Plan Your Trip
The best time to visit the Garden Route: weather and seasons, month by month
The Garden Route is a year-round destination with no real rainy season. But each month has a character. Here is what to expect, and when we would come if we could choose.
Every month on the ridge has its own reason to come. Ask us which one suits you.
The short answer
The Garden Route can be visited all year. The warmest months are January and February (average highs around 25 °C in George, sea about 20 to 21 °C), but mid-December to mid-January is peak season with the highest prices. March to May offers settled weather, a warm sea and fewer people. June to August is cool (highs around 19 °C) and quiet, with whales arriving. September to November brings spring flowers and the best whale watching. Rain falls in every month, heaviest in October and November.
- Warmest
- Jan to Feb, highs about 25 °C
- Coolest
- Jul to Aug, highs about 19 °C, lows about 8 °C
- Rain
- About 670 mm a year in George, spread across all months
- Whales
- June to November, peak July to October
- Peak season
- Mid-December to mid-January
In this guide
The Garden Route got its name for a reason. Unlike most of South Africa, which has a clear wet and dry season, this coast receives rain in every month. That keeps the forests green, the lakes full and the temperatures mild. It also means there is no bad month to come, only different ones.
The short answer
- For beach weather: January to March.
- For the best balance of weather, prices and space: March to May, our favourite months.
- For whales: July to October.
- For the lowest prices and quiet trails: June to August.
- For flowers and hiking: September to November.
- Avoid if you dislike crowds: mid-December to mid-January and Easter weekend.
Month by month
The figures below are long-term averages for George, 10 km from Wilderness. Sea temperatures are for Wilderness.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rain days | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24.6 °C | 15.8 °C | 62 mm | 7 | 20.5 °C |
| Feb | 25.0 °C | 16.1 °C | 49 mm | 6 | 19.9 °C |
| Mar | 24.2 °C | 14.7 °C | 65 mm | 7 | 20.4 °C |
| Apr | 22.9 °C | 12.3 °C | 52 mm | 6 | 18.5 °C |
| May | 21.6 °C | 10.4 °C | 37 mm | 5 | 17.4 °C |
| Jun | 19.7 °C | 8.3 °C | 40 mm | 6 | 16.8 °C |
| Jul | 19.2 °C | 7.6 °C | 44 mm | 6 | 16.5 °C |
| Aug | 19.0 °C | 7.9 °C | 61 mm | 7 | 16.6 °C |
| Sep | 19.7 °C | 9.1 °C | 49 mm | 6 | 17.1 °C |
| Oct | 20.8 °C | 11.2 °C | 77 mm | 7 | 17.5 °C |
| Nov | 21.8 °C | 12.6 °C | 82 mm | 7 | 18.8 °C |
| Dec | 23.6 °C | 14.7 °C | 54 mm | 7 | 19.8 °C |
Summer: December to February
Long days, warm evenings and the warmest sea of the year. This is South Africa's big holiday season, and from about mid-December to mid-January the Garden Route is at its busiest. Beaches have lifeguards, every restaurant is open and the towns hum. Prices are highest and good places book out months ahead.
The sea breeze blows most afternoons, which is perfect for paragliding and less perfect for a beach umbrella. In February, after the local schools go back, the weather is still excellent and the crowds have gone.
Autumn: March to May
If we had to pick one season, this would be it. The weather is settled, the sea stays warm into April, and the light turns golden. School holidays around Easter bring a short busy spell; otherwise the trails, beaches and restaurants are relaxed. May gets cooler at night, but days in the low 20s are common.
Winter: June to August
Cool, often clear, and very quiet. Days reach around 19 °C and can feel warmer in the sun; nights drop to 7 or 8 °C, so a place with heating makes a difference. Cold fronts bring a day or two of rain and wind, followed by crisp, bright days with snow on the Swartberg and sometimes the Outeniquas.
This is when the whales arrive. Southern right and humpback whales pass the coast from June, and you can spot them from Dolphin Point, the Map of Africa and the Robberg peninsula. See whale watching on the Garden Route.
Winter also brings the lowest prices of the year and a school holiday period around late June and July.
Stay where this story happensAutumn and spring on the ridge: the best light and the quietest trails.Three self-catering places on 21 hectares above Wilderness. Book direct with instant confirmation.Check dates →
Spring: September to November
The hills are at their greenest, the fynbos flowers and the whale watching is at its best, peaking between July and October. September has some of the year's most pleasant walking weather. October and November are the wettest months on average, though rain usually comes in short bursts rather than long grey spells, and the spring winds can be strong.
South Africa's Heritage Day on 24 September is also National Braai Day, a good excuse to join the locals around a fire.
Events worth planning around
The George and Wilderness tourism office lists these regulars:
- February: George Old Car Show
- April: Outeniqua Marathon
- May: Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) in the Outeniqua mountains; Vic Bay surfing competition
- September: Karoo to Coast mountain bike race
- October: Cape Pioneer Trek mountain bike stage race
- December: George Lights Festival
Check dates each year; they move.
What to pack
Whatever the month: layers, a light rain jacket, a warm top for the evening, sunscreen (the sun is strong even in winter), sturdy walking shoes and swimwear. In winter add a proper jacket.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Garden Route?
March and April offer the best combination of warm weather, a swimmable sea, fewer people and lower prices than December. For whales, choose September or October.
Does it rain a lot on the Garden Route?
It rains in every month, but not heavily: George averages about 670 mm a year over roughly 77 rainy days. October and November are the wettest months.
Is the Garden Route worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter days are often clear and mild, prices are lowest, the trails are quiet and whales arrive from June.
When is whale season on the Garden Route?
From June to November, with the best sightings between July and October.
When are South African school holidays?
The longest runs from about mid-December to mid-January. There are shorter breaks around Easter, in late June or July, and in late September or early October. Dates change each year.
We live here, visit these places ourselves and update this guide from time to time. Something changed? Tell us.
