Where is Durban, South Africa?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: June 18, 2026, 14:20 ET

As shown in the given Durban location map that Durban is South Africa at the coast of Indian Ocean in the north-east region of South Africa.

Location Map of Durban

Where is Durban South Africa?

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

FactDetails
CityDurban
MunicipalityeThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
CountrySouth Africa
Provincial CapitalNo (Pietermaritzburg is the provincial capital)
RegionEastern Coast of South Africa
Latitude29.8587° S
Longitude31.0218° E
Elevation26 ft (8 m)
Land Area88 sq mi
Water AreaIncludes Indian Ocean coastline, bays and rivers
Total Area88 sq mi
Population (Latest Estimate)Approximately 3.9 million (metro area)
Population DensityApproximately 4,400 per sq mi
Postal Codes4000-4094
Area Code+27 31
Time Zone StandardSouth Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)
Time Zone DaylightNo daylight saving time observed
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Administrative CodeeThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
National RepresentationNational 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

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Rainfall (in)
January84705.2
April79633.5
July73521.3
October77592.8
Annual786140.0
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Cfa - Humid Subtropical
Annual RainfallApproximately 40 inches
Annual Sunshine DaysApproximately 300 sunny days
Hurricane/Tornado RiskVery Low
SnowfallNo snowfall

Driving Distances from Durban, South Africa

CityProvinceDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
UmhlangaKwaZulu-Natal1020 min
PinetownKwaZulu-Natal1220 min
AmanzimtotiKwaZulu-Natal1725 min
TongaatKwaZulu-Natal2230 min
BallitoKwaZulu-Natal3135 min
KwaDukuzaKwaZulu-Natal4745 min
PietermaritzburgKwaZulu-Natal501 hr
HowickKwaZulu-Natal551 hr 5 min
Port ShepstoneKwaZulu-Natal751 hr 20 min
Richards BayKwaZulu-Natal1041 hr 45 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Durban, South Africa

Airport NameKing Shaka International Airport
IATA CodeDUR
PortPort of Durban
Major HighwaysN2, N3, M4, R102
Train ServiceMetrorail Durban and Intercity Rail Services
Local Transit ServiceMunicipal 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.
  • M4 Highway - Scenic coastal route serving northern beaches and suburbs.
  • 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 NameType
uShaka Marine WorldMarine Park
Golden MileBeachfront Promenade
Moses Mabhida StadiumSports Venue
Durban Botanic GardensBotanical Garden
Suncoast CasinoEntertainment Complex
KwaMuhle MuseumMuseum
Victoria Street MarketMarket
Umgeni River Bird ParkWildlife Attraction
Durban City HallHistoric Building
Blue LagoonRecreation Area

Places to Visit in Durban, South Africa

Landmark NameType
uShaka Marine WorldMarine Park
Golden MileBeachfront Promenade
Moses Mabhida StadiumSports Venue
Durban Botanic GardensBotanical Garden
Suncoast CasinoEntertainment Complex
KwaMuhle MuseumMuseum
Victoria Street MarketMarket
Umgeni River Bird ParkWildlife Attraction
Durban City HallHistoric Building
Blue LagoonRecreation Area

Colleges and Universities in Durban, South Africa

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
University of KwaZulu-NatalPublicUniversityResearch and health sciences
Durban University of TechnologyPublicUniversityTechnology and applied sciences
Mangosuthu University of TechnologyPublicUniversityEngineering and technology
Regent Business SchoolPrivateUniversityBusiness education
Varsity College Durban NorthPrivateHigher EducationProfessional 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.

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