Early summer · Weather & things to do
Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in December
Knysna & Plettenberg Bay edges warmer than November, with highs of 80°F (26°C), lows of 62°F (17°C) and about 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain.
December opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 92/100 (6th of 12).
- Avg high
- 80°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 62°F (17°C)
- Rain
- 1.5 in (38 mm)
- Humidity
- 72%
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 92/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs settle around 80°F (26°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Lows average 62°F (17°C).
Rain is moderate at about 1.5 in (38 mm) for the month.
Plan around December
December is one of Knysna & Plettenberg Bay's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – September and December.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by January, the score drops to 89/100.
- Longest days of the year, about 14 h 15 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (90 → 92/100).
- December sits inside the Oct – Apr window our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 80°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Diepwalle Forest
Old-growth Knysna forest in Garden Route National Park, with the Elephant Walk trails among yellowwoods.
Why now December scores 92/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Thesen Islands
Former timber-mill island turned marina village with shops, galleries and cafes on the lagoon.
Brenton-on-Sea
Long, wild beach west of the Knysna Heads, good for walks below vegetated dunes.
Why now Highs near 80°F and 1.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
East Head Café
Waterside cafe at the Knysna Heads, popular for breakfast and seafood lunches on the deck.
Île de Pain
Bakery-cafe on Thesen Island known for wood-fired breads and seasonal plates.
Nearby in December
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek in December~240 mi · highs 78°F, 0.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Cape Town in December~265 mi · highs 69°F, 0.5 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~349 m to Knysna & Plettenberg Bay's ~11 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Knysna & Plettenberg Bay?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 92/100. Expect highs of 80°F (26°C) and 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain. December is inside the Oct – Apr window our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends.
How hot is Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in December?
Average highs are 80°F (26°C) and average lows 62°F (17°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in December?
Not much: about 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 20.8 in (529 mm).
What should I pack for Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 80°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Knysna & Plettenberg Bay
Routes in season in December
- Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route Oct – Apr
Planning Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.