How long is the flight from South Africa to California?

For as low as R16 230, Virgin Atlantic can have you in California from South Africa in 23h 56m. Airlines will cover a distance of 16069 km. Both multi-stop and direct flights can be found to your destination and back.

What are the cheapest airlines to fly from South Africa to California one-way?

For one-way options, check prices for Qatar Airways. According to our data, you can fly for as low as R9 200. Users have also found prices from R10 610 and R11 178 on Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines, respectively.

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).

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.

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.

R9 792+ Cheap Flights from South Africa to California

Cheap flight deals from South Africa to California

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Cheapest

Best

Last-minute

One-way

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 28 August 2026.

Tue 29/920:05 -

1 stop32h 53m

Tue 10/1116:40 -

1 stop33h 25m

Deal found 26/8R14 521

Tue 6/1020:05 -

1 stop34h 50m

Mon 26/1014:15 -

2 stops36h 50m

Deal found 27/8R15 192

Fri 9/1020:05 -

1 stop36h 51m

Sat 24/1017:55 -

1 stop33h 10m

Deal found 25/8R15 240

Tue 13/1020:05 -

1 stop33h 01m

Mon 2/1116:15 -

2 stops33h 50m

Deal found 26/8R15 256

Mon 12/1020:15 -

2 stops36h 27m

Mon 19/1010:53 -

1 stop23h 47m

Deal found 25/8R15 464

Thu 8/1020:15 -

1 stop28h 40m

Thu 15/1011:44 -

1 stop22h 56m

Deal found 24/8R15 479

Tue 6/1020:15 -

1 stop28h 40m

Mon 12/108:00 -

1 stop26h 40m

Deal found 23/8R15 495

Sun 20/920:05 -

1 stop32h 21m

Mon 30/1117:10 -

1 stop32h 55m

Deal found 26/8R15 639

Fri 9/1020:05 -

1 stop29h 03m

Sat 24/1023:15 -

1 stop27h 50m

Deal found 26/8R15 687

Mon 24/821:55 -

1 stop25h 07m

Mon 31/822:40 -

1 stop36h 00m

Deal found 24/8R15 831

Mon 5/1021:55 -

2 stops43h 54m

Sun 1/1118:55 -

2 stops38h 15m

Deal found 26/8R15 879

Tue 6/1020:15 -

1 stop33h 50m

Thu 12/1113:00 -

2 stops33h 20m

Deal found 26/8R15 895

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 28 August 2026.

