Durban is South Africa on the east coast of South Africa. Durban largest city of KwaZulu-Natal province and chief seaport of South Africa, South Africa on Natal Bay of the Indian Ocean. The city is more commonly known for its sea port because the sea-port of Durban is the busiest port in South Africa.
Interestingly, the city has subtropical climate and huge tantalizing beaches that attract tourists from all over the world. So, the subtropical mild climate of the city, warm oceanic current, and culturally diverse population additionally promote tourism in the city.
The coastal location and large sea-port facilitate it comparatively big advantage over many other centers of South Africa; hence, it is the ideal center for export-related industries. Moreover, Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA) has a large and diversified economy along with strong government, manufacturing, tourism, transportation, finance, and sectors.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Quick Facts
Fact
Details
City
Durban
Municipality
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Country
South Africa
Provincial Capital
No (Pietermaritzburg is the provincial capital)
Region
Eastern Coast of South Africa
Latitude
29.8587° S
Longitude
31.0218° E
Elevation
26 ft (8 m)
Land Area
88 sq mi
Water Area
Includes Indian Ocean coastline, bays and rivers
Total Area
88 sq mi
Population (Latest Estimate)
Approximately 3.9 million (metro area)
Population Density
Approximately 4,400 per sq mi
Postal Codes
4000-4094
Area Code
+27 31
Time Zone Standard
South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)
Time Zone Daylight
No daylight saving time observed
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Administrative Code
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
National Representation
National Assembly Constituencies
Nearby Cities to Durban, South Africa
Umhlanga, South Africa - 10 mi North
Pinetown, South Africa - 12 mi West
Amanzimtoti, South Africa - 17 mi South
Tongaat, South Africa - 22 mi North
Ballito, South Africa - 31 mi North
KwaDukuza, South Africa - 47 mi North
Howick, South Africa - 55 mi Northwest
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa - 50 mi Northwest
Richards Bay, South Africa - 104 mi North
Port Shepstone, South Africa - 75 mi South
Durban, South Africa Climate and Weather Overview
Month
Avg High (°F)
Avg Low (°F)
Avg Rainfall (in)
January
84
70
5.2
April
79
63
3.5
July
73
52
1.3
October
77
59
2.8
Annual
78
61
40.0
Climate Attribute
Details
Climate Classification (Köppen)
Cfa - Humid Subtropical
Annual Rainfall
Approximately 40 inches
Annual Sunshine Days
Approximately 300 sunny days
Hurricane/Tornado Risk
Very Low
Snowfall
No snowfall
Driving Distances from Durban, South Africa
City
Province
Distance (mi)
Approx. Drive Time
Umhlanga
KwaZulu-Natal
10
20 min
Pinetown
KwaZulu-Natal
12
20 min
Amanzimtoti
KwaZulu-Natal
17
25 min
Tongaat
KwaZulu-Natal
22
30 min
Ballito
KwaZulu-Natal
31
35 min
KwaDukuza
KwaZulu-Natal
47
45 min
Pietermaritzburg
KwaZulu-Natal
50
1 hr
Howick
KwaZulu-Natal
55
1 hr 5 min
Port Shepstone
KwaZulu-Natal
75
1 hr 20 min
Richards Bay
KwaZulu-Natal
104
1 hr 45 min
Transportation and Connectivity in Durban, South Africa
Airport Name
King Shaka International Airport
IATA Code
DUR
Port
Port of Durban
Major Highways
N2, N3, M4, R102
Train Service
Metrorail Durban and Intercity Rail Services
Local Transit Service
Municipal Buses, Minibus Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
N2 Highway - Coastal route connecting Durban with Richards Bay and the Eastern Cape.
N3 Highway - Major corridor linking Durban with Johannesburg.
R102 Route - Regional connector through the metropolitan area.
Port of Durban - Africa's busiest container port and a major logistics hub.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Durban, South Africa
Landmark Name
Type
uShaka Marine World
Marine Park
Golden Mile
Beachfront Promenade
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Sports Venue
Durban Botanic Gardens
Botanical Garden
Suncoast Casino
Entertainment Complex
KwaMuhle Museum
Museum
Victoria Street Market
Market
Umgeni River Bird Park
Wildlife Attraction
Durban City Hall
Historic Building
Blue Lagoon
Recreation Area
Places to Visit in Durban, South Africa
Landmark Name
Type
uShaka Marine World
Marine Park
Golden Mile
Beachfront Promenade
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Sports Venue
Durban Botanic Gardens
Botanical Garden
Suncoast Casino
Entertainment Complex
KwaMuhle Museum
Museum
Victoria Street Market
Market
Umgeni River Bird Park
Wildlife Attraction
Durban City Hall
Historic Building
Blue Lagoon
Recreation Area
Colleges and Universities in Durban, South Africa
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Public
University
Research and health sciences
Durban University of Technology
Public
University
Technology and applied sciences
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Public
University
Engineering and technology
Regent Business School
Private
University
Business education
Varsity College Durban North
Private
Higher Education
Professional studies
Waterbodies in Durban, South Africa
Indian Ocean, Durban Bay, Umgeni River, Umlaas River, Blue Lagoon, Inanda Dam, Hazelmere Dam, Palmiet River, Beachwood Creek, Umhlatuzana River
Golf Courses in Durban, South Africa
Durban Country Club, Royal Durban Golf Club, Mount Edgecombe Country Club, Beachwood Golf Course, Umhlali Country Club, Cotswold Downs Golf Estate, Prince's Grant Golf Estate, Zimbali Country Club, Kloof Country Club, Bluff National Park Golf Club
Durban, South Africa - Key Historical Facts
Durban was established as a trading settlement in 1824 and later became one of southern Africa's most important ports.
The city was named after Sir Benjamin D'Urban, a former governor of the Cape Colony.
Durban developed into a major center for sugar production and maritime trade during the nineteenth century.
Mahatma Gandhi lived and worked in Durban, where he began developing his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
The Port of Durban played a vital role in South Africa's economic growth throughout the twentieth century.
Today, Durban is known for its beaches, multicultural heritage and status as one of Africa's leading port cities.