How long is the flight from South Africa to California?

For as low as R16 413, Virgin Atlantic can have you in California from South Africa in 26h 45m. Airlines will cover a distance of 16966 km. Both multi-stop and direct flights can be found to your destination and back.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in California ranges from 0.0 - 87.0 inches per month. February is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 87.0 mm. July is typically the driest time to visit California when rainfall is around 0.0 mm.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to California, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 23.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 14.0 C).

How far in advance should I book a flight from South Africa to California?

Users have found that booking a flight from South Africa to California at least 41 days early can save you up to 7% on average compared to booking a flight this week. If booking 41 days before your flight isn’t an option for you, users have found flights from South Africa to California for as little as R17 241 when booking for a departure date within the next two weeks. You can also check prices now. Some users have found airline tickets as low as R19 054 for flights departing within the next 3 days.

What is the cheapest month to fly from South Africa to California?

Due to multiple factors, expect to potentially pay more when booking in December. For low rates, February can be a great choice for travel to California. Flights to California from South Africa in February are about R19 090 on average during February, but can be found for as low as R15 004.

Can I find deals for flights from South Africa to California that include hotel bookings?

Yes. In addition to deals on South Africa to California flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

How can I find direct flights from South Africa to California?

After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from South Africa to California.

Can I find deals for business class flights from South Africa to California?

Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from South Africa to California by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

R10 179+ Flights from South Africa to California

Cheap flight deals from South Africa to California

Round-trip from	R16 096
One-way from	R10 179
Popular in	December
Cheapest in	February
Average price	R21 009

Virgin Atlantic
9/9-6/10
2 total stops
57h 23m total
South Africa to California

Search Deals

19/10
3 total stops
48h 35m total
South Africa to California

Search Deals

Highest demand for flights based on searches. 4% potential increase in price (R14 764 potential increase over avg. return price).

Search Deals

Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease (R4 396 potential savings vs. average return price).

Search Deals

Average for round-trip flights in August 2025

Search Deals

Find flight deals from South Africa to California

Cheapest flights from South Africa to California
Explore the most affordable flight options available from South Africa to California. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 19 August 2025.

Tue 9/921:55JNB - SAN

1 stop28h 58mVirgin Atlantic

Mon 6/106:15SAN - JNB

1 stop28h 25mVirgin Atlantic

Deal found 17/8R16 096

Wed 17/920:30JNB - SFO

1 stop26h 45mDelta

Wed 24/916:05SFO - JNB

1 stop33h 00mDelta

Deal found 18/8R16 413

Thu 2/1020:30JNB - SFO

1 stop26h 45mVirgin Atlantic

Thu 9/1021:20SFO - JNB

1 stop27h 45mVirgin Atlantic

Deal found 19/8R17 012

Mon 3/1120:15JNB - SAN

2 stops36h 05mSWISS

Tue 18/1113:10SAN - JNB

2 stops35h 20mSWISS

Deal found 18/8R17 029

Tue 11/1121:30CPT - LAS

1 stop30h 54mVirgin Atlantic

Tue 18/1120:45LAS - CPT

1 stop29h 20mVirgin Atlantic

Deal found 17/8R17 029

Tue 4/1120:15JNB - SAN

2 stops49h 23mAir Canada

Thu 20/1112:45SAN - JNB

2 stops56h 20mAir Canada

Deal found 18/8R17 047

Tue 9/921:20JNB - SAN

3 stops30h 03mUnited Airlines

Mon 6/109:01SAN - JNB

2 stops23h 44mUnited Airlines

Deal found 17/8R17 100

Tue 11/1120:50CPT - LAS

2 stops27h 30mUnited Airlines

Tue 18/116:00LAS - CPT

2 stops26h 00mUnited Airlines

Deal found 17/8R17 100

Thu 6/1114:30JNB - SFO

2 stops36h 00mSWISS

Sun 8/219:25SFO - JNB

1 stop29h 05mSWISS

Deal found 17/8R17 100

Fri 12/920:00CPT - LAX

2 stops30h 42mUnited Airlines

Thu 25/95:05LAX - CPT

2 stops25h 15mUnited Airlines

Deal found 18/8R17 100

Mon 3/1120:15JNB - SAN

2 stops36h 05mMultiple Airlines

Tue 18/1117:35SAN - JNB

1 stop27h 30mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 17/8R17 117

Thu 11/920:30JNB - LAS

1 stop31h 45mDelta

Thu 18/919:59LAS - JNB

2 stops29h 06mDelta

Deal found 18/8R17 135

Best flights from South Africa to California
Discover carefully curated flight deals from South Africa to California that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 19 August 2025.