Tue 6/1020:05 -

1 stop34h 50m

Mon 26/1014:15 -

2 stops36h 50m

Deal found 27/8R15 192

Fri 9/1020:00 -

1 stop23h 56m

Sat 24/1010:54 -

1 stop20h 16m

Deal found 25/8R16 230

Tue 3/1119:35 -

2 stops35h 49m

Wed 11/1114:53 -

2 stops33h 32m

Deal found 23/8R16 262

Mon 5/1021:55 -

2 stops34h 47m

Mon 12/1010:57 -

2 stops23h 43m

Deal found 24/8R16 278

Wed 7/1018:10 -

2 stops37h 49m

Mon 26/1017:40 -

1 stop33h 25m

Deal found 27/8R16 438

Mon 12/1023:15 -

2 stops28h 59m

Mon 19/1010:57 -

2 stops25h 23m

Deal found 25/8R16 773

Sun 31/118:50 -

1 stop31h 40m

Wed 10/319:35 -

1 stop29h 25m

Deal found 26/8R16 997

Wed 14/1020:55 -

2 stops30h 05m

Thu 22/1011:13 -

2 stops31h 47m

Deal found 26/8R24 202

Fri 9/1020:05 -

1 stop36h 51m

Sat 24/1018:25 -

2 stops32h 40m

Deal found 25/8R15 240

Thu 8/1022:00 -

2 stops26h 19m

Thu 13/519:45 -

2 stops37h 45m

Deal found 25/8R16 246

Tue 3/1121:20 -

2 stops35h 10m

Wed 11/1114:00 -

1 stop43h 10m

Deal found 23/8R16 278

Thu 8/1023:15 -

2 stops29h 31m

Mon 26/1016:49 -

2 stops28h 36m

Deal found 27/8R16 550

Mon 12/1020:15 -

2 stops36h 27m

Mon 19/1010:53 -

1 stop23h 47m

Deal found 25/8R15 464

Wed 11/1119:35 -

1 stop30h 15m

Sun 15/1118:25 -

1 stop30h 00m

Deal found 22/8R17 061

Sun 22/1118:50 -

1 stop31h 40m

Wed 3/318:35 -

1 stop30h 25m

Deal found 24/8R17 476

Tue 27/1020:50 -

1 stop24h 04m

Thu 12/118:25 -

1 stop21h 45m

Deal found 25/8R16 374

Tue 17/1118:25 -

2 stops51h 45m

Wed 25/117:29 -

2 stops29h 11m

Deal found 25/8R18 195

Tue 20/1023:15 -

1 stop24h 30m

Fri 30/108:10 -

1 stop26h 00m

Deal found 25/8R16 789

Wed 27/119:35 -

1 stop30h 35m

Sun 31/118:00 -

1 stop30h 25m

Deal found 24/8R17 205

Fri 9/1020:05 -

1 stop29h 03m

Sat 24/1023:15 -

1 stop27h 50m

Deal found 26/8R15 687

Tue 13/1020:00 -

1 stop22h 33m

Fri 23/1019:23 -

2 stops35h 47m

Deal found 27/8R16 438

Tue 17/1118:25 -

2 stops51h 45m

Wed 2/1215:00 -

2 stops29h 25m

Deal found 25/8R18 195

Fri 9/1023:15 -

2 stops29h 04m

Fri 16/109:30 -

1 stop25h 10m

Deal found 25/8R16 869

Sun 13/920:15 -

1 stop33h 50m

Sat 26/917:55 -

2 stops31h 30m

Deal found 27/8R15 879

Sat 14/1119:35 -

1 stop27h 50m

Sat 20/323:15 -

2 stops26h 10m

Deal found 24/8R17 604

Fri 20/1123:59 -

1 stop24h 16m

Sun 10/17:05 -

2 stops28h 55m

Deal found 27/8R20 032

Thu 8/1019:50 -

2 stops30h 30m

Tue 27/1010:05 -

1 stop22h 55m

Deal found 25/8R16 582

Tue 15/920:05 -

1 stop32h 21m

Tue 3/1115:00 -

2 stops41h 35m

Deal found 24/8R17 093

Wed 21/1021:15 -

2 stops54h 29m

Sun 25/106:00 -

2 stops43h 25m

Deal found 24/8R17 652

Wed 4/1122:00 -

1 stop26h 50m

Tue 10/1116:40 -

1 stop33h 25m

Deal found 26/8R16 406

Find flight deals from South Africa to California

Round-trip from	R14 521
One-way from	R9 792
Popular in	August
Cheapest in	March
Average price	R21 837

Virgin Atlantic
29/9-10/11
2 total stops
66h 18m total
South Africa to California

Search Deals

Qatar Airways
16/11
1 total stop
34h 05m total
South Africa to California

Search Deals

Highest demand for flights based on searches. 8% potential increase in price (R25 290 potential increase over avg. return price).

Search Deals

Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease (R5 924 potential savings vs. average return price).

