The eastern section of the Karoo does not extend as far north as the western part, giving way to the flat landscape of the Free State, which – though still semi-arid – receives somewhat more rain. North of the Vaal River the Highveld is better watered, with an annual rainfall of and a high altitude (around ) which mitigates the extremes of heat of an inland area at this latitude. Winters are cold, though snow is rare.
The eastern section of the Karoo does not extend as far north as the western part, giving way to the flat landscape of the Free State, which – though still semi-arid – receives somewhat more rain. North of the Vaal River the Highveld is better watered with an annual rainfall of and a high altitude (around ) which mitigates the extremes of heat of an inland area at this latitude. Winters are cold, though snow is rare.