Tue 9/921:55JNB - SAN

1 stop28h 58mVirgin Atlantic

Mon 6/106:15SAN - JNB

1 stop28h 25mVirgin Atlantic

Deal found 17/8R16 096

Wed 17/920:30JNB - SFO

1 stop26h 45mDelta

Wed 24/918:58SFO - JNB

2 stops30h 07mDelta

Deal found 18/8R16 413

Tue 18/1120:15JNB - SAN

2 stops36h 05mSWISS

Tue 2/1213:05SAN - JNB

2 stops35h 25mSWISS

Deal found 18/8R17 029

Tue 11/1120:50CPT - LAS

2 stops27h 30mUnited Airlines

Tue 18/116:00LAS - CPT

2 stops26h 00mUnited Airlines

Deal found 17/8R17 100

Thu 5/222:00JNB - ONT

2 stops53h 53mBritish Airways

Mon 9/217:03ONT - JNB

2 stops31h 22mBritish Airways

Deal found 16/8R18 473

Thu 20/1118:55CPT - SFO

1 stop33h 50mAmerican Airlines

Mon 24/1112:20SFO - CPT

2 stops33h 45mAmerican Airlines

Deal found 18/8R20 710

Tue 16/99:50JNB - ONT

2 stops44h 39mEtihad Airways

Tue 23/922:56ONT - JNB

2 stops48h 24mEtihad Airways

Deal found 19/8R21 537

Tue 2/916:35CPT - LAS

2 stops37h 53mMultiple Airlines

Fri 5/918:41LAS - CPT

2 stops56h 09mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 17/8R23 704

Tue 16/921:55JNB - SAN

1 stop30h 32mVirgin Atlantic

Tue 7/106:15SAN - JNB

1 stop28h 25mVirgin Atlantic

Deal found 18/8R16 096

Tue 28/1020:20JNB - ONT

2 stops31h 32mQatar Airways

Tue 4/1115:08ONT - JNB

2 stops31h 32mQatar Airways

Deal found 17/8R32 614

Mon 3/1120:15JNB - SAN

2 stops36h 05mSWISS

Tue 18/1113:10SAN - JNB

2 stops35h 20mSWISS

Deal found 18/8R17 029

Fri 12/920:00CPT - LAX

2 stops33h 22mUnited Airlines

Thu 25/98:15LAX - CPT

1 stop22h 05mUnited Airlines

Deal found 18/8R17 100

Last-minute flights from South Africa to California
Discover last-minute flight deals from South Africa to California. Data last updated 19 August 2025 and is based on user searches.

Wed 27/821:20JNB - ONT

2 stops33h 05mUnited Airlines

Wed 3/95:10ONT - JNB

2 stops27h 35mUnited Airlines

Deal found 19/8R17 117

Sun 7/923:30JNB - SAN

1 stop45h 30mDelta

Mon 6/1011:00SAN - JNB

1 stop23h 40mDelta

Deal found 17/8R17 346

Mon 8/921:55JNB - SAN

1 stop30h 31mDelta

Sun 5/108:00SAN - JNB

1 stop26h 40mDelta

Deal found 17/8R17 276

Tue 9/921:55JNB - SAN

1 stop28h 58mVirgin Atlantic

Mon 6/106:15SAN - JNB

1 stop28h 25mVirgin Atlantic

Deal found 17/8R16 096

Tue 9/921:20JNB - SAN

3 stops30h 03mUnited Airlines

Mon 6/109:01SAN - JNB

2 stops23h 44mUnited Airlines

Deal found 17/8R17 100

Thu 11/920:30JNB - LAS

1 stop31h 45mDelta

Thu 18/919:59LAS - JNB

2 stops29h 06mDelta

Deal found 18/8R17 135

Thu 11/920:30JNB - SAN

2 stops33h 03mDelta

Mon 6/1014:05SAN - JNB

1 stop20h 35mDelta

Deal found 17/8R17 258

Thu 11/921:55JNB - SAN

1 stop30h 36mDelta

Fri 3/1021:52SAN - JNB

2 stops27h 13mDelta

Deal found 17/8R17 417

Sat 13/920:30JNB - SAN

2 stops31h 36mDelta

Sun 5/1019:46SAN - JNB

2 stops29h 19mDelta

Deal found 17/8R17 399

Tue 16/920:30JNB - LAX

2 stops31h 00mVirgin Atlantic

Tue 23/918:31LAX - JNB

2 stops30h 34mVirgin Atlantic

Deal found 19/8R17 223

Wed 17/920:30JNB - SFO

1 stop26h 45mDelta

Wed 24/916:05SFO - JNB

1 stop33h 00mDelta

Deal found 18/8R16 413

Sun 28/923:30JNB - SAN

2 stops28h 36mDelta

Sat 4/1022:30SAN - JNB

1 stop36h 10mDelta

Deal found 18/8R17 434

One-way flights from South Africa to California
Search for one-way flight options from South Africa to California. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 19 August 2025.