Search Deals

Average for round-trip flights in August 2026

Search Deals

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

Cheapest return flight

Cape TownSan Francisco

CPT Cape Town Intl - SFO San Francisco

CPTSFO

Cape Town Intl

Tue 6/10

20:05-21:55

1 stop34h 50m

San Francisco

Mon 26/10

14:15-12:05

2 stops36h 50m

R15 192

Cape TownSan Francisco

CPT Cape Town Intl - SFO San Francisco

CPTSFO

Cape Town Intl

Fri 9/10

20:05-23:56

1 stop36h 51m

San Francisco

Sat 24/10

18:25-12:05

2 stops32h 40m

R15 240

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - SAN San Diego

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 12/10

20:15-23:42

2 stops36h 27m

San Diego

Mon 19/10

10:53-19:40

1 stop23h 47m

R15 464

Cape TownLos Angeles

CPT Cape Town Intl - LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles

CPTLAX

Cape Town Intl

Fri 9/10

20:05-16:08

1 stop29h 03m

Los Angeles Los Angeles

Sat 24/10

23:15-12:05

1 stop27h 50m

R15 687

JohannesburgLos Angeles

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles

JNBLAX

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 13/9

20:15-21:05

1 stop33h 50m

Los Angeles Los Angeles

Sat 26/9

17:55-10:25

2 stops31h 30m

R15 879

Fastest return journey

Cape TownLos Angeles

CPT Cape Town Intl - LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles

CPTLAX

Cape Town Intl

Fri 9/10

20:00-10:56

1 stop23h 56m

Los Angeles Los Angeles

Sat 24/10

10:54-16:10

1 stop20h 16m

R16 230

JohannesburgLos Angeles

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles

JNBLAX

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 8/10

22:00-15:19

2 stops26h 19m

Los Angeles Los Angeles

Thu 13/5

19:45-18:30

2 stops37h 45m

R16 246

JohannesburgSanta Ana

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

JNBSNA

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 3/11

19:35-21:24

2 stops35h 49m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Wed 11/11

14:53-10:25

2 stops33h 32m

R16 262

JohannesburgSan Diego

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - SAN San Diego

JNBSAN

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 5/10

21:55-23:42

2 stops34h 47m

San Diego

Mon 12/10

10:57-19:40

2 stops23h 43m

R16 278

JohannesburgSanta Ana

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

JNBSNA

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 3/11

21:20-22:30

2 stops35h 10m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Wed 11/11

14:00-19:10

1 stop43h 10m

R16 278

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 27/8

Showing 1-10 of 60 resultsSorted by cheapest first

...

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.

CPT-SFO

CPT-LAX

JNB-LAX

JNB-SFO

JNB-SAN

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

ZA0-USCA

CPT-SFO

CPT-LAX

JNB-LAX

JNB-SFO

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 R15 943). Flying from South Africa to California in August is currently the most expensive (average of R21 023). 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.

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

Booking 64 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from South Africa to California. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

Reviews of airlines servicing California

Get a feel of what it's like to fly with KLM,Qatar Airways, andUnited Airlines 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

1 566 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

8,0

Excellent

Meghana,Aug 2026

QRO - ATL

It was a good one. They were very friendly and helpful

KLM

7,8

Good

1 566 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 566 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

8,0

Excellent

Meghana,Aug 2026

QRO - ATL

It was a good one. They were very friendly and helpful

Qatar Airways

7,4

Good

3 728 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 566 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

8,0

Excellent

Meghana,Aug 2026

QRO - ATL

It was a good one. They were very friendly and helpful

United Airlines

7,4

Good

10 134 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 566 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

8,0

Excellent

Meghana,Aug 2026

QRO - ATL

It was a good one. They were very friendly and helpful

Virgin Atlantic

7,4

Good

695 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 566 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

8,0

Excellent

Meghana,Aug 2026

QRO - ATL

It was a good one. They were very friendly and helpful

British Airways

6,7

Okay

8 191 reviews

KLM

7,8

Good

1 566 reviews

Check prices

Reviews

1 / 20

8,0

Excellent

Meghana,Aug 2026

QRO - ATL

It was a good one. They were very friendly and helpful

Related info for your journey

How long is the flight from South Africa to California?
For as low as R16 230, Virgin Atlantic can have you in California from South Africa in 23h 56m. Airlines will cover a distance of 16069 km. Both multi-stop and direct flights can be found to your destination and back.
What are the cheapest airlines to fly from South Africa to California one-way?
For one-way options, check prices for Qatar Airways. According to our data, you can fly for as low as R9 200. Users have also found prices from R10 610 and R11 178 on Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines, respectively.
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 R15 943). Flying from South Africa to California in August is currently the most expensive (average of R21 023). 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

