Knysna, located along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm, pleasant summers. Rain falls throughout the year, but the weather is rarely extreme, making Knysna a year-round destination. With abundant sunshine, lush forests, and inviting beaches, the region is perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation in any season.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Knysna’s climate is classified as temperate maritime, offering mild, comfortable conditions year-round. Summers (November to April) are warm and generally dry, with average daytime highs of 22–26°C and night temperatures around 15–17°C. The hottest months, January and February, can see peaks up to 28°C, but the Indian Ocean’s influence keeps the heat moderate. Sea temperatures reach 21°C in midsummer, ideal for swimming and water sports. Sunshine is abundant, with 8–9 hours per day in summer and daylight lasting up to 14 hours.
Winters (May to September) are cool but rarely cold, with highs of 18–20°C and lows of 8–12°C. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, but the wettest months are typically June to November, with monthly totals ranging from 49 mm to 81 mm. Despite the rain, there are still many clear, sunny days, and the region’s lush forests thrive on this regular moisture. Occasional mountain winds and cold fronts can bring brief drops in temperature, but snow is extremely rare, only dusting the highest peaks. Humidity averages 80–88%, and winds are generally light, though brisk breezes can occur, especially in spring and autumn. The mild conditions and scenic beauty make Knysna ideal for hiking, beach outings, and exploring the outdoors year-round.
| Average climate data for Knysna, South Africa | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 7 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 62 | 55 | 80 | 60 | 38 | 32 | 36 | 68 | 45 | 88 | 94 | 63 | 719 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 14 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 145 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 18 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Average UV index | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 7 |
The best time to visit Knysna is from late August to April, when the weather is warm, rainfall is moderate, and the region is alive with festivals and outdoor activities. Spring (September–October) is especially beautiful with blooming flowers and whale watching, while summer offers the best beach conditions and long, sunny days.
The least favourable time to visit Knysna is during the wettest months of late winter and early spring (June to August), when rainfall is highest and some outdoor activities may be limited by showers. However, even in winter, mild temperatures and clear days still offer plenty to enjoy for hikers and festival-goers.
Knysna has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers. Rain falls throughout the year, but extreme temperatures are rare. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, making it a pleasant destination in any season.
The best time to visit Knysna is from late August to April, especially during spring and summer. These months offer warm, sunny weather, blooming landscapes, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and beach trips.
Rainfall in Knysna is moderate and spread throughout the year, with the wettest months from June to November. Showers are usually brief, and there are still many sunny days, even during the rainy season.
Winter temperatures in Knysna are mild, with daytime highs of 18–20°C and lows around 8–12°C. Frost and snow are extremely rare, making winter comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Yes, Knysna is excellent for beach holidays, especially from November to April when sea temperatures are warmest and sunshine is abundant. The region offers beautiful beaches and safe swimming conditions.
Pack light, breathable clothing for summer, a hat, and sun cream. For winter and spring, bring layers and a light rain jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended year-round for exploring forests and beaches.
Yes, Knysna is ideal for outdoor activities all year. Mild winters are perfect for hiking and whale watching, while summer and spring are great for water sports, cycling, and exploring the region’s natural beauty.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is February (26 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is September (20.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 23.2 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is February (16 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is July (7.1 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 11.4 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is January (20.4 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is July (16.7 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 18.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (94.1 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is June (31.6 mm). Over the whole year there are 719.4 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (14.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is May (9 days). Over the whole year there are 145 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is December (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is June (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 10.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 7 h). Over the whole year there are 8.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are May, June and July (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.3.