Sun 19/1023:55CPT - LAX

3 stops48h 35mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 17/8R10 179

Mon 6/1023:45CPT - SFO

3 stops47h 50mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 16/8R10 637

Wed 15/1020:25JNB - SFO

1 stop26h 10mQatar Airways

Deal found 18/8R11 024

Wed 8/1020:25JNB - SFO

1 stop26h 10mQatar Airways

Deal found 18/8R11 112

Mon 17/1113:45JNB - SFO

1 stop32h 55mQatar Airways

Deal found 17/8R11 271

Fri 14/1112:35CPT - LAX

1 stop34h 15mQatar Airways

Deal found 17/8R11 288

Mon 20/1023:45CPT - SFO

3 stops47h 50mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 17/8R11 394

Mon 20/1013:00CPT - SFO

1 stop33h 35mQatar Airways

Deal found 17/8R11 588

Thu 11/1212:30CPT - LAX

3 stops55h 34mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 17/8R11 588

Fri 28/1113:45JNB - LAX

1 stop33h 05mQatar Airways

Deal found 18/8R11 605

Sun 19/1023:55CPT - SFO

3 stops46h 40mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 17/8R11 623

Sat 15/1118:55CPT - LAX

3 stops48h 16mMultiple Airlines

Deal found 18/8R11 711

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from South Africa to California that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 9/9

21:55-17:53

1 stop28h 58m

San Diego

Mon 6/10

6:15-19:40

1 stop28h 25m

R16 096

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 16/9

21:55-19:27

1 stop30h 32m

San Diego

Tue 7/10

6:15-19:40

1 stop28h 25m

R16 096

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 11/9

21:55-23:24

1 stop34h 29m

San Diego

Tue 7/10

6:15-19:40

1 stop28h 25m

R16 096

JohannesburgSan Francisco

JNB - SFO

JNBSFO

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 17/9

20:30-14:15

1 stop26h 45m

San Francisco

Wed 24/9

18:58-10:05

2 stops30h 07m

R16 413

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 18/11

20:15-22:20

2 stops36h 05m

San Diego

Tue 2/12

13:05-10:30

2 stops35h 25m

R17 029

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 3/11

20:15-22:20

2 stops36h 05m

San Diego

Tue 18/11

13:10-10:30

2 stops35h 20m

R17 029

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 19/11

20:15-22:20

2 stops36h 05m

San Diego

Tue 2/12

16:08-10:30

2 stops32h 22m

R17 029

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 4/11

20:15-22:20

2 stops36h 05m

San Diego

Mon 17/11

13:10-10:30

2 stops35h 20m

R17 029

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 18/9

20:30-20:33

2 stops33h 03m

San Diego

Tue 7/10

8:00-19:40

1 stop26h 40m

R17 029

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB - SAN

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 3/11

20:15-22:20

2 stops36h 05m

San Diego

Mon 17/11

13:10-10:30

2 stops35h 20m

R17 029

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 17/8

Showing 1-10 of 60 results

...

Best time to book a flight from South Africa to California

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to California from South Africa with our price prediction graph.

Estimated return price

Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from South Africa to California

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Africa to California?

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Africa to California (average of R924). Flying from South Africa to California in October is currently the most expensive (average of R1 073). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from ZA to CA?

Regardless of the time of day you decide to fly, the ticket price will remain around the same. Book flights from South Africa to California as you normally would.

Reviews of airlines servicing California

Get a feel of what it's like to fly with KLM, United Airlines, andVirgin Atlantic from South Africa to California by reading reviews from past customers. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

KLM

7,8

Good

1 386 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

4,0

Okay

Anonymous,Jun 2025

AMS - BOS

A two and half hour delay caused havoc with all connections. Otherwise on board service was great.

KLM

7,8

Good

1 386 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 386 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

4,0

Okay

Anonymous,Jun 2025

AMS - BOS

A two and half hour delay caused havoc with all connections. Otherwise on board service was great.

United Airlines

7,4

Good

8 922 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 386 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

4,0

Okay

Anonymous,Jun 2025

AMS - BOS

A two and half hour delay caused havoc with all connections. Otherwise on board service was great.

Virgin Atlantic

7,4

Good

657 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 386 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

4,0

Okay

Anonymous,Jun 2025

AMS - BOS

A two and half hour delay caused havoc with all connections. Otherwise on board service was great.

Turkish Airlines

7,3

Good

3 950 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 386 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

4,0

Okay

Anonymous,Jun 2025

AMS - BOS

A two and half hour delay caused havoc with all connections. Otherwise on board service was great.

British Airways

6,7

Okay

7 283 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 386 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

4,0

Okay

Anonymous,Jun 2025

AMS - BOS

A two and half hour delay caused havoc with all connections. Otherwise on board service was great.

