Weather in Plettenberg Bay

Planning a trip to Plettenberg Bay? Check out the latest weather information and forecasts in this section to choose the best time for outings and excursions.

The climate of the Plettenberg Bay resort can be described as one of the mildest and most comfortable in the world. Thanks to the influence of the ocean, moderate weather prevails here without extreme temperature fluctuations, making the city an attractive travel destination at almost any time of the year.

Summer, which lasts from December to February in the Southern Hemisphere, is warm and pleasant here: the air warms up to an average of +24°C, creating ideal conditions for a beach holiday without oppressive heat. The winter months (from June to August) remain mild, with daytime temperatures around +17°C...+18°C, while nights bring only a slight chill, with the thermometer rarely dropping below +9°C.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is its enviable stability. There is no pronounced rainy or dry season here: precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, averaging about 8–10 rainy days per month. This allows nature to remain green and picturesque, yet the rains are rarely prolonged and do not interfere with travel plans.

The transitional seasons in the city of Plettenberg Bay offer travellers perhaps the most comfortable conditions for active tourism, devoid of both summer heat and winter chill. Autumn, which lasts from March to May in the Southern Hemisphere, begins with a delightful mild period: in March, the daytime temperature holds at a pleasant +23°C. By May, the air gradually cools to +19°C...+20°C, however, the nights become noticeably fresher, dropping to +12°C, so a light jacket for evening walks will be useful.

Spring, coming into its own in September, is characterised by gradual warming and an increase in sunny hours. While in September the air warms up to an average of +18°C, by October the thermometer confidently climbs towards +20°C. November serves as a full-fledged herald of summer with comfortable daytime figures around +21°C, although a bracing coolness can still be felt in the mornings with temperatures around +13°C.

Precipitation in the resort city of Plettenberg Bay is distributed surprisingly evenly throughout the year, so it is difficult to single out a pronounced rainy season or dry period. Thanks to this climate, the nature of this corner of South Africa remains picturesque and green all year round, and travellers need not worry about prolonged monsoons.

According to statistics, rains occur regularly, but their intensity is low. The number of days with precipitation varies from 6 to 10 per month. You might need an umbrella slightly more often in August and December — the peak of wet days falls on these months (about 10). The "driest" month is considered to be May, when the probability of precipitation drops to 6 days.

The nature of the precipitation is mainly light rain or short-term drizzle, as the total volume of moisture (in millimetres) remains stably low throughout the year. Snow does not fall here. Even if the forecast promises rain, it rarely lasts all day, quickly giving way to the sun and allowing you to continue your walks along the coast.

When packing for Plettenberg Bay, it is worth keeping the principle of layering in mind, as the weather on the coast can be changeable. For the summer months (December–February), when the air warms up to an average of 24°C, light clothing made of breathable fabrics, shorts, and T-shirts are ideal. Do not forget swimwear for a beach holiday, as well as quality sunglasses, high SPF cream, and a hat — the sun in South Africa is very active.

In the cooler season (from June to August) and in the evenings all year round, you will need warm items. Since night temperatures can drop to 9–10°C, and a fresh breeze often blows from the ocean, be sure to take jeans, a fleece sweater, and a windproof jacket with you. A light jacket will protect you from the wind during walks along the promenade or sea excursions.

To actively explore the natural beauties of the region, comfortable walking shoes are necessary, for example, reliable trainers or trekking boots. Considering that light precipitation falls quite regularly throughout the year (about 8–10 rainy days per month), it is wise to pack a compact umbrella or a light raincoat in your luggage so that short-term bad weather does not disrupt your plans.