Late autumn · Weather & things to do
Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in May
Knysna & Plettenberg Bay sees its driest month, with just 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain, highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C).
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 93/100 (3rd of 12).
- Avg high
- 72°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 57°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 1.3 in (33 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 93/100 · Great
What May feels like
Warm afternoons near 72°F (22°C) make long days outdoors easy.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 57°F (14°C).
About 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's May.
Plan around May
May is one of Knysna & Plettenberg Bay's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: June highs fall to 68°F.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – September and December.
- Comfort holds steady from April (91 → 93/100).
- Our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends Oct – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes72°F afternoons
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Robberg Nature Reserve
Rocky peninsula in Plettenberg Bay with hiking loops, seal colonies and whale views in season.
Why now May scores 93/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Featherbed Nature Reserve
Ferry across the lagoon to the western head, then a guided walk down through the private reserve.
Why now Highs near 72°F and 1.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Knysna Heads
Twin sandstone cliffs at the narrow mouth of the Knysna Lagoon, with lookouts on the eastern head.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Bramon Wine Estate
Coastal vineyard in The Crags making Méthode Cap Classique sparkling, with a relaxed restaurant.
Diepwalle Forest
Old-growth Knysna forest in Garden Route National Park, with the Elephant Walk trails among yellowwoods.
Nearby in May
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek in May~240 mi · highs 67°F, 2.8 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Cape Town in May~265 mi · highs 64°F, 2.0 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, wetter
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Knysna & Plettenberg Bay?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 93/100. Expect highs of 72°F (22°C) and 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain. Our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends Oct – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in May?
Average highs are 72°F (22°C) and average lows 57°F (14°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in May?
Not much: about 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 20.8 in (529 mm).
What should I pack for Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (72°F afternoons) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Knysna & Plettenberg Bay
Planning Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.