Related info for your journey

How long is the flight from South Africa to California?
For as low as R16 413, Virgin Atlantic can have you in California from South Africa in 26h 45m. Airlines will cover a distance of 16966 km. Both multi-stop and direct flights can be found to your destination and back.
Can I find deals for flights from South Africa to California that include hotel bookings?
Yes. In addition to deals on South Africa to California flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.
How can I find direct flights from South Africa to California?
After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from South Africa to California.
Can I find deals for business class flights from South Africa to California?
Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from South Africa to California by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.
What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Africa to California?
Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Africa to California (average of R924). Flying from South Africa to California in October is currently the most expensive (average of R1 073). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Alternative routes for South Africa to California

Complete your trip

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Burbank Bob Hope Airport car hire

Fresno Airterminal Airport car hire

Santa Barbara Airport car hire

Santa Rosa Sonoma County Airport car hire

San Luis Obispo County Airport car hire

Monterey Regional Airport car hire

Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport car hire

Redding Airport car hire

Stockton Airport car hire

San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport car hire

Find a return flight route from California

Los Angeles to Cape Town flights

Los Angeles to OR Tambo flights

San Francisco to Cape Town flights

San Francisco to OR Tambo flights

Oakland to Cape Town flights

Santa Ana to OR Tambo flights

Santa Ana to Cape Town flights

San Diego to Cape Town flights

San Francisco to Durban flights

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Top 10 airlines flying from South Africa to California

Airline	Cheapest	Average	Flexibility	On-time
Lufthansa	CheapestR11 560	AverageR20 409	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time76%	Search Lufthansa flights
SWISS	CheapestR14 485	AverageR17 903	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time79%	Search SWISS flights
British Airways	CheapestR15 227	AverageR20 431	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time70%	Search British Airways flights
United Airlines	CheapestR16 041	AverageR20 212	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time69%	Search United Airlines flights
Delta	CheapestR16 253	AverageR19 471	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-timeN/A	Search Delta flights
Air France	CheapestR16 262	AverageR19 418	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time77%	Search Air France flights
Turkish Airlines	CheapestR16 263	AverageR18 953	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time77%	Search Turkish Airlines flights
KLM	CheapestR16 441	AverageR19 961	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time75%	Search KLM flights
Virgin Atlantic	CheapestR16 601	AverageR17 979	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time72%	Search Virgin Atlantic flights
Singapore Airlines	CheapestR17 418	AverageR22 231	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time81%	Search Singapore Airlines flights

Fly with Cheapflights

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from South Africa to California?

Cheapflights helps you search for flights from South Africa to California via 900+ travel sites so you don’t have to. After performing a flight search, users can also filter their flight selection by filtering for price, number of stops, airlines, and so on.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from South Africa to California?

Cheapflights helps you find that perfect flight to California from South Africa by searching from hundreds of airlines and agencies you know and love. We are also free to use, in case you were wondering!

Can Cheapflights find flights from South Africa to California with no change fees?

Yes! Cheapflights helps users easily find flights from South Africa to California with no change fees.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from South Africa to California become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights has a feature called Price Alert, which notifies users when flight prices change. Track prices for your flight to California from South Africa today and book when prices fit your budget.

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Cheap flights from South Africa to California from R10 179

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 19/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.

Cheap flight deals from South Africa to California

Keep the following information in mind while searching for South Africa to California flight deals. Data was last updated 19 August 2025.

Round-trip from

One-way from

Popular in

Cheapest in

Average price

Find flight deals from South Africa to California

Cheapest flights from South Africa to CaliforniaExplore the most affordable flight options available from South Africa to California. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 19 August 2025.

Explore the most affordable flight options available from South Africa to California. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 19 August 2025.

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from South Africa to California that are best for you.

Best time to book a flight from South Africa to California

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to California from South Africa with our price prediction graph.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from South Africa to California

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Africa to California?

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from ZA to CA?

Find hourly flight availability from South Africa to California. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 19 August 2025.

Reviews of airlines servicing California

Get a feel of what it's like to fly with KLM, United Airlines, andVirgin Atlantic from South Africa to California by reading reviews from past customers. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from South Africa to California. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

How long is the flight from South Africa to California?

Can I find deals for flights from South Africa to California that include hotel bookings?

How can I find direct flights from South Africa to California?

Can I find deals for business class flights from South Africa to California?

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Africa to California?

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Alternative routes for South Africa to California

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.

Top 10 airlines flying from South Africa to California

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from South Africa to California?

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from South Africa to California?

Can Cheapflights find flights from South Africa to California with no change fees?

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from South Africa to California become cheaper?

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Book with Flexibility

Travel Smart

Cheapest flights from South Africa to California
Explore the most affordable flight options available from South Africa to California. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 19 August 2025.