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Weather in Plettenberg Bay
Garden Route paradise of white sand and dolphins
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About Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay explodes across the Garden Route as a paradise of white sand beaches, marine megafauna, and adventure sports. Dolphins frolic in the bay while hikers navigate coastal trails between seaside villages.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, April, May, December
Language
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Things to do in Plettenberg Bay
Spot dolphins from shore
Beach-swim and relax
Hike coastal trails
Visit nearby monastic islands
Parasail and jet-ski
Dine in beachfront restaurants
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
February
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
March
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
April
22C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
May
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
June
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
July
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
August
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
September
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
November
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
December
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Plettenberg Bay, often just called 'Plett', is one of the Garden Route's most upmarket beach towns, with long stretches of sand backed by holiday homes, a reliable summer climate and easy access to whale and dolphin watching in Plettenberg Bay itself. It also serves as a base for visiting nearby Robberg Nature Reserve's coastal hiking trails and the Bloukrans Bridge, home to one of the world's highest bungee jumps.
Best areas to stay in Plettenberg Bay
Central Beach
The main town beach, close to restaurants, shops and accommodation.
Robberg Nature Reserve
A peninsula reserve with coastal hiking trails, seals and whale-watching viewpoints.
Lookout Beach
A popular beach near the lagoon mouth, good for surfing and walks.
Keurboomstrand
A quieter beach area just outside town, known for its long sandy stretch.
Getting to Plettenberg Bay
✈
Flights
Fly into Cape Town or George airport, then drive along the Garden Route (around 1-5 hours depending on origin) to Plettenberg Bay.
⏱
From London
~12-13 hours from London plus the Garden Route drive from Cape Town or George.
🚕
Getting around
A hired car is recommended for reaching Robberg, Bloukrans Bridge and other Garden Route stops.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Plettenberg Bay?
December to February (South African summer) offers the warmest weather and busiest atmosphere; whale watching is best from June to November.
What is Robberg Nature Reserve?
A coastal reserve with hiking trails along dramatic cliffs and beaches, home to seal colonies and good whale and dolphin watching opportunities.
Is the Bloukrans Bridge bungee near Plettenberg Bay?
Yes — it's about a 30-45 minute drive away and is one of the world's highest commercial bungee jumps, a popular day trip from Plett.
What beaches does Plettenberg Bay have?
Central Beach, Lookout Beach and Robberg Beach are the main options, with calm conditions suitable for swimming and surfing depending on the spot.
How does Plettenberg Bay compare to Knysna?
Plett has a more beach-resort feel with a livelier summer scene, while Knysna centres on its lagoon and forest — both are easily combined as nearby stops.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Plett's beaches were gorgeous and the Robberg hike with seals visible below the cliffs was a real highlight.
Zara H. · January 2024
★★★★★
Did the Bloukrans bungee on a day trip from Plett — terrifying and unforgettable in equal measure.
Connor M. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Whale watching from the headland near our guesthouse was a wonderful surprise — saw a mother and calf without even going on a boat.
Lerato N. · September 2022
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