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Best time to visit Knysna: month by month
Short answer
Knysna is mild all year. October to April is the warmest period, with highs of about 20–24°C and the best beach weather, but December and January are school-holiday peak. May to September is cooler (about 17–19°C), quieter and cheaper, with whales off the coast from about June to November.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C | 18°C | 10 | very high |
| Feb | 24°C | 17°C | 10 | medium |
| Mar | 23°C | 17°C | 10 | medium |
| Apr | 20°C | 14°C | 10 | high |
| May | 19°C | 12°C | 9 | low |
| Jun | 19°C | 11°C | 9 | low |
| Jul | 17°C | 9°C | 9 | medium |
| Aug | 18°C | 10°C | 9 | low |
| Sep | 18°C | 11°C | 8 | medium |
| Oct | 20°C | 13°C | 11 | medium |
| Nov | 21°C | 14°C | 8 | medium |
| Dec | 22°C | 16°C | 13 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Highs rise from about 18°C in September to 21°C in November, with 8–11 rainy days; whale season continues and flowers bloom.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Highs of about 22–24°C and lows of 16–18°C, with 10–13 rainy days; beach season, but December and January are the busiest and most expensive.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Highs fall from about 23°C in March to 19°C in May, with 9–10 rainy days; settled, quieter weather and good for hiking.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Highs of about 17–19°C and lows of 9–11°C, with about 9 rainy days a month; cool but often sunny, with the Oyster Festival in July.
Events worth planning around
- Knysna Oyster Festival — July
- South African school summer holidays — December to January, the peak season
- Easter holidays — March or April, busy weekends
When to avoid
Avoid mid-December to mid-January if you dislike crowds and high prices. Rain can fall in any month, so plan flexible days for hiking and the Heads.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Knysna?
October to April for warmer beach weather, avoiding December–January if you want lower prices.
When is the Knysna Oyster Festival?
In July, during the cooler, quieter season.
When can you see whales near Knysna?
From about June to November along the Garden Route coast.