Seasonal trends in South African suicide incidence were investigated with a view to ascertaining whether they are consistent with those in the northern hemisphere regarding: 1) the existence of the expected pattern; 2) this pattern being more pronounced for less urbanized groups; 3) the presence of a secondary fall peak for youth & females. It was found that the expected pattern with a peak in the spring was present, but the secondary peak in autumn was absent. Possible explanations for this difference are discussed. (26 refs)