Complete your trip

Direct flights to United States

Flights by cabin class

Other flight options

Popular flights

Return Flight Options

Top destinations

Alternative routes for South Africa to California

OR Tambo to John F Kennedy Intl flights

OR Tambo to LaGuardia flights

OR Tambo to Atlanta flights

OR Tambo to Hobby flights

OR Tambo to Los Angeles flights

Cape Town to Seattle flights

OR Tambo to Miami flights

OR Tambo to George Bush Intcntl flights

OR Tambo to San Francisco flights

Cape Town to San Diego flights

OR Tambo to O'Hare Intl flights

Cape Town to Los Angeles flights

OR Tambo to Orlando flights

Cape Town to Dulles Intl flights

OR Tambo to Dulles Intl flights

Durban to Miami flights

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Cape Town to Atlanta flights

OR Tambo to Ontario flights

OR Tambo to Boston flights

OR Tambo to Reagan-National flights

OR Tambo to Detroit flights

Cape Town to Memphis flights

OR Tambo to Las Vegas flights

Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale flights

OR Tambo to Midway flights

OR Tambo to Love Field flights

Cape Town to Boston flights

OR Tambo to Santa Ana flights

OR Tambo to Kansas City flights

OR Tambo to Fort Lauderdale flights

Cape Town to San Francisco flights

Cape Town to Tampa flights

OR Tambo to Portland flights

OR Tambo to Tampa flights

Top 10 airlines flying from South Africa to California

Airline	Cheapest	Average	Flexibility	On-time
Delta	CheapestR12 863	AverageR16 676	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-timeN/A	Search Delta flights
American Airlines	CheapestR13 555	AverageR15 534	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time71%	Search American Airlines flights
Virgin Atlantic	CheapestR14 041	AverageR16 555	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time72%	Search Virgin Atlantic flights
Turkish Airlines	CheapestR14 283	AverageR17 209	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time77%	Search Turkish Airlines flights
United Airlines	CheapestR14 695	AverageR16 108	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time69%	Search United Airlines flights
British Airways	CheapestR14 842	AverageR20 047	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time70%	Search British Airways flights
KLM	CheapestR15 292	AverageR18 195	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time75%	Search KLM flights
Air France	CheapestR15 383	AverageR18 240	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time77%	Search Air France flights
Singapore Airlines	CheapestR16 876	AverageR19 543	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time81%	Search Singapore Airlines flights
Qatar Airways	CheapestR16 950	AverageR19 737	FlexibilityNo cancel fee	On-time68%	Search Qatar Airways 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 R9 792

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 16/11. 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

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 28 August 2026.

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 28 August 2026.

Best flights from South Africa to CaliforniaDiscover 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 28 August 2026.

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 28 August 2026.

Last-minute flights from South Africa to CaliforniaDiscover last-minute flight deals from South Africa to California. Data last updated 28 August 2026 and is based on user searches.

Discover last-minute flight deals from South Africa to California. Data last updated 28 August 2026 and is based on user searches.

One-way flights from South Africa to CaliforniaSearch for one-way flight options from South Africa to California. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 28 August 2026.

Search for one-way flight options from South Africa to California. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 28 August 2026.

Find flight deals from South Africa to California

Round-trip from

One-way from

Popular in

Cheapest in

Average price

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

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

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

Booking 64 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from South Africa to California. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

Reviews of airlines servicing California

Get a feel of what it's like to fly with KLM,Qatar Airways, andUnited Airlines 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

How long is the flight from South Africa to California?

What are the cheapest airlines to fly from South Africa to California one-way?

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.

Complete your trip

Complete your trip to California by adding a car hire and/or hotel booking to your travel itinerary.

Direct flights to United States

Book a non-stop flight to one of these other cities located in United States.

Search flights from South Africa to California by cabin class

Find flights from South Africa to California, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class.

South Africa and California flights

Browse other South Africa and California flight options. Last updated on 28 August 2026.

Popular flight searches

Check out other popular destinations found by fellow travellers in 2026

Find a return flight route from California

Find the right flight back to South Africa after your stay in California

South Africa to California flights

Consider these flights travelling from South Africa to California.

Top 10 airlines flying from South Africa to California

Fly with Cheapflights

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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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 28 August 2026.

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 28 August 2026.

Last-minute flights from South Africa to California
Discover last-minute flight deals from South Africa to California. Data last updated 28 August 2026 and is based on user searches.

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 28 August 2026.