 °C min: 18.2 °C |
16.6 m/s 45.0 m/s |
17.1 % 24.1 m |
72.9 % 1,017 hPa |
06:31:35 17:05:25 |
|
| May. 23rd 2026 May. 23rd 2026 | max: 24.7 °C min: 18.2 °C |
13.0 m/s 21.6 m/s |
57.8 % 24.1 m |
74.4 % 1,021 hPa |
06:32:09 17:05:01 |
|
| May. 24th 2026 May. 24th 2026 | max: 25.1 °C min: 17.3 °C |
14.8 m/s 15.5 m/s |
32.6 % 24.1 m |
73.4 % 1,023 hPa |
06:32:43 17:04:38 |
|
| May. 25th 2026 May. 25th 2026 | max: 28.6 °C min: 16.9 °C |
13.3 m/s 36.0 m/s |
8.2 % 24.1 m |
77.0 % 1,018 hPa |
06:33:16 17:04:16 |
|
| May. 26th 2026 May. 26th 2026 | max: 23.6 °C min: 15.7 °C |
25.2 m/s 42.1 m/s |
62.0 % 24.0 m |
80.1 % 1,019 hPa |
06:33:50 17:03:56 |
|
| May. 27th 2026 May. 27th 2026 | max: 23.3 °C min: 18.2 °C |
13.7 m/s 34.6 m/s |
63.3 % 24.1 m |
83.3 % 1,021 hPa |
06:34:23 17:03:37 |
|
| May. 28th 2026 May. 28th 2026 | max: 28.6 °C min: 17.7 °C |
13.3 m/s 40.3 m/s |
54.3 % 24.1 m |
79.3 % 1,021 hPa |
06:34:55 17:03:20 |
|
| May. 29th 2026 May. 29th 2026 | max: 30.0 °C min: 19.5 °C |
17.3 m/s 45.0 m/s |
18.6 % 24.1 m |
72.5 % 1,021 hPa |
06:35:27 17:03:04 |
|
| May. 30th 2026 May. 30th 2026 | max: 25.1 °C min: 18.8 °C |
16.0 m/s 43.2 m/s |
72.8 % 22.9 m |
80.6 % 1,026 hPa |
06:35:59 17:02:49 |
|
| May. 31st 2026 May. 31st 2026 | max: 25.9 °C min: 19.3 °C |
19.8 m/s 46.8 m/s |
48.2 % 23.5 m |
76.6 % 1,027 hPa |
06:36:30 17:02:35 |
Would you like to travel to Richards Bay on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Richards Bay.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 21st 2026 Saturday, 21st of Nov. 2026 | HANSEATIC spirit | 199 - 230 | 05:00 am | 10:00 pm | |
| Dec. 15th 2026 Tuesday, 15th of Dec. 2026 | HANSEATIC spirit | 199 - 230 | 05:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Dec. 18th 2026 Friday, 18th of Dec. 2026 | LE DUMONT DURVILLE | 184 - 264 | 12:00 pm | 11:59 pm | |
| Dec. 19th 2026 Saturday, 19th of Dec. 2026 | LE DUMONT DURVILLE | 184 - 264 | 12:00 am | 06:00 pm | |
| Feb. 19th 2027 Friday, 19th of Feb. 2027 | LE DUMONT DURVILLE | 184 - 264 | 07:00 am | 11:59 pm | |
| Feb. 20th 2027 Saturday, 20th of Feb. 2027 | LE DUMONT DURVILLE | 184 - 264 | 12:00 am | 04:00 pm | |
| Apr. 5th 2027 Monday, 5th of Apr. 2027 | Silver Dawn | 576 - 691 | 08:00 am | 11:00 pm | |
| Jun. 26th 2027 Saturday, 26th of Jun. 2027 | MS Europa 2 | 516 | 06:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Nov. 28th 2027 Sunday, 28th of Nov. 2027 | HANSEATIC nature | 199 - 230 | 05:00 am | 05:00 pm | |
| Dec. 11th 2027 Saturday, 11th of Dec. 2027 | MS Europa | 408 | 06:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Dec. 14th 2027 Tuesday, 14th of Dec. 2027 | Mein Schiff 5 | 2534 - 2700 | 06:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Dec. 27th 2027 Monday, 27th of Dec. 2027 | LE DUMONT DURVILLE | 184 - 264 | 06:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Jan. 10th 2028 Monday, 10th of Jan. 2028 | Mein Schiff 5 | 2534 - 2700 | 06:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 8th 2028 Tuesday, 8th of Feb. 2028 | Mein Schiff 5 | 2534 - 2700 | 06:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 29th 2028 Tuesday, 29th of Feb. 2028 | LE DUMONT DURVILLE | 184 - 264 | 07:00 am | 11:59 pm | |
| Mar. 1st 2028 Wednesday, 1st of Mar. 2028 | LE DUMONT DURVILLE | 184 - 264 | 12:00 am | 04:00 pm | |
| Mar. 7th 2028 Tuesday, 7th of Mar. 2028 | Mein Schiff 5 | 2534 - 2700 | 06:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Mar. 19th 2028 Sunday, 19th of Mar. 2028 | HANSEATIC nature | 199 - 230 | 05:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Mar. 20th 2028 Monday, 20th of Mar. 2028 | Seabourn Quest | 450 - 540 | 07:00 am | 05:00 pm | |
| Mar. 23rd 2028 Thursday, 23rd of Mar. 2028 | Silver Shadow | 388 - 466 | 07:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| May 3rd 2028 Wednesday, 3rd of May 2028 | Azamara Onward | 672 - 804 | 07:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| May 17th 2028 Wednesday, 17th of May 2028 | MS Europa | 408 | 01:00 pm | 12:00 am | |
| May 18th 2028 Thursday, 18th of May 2028 | MS Europa | 408 | 12:00 am | 08:00 pm |
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.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Durban in South Africa | 155,17 km |
