Weather in Gqeberha

Stay informed about the latest weather conditions in Gqeberha. Here you will find up-to-date data, forecasts, and useful weather charts.

The climate in Gqeberha is distinguished by its mildness and moderate dryness throughout the year. The city does not experience extreme temperature fluctuations, making it an attractive destination in any season. Average air temperatures are comfortable, without sweltering heat in summer or severe frost in winter, fluctuating on average from 14.8°C in August to 22.6°C in January.

Two main seasons can be distinguished in Gqeberha. The summer months (from December to February) are characterized by warm weather, with average temperatures around 21-23°C and maximum values reaching 25-27°C. The winter months (from June to August) bring cooler yet still mild weather with average temperatures around 15°C and minimum nighttime temperatures dropping to 9-10°C. An important feature of the local climate is the low amount of rainfall year-round, usually not exceeding 1-2 mm per month. Despite this, the number of days with precipitation can vary from 4 to 9 per month, indicating predominantly dry weather with possible rare and generally light rains or drizzle.

The weather in Gqeberha is characterized by a moderate climate with noticeable seasonal temperature changes. The annual range of average temperatures extends from approximately 14.8°C in the coolest months to 22.6°C in the warmest. The hottest months are traditionally January and February, when the thermometer reaches maximum values, with average temperatures of 22.6°C and 22.4°C respectively, and daytime highs up to 26.8°C. Conversely, July and August are considered the coldest, with an average temperature of around 15°C and nighttime lows dropping to 9.5°C.

The summer period in Gqeberha, which covers the months from December to February, is distinguished by pleasant warmth. Average daytime temperatures during this time range from 25.1°C to 26.8°C, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and beach visits. Nights also remain warm, with average minimum temperatures rarely falling below 16.6°C in December and rising to 18.3°C in January. This time of year is ideal for those who prefer sunny and warm weather without the exhausting heat characteristic of some other regions.

Winter in Gqeberha, lasting from June to August, brings cooler weather, although severe cold is rare here. Average daily highs during these months usually hover around 20.1°C - 21.3°C, which is still quite comfortable for walking and exploring the city. However, nights become significantly cooler, and the temperature can drop to 9.5°C - 10.4°C. Such fluctuations between day and night temperatures, where the difference can reach 10-11°C, are especially noticeable in winter and are a characteristic feature of the local climate.

Extremely low rainfall is observed in Gqeberha throughout the year, indicating a very arid climate. There is no clearly defined rainy season or dry season in terms of precipitation volume, as the total amount is minimal and fluctuates only from 1 to 2 mm per month. Snow is not characteristic of this region, and all precipitation falls as rain.

Despite the extremely small amount of precipitation, its occurrence is distributed over several days in each month. Months with slightly more rainfall (2 mm) are February, March, April, October, and December. At the same time, January, May, June, July, August, September, and November receive an average of only 1 mm of precipitation. In terms of the frequency of rainy days, March and December stand out, averaging 9 days with precipitation. They are followed by January, February, and October with approximately 8 rainy days. The "driest" month in terms of the number of days with precipitation is June, when it rains on average only 4 days, as well as July (5 days) and May (6 days).

Given that the average monthly rainfall is only 1-2 mm, the nature of precipitation in Gqeberha is likely very light drizzle or extremely insignificant rains. Even in those months when there are more "wet days," substantial downpours are not to be expected. Travellers should prepare for predominantly dry weather, although rare and very light precipitation is possible practically all year round.

When planning a trip to Gqeberha, consider its mild coastal climate, which makes packing a suitcase a relatively simple task. In summer, which lasts here approximately from December to March, average temperatures hover around 21-23°C, and maximums can reach 26-27°C. During this period, you will need light and breathable clothing: t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and sundresses. Be sure to take a swimsuit, high SPF sunscreen, headwear (a hat or cap), and sunglasses, as the sun in South Africa can be very active. For evening walks or in case of a coastal breeze, a light sweater, cardigan, or windbreaker will come in handy.

The winter months, from June to August, are characterized by cooler weather: the average temperature is around 15-16°C, the air warms up to 20-21°C during the day, and at night the temperature can drop to 9-10°C. For this time of year, pack warmer items: jeans or trousers, long-sleeved tops, sweaters, and a jacket. Given that Gqeberha is a coastal city, a windproof jacket will be especially relevant. Although rainfall here is minimal year-round (only 1-2 mm per month), the summary mentions 4 to 9 "wet days" monthly. This likely means the presence of brief drizzle or very light rains, so a bulky raincoat or large umbrella is unlikely to be needed. A light, compact water-repellent jacket or a small folding umbrella will suffice.

The key principle when packing for a trip to Gqeberha is layering. This approach will allow you to easily adapt to possible temperature changes throughout the day, especially the evening coolness or sudden strengthening of the wind. Comfortable shoes for walking and excursions are absolutely essential at any time of the year. And, of course, do not forget to use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days, as ultraviolet radiation near the coast can be quite intense.