AI-generatedHermanus at a glance
- Best time
- Dec – Mar
- Warmest month
- Feb · 25°
- Warmest sea
- Jan · 19.0°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,850 h
- Rain a year
- 503 mm
- Climate
- Mediterranean
- Time zone
- UTC+2
- Elevation
- 27 m
Climate in Hermanus
Hermanus has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. February is the warmest month with average highs of 25 °C, while July is the coolest at 18 °C. With around 2,850 hours of sunshine a year, Hermanus is sunny; January is the sunniest month with 9.8 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Hermanus
The best time to visit Hermanus is from December to March. The sea stays too cool for a classic beach holiday: even in January it only reaches 19.0 °C. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, the weather is pleasant all year round. The wettest month is July with 69 mm of precipitation.
Hermanus through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Hermanus in spring
Sep – Nov
Fair
- 19–22 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 8.2 h of sun a day
- 21 rainy days in all
Hermanus in summer
Dec – Feb
Good
- 24–25 °C by day
- Sea 19 °C
- 9.5 h of sun a day
- 16 rainy days in all
Hermanus in autumn
Mar – May
Fair
- 20–24 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 7.2 h of sun a day
- 20 rainy days in all
Hermanus in winter
Jun – Aug
Poor
- 18 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 6.3 h of sun a day
- 29 rainy days in all
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
No month
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
All year
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Hermanus for you.
Your best months: December – February
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Weather in October
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Fair
Best time to visit: December – March
Where to go in OctoberSea temperature in October
Good forSightseeing & walks
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 16°
- Midday, 13:00: about 21°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 20°
- Evening, 20:00: about 17°
- Night, 23:00: about 15°
06:0218:55
Cool evenings: pack a jumper or a jacket.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 05:46–06:35 · evening 18:22–19:11
- Blue hour
- Morning 05:36–05:46 · evening 19:11–19:21
Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.
October in Hermanus compared with home
Loading the climate at home …
Early or late October?
In October, daytime highs rise from about 20° at the start of the month to 21° at the end. The sea warms from 16° to 17°. The days get 1.0 h longer.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 20° | 21° |
| Night-time low | 12° | 14° |
| Sea | 16° | 17° |
| Daylight | 12.4 h | 13.4 h |
What is the weather like in Hermanus in October?
In October, Hermanus is mild: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 16.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 8.2 hours a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 38 mm. All in all, October is a so-so month for a holiday in Hermanus.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 12 h 54 min06:02 – 18:55
- UV index
- 9 · very highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 24 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 52 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 0 days30 °C or moreAll months
- Time zone
- UTC+2offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 35 %30 %
- Seaweight 25 %0 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %87 %
- Few rainy daysweight 20 %79 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “Sun, sea & sand”.
What to pack in October
- Wetsuit for longer swims
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses & sun hat
- A jumper for the evenings
Compare two months in Hermanus
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
January has the better holiday weather in Hermanus: score 79 against 44. In January, days are 4 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 3 °C warmer in January. January has 2 fewer rainy days. The sun shines 2 hours longer a day in January.
| Month | October | January |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 44 | 79better |
| Daytime high | 21° | 25° |
| Night-time low | 13° | 18° |
| Sea | 16.1° | 19.0° |
| Sunshine | 8.2 h | 9.8 hbetter |
| Rainy days | 7 | 5better |
| Rainfall | 38 mm | 23 mmbetter |
| Muggy days | 0better | 3 |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Hermanus month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
79January25° · Sea 19° · 9.8 h
In January, Hermanus is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 19.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 9.8 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain falls on about 5 days, adding up to 23 mm. All in all, January is a good month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in January79February25° · Sea 19° · 9.2 h
In February, Hermanus is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 18.6 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 9.2 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain falls on about 5 days, adding up to 20 mm. All in all, February is a good month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in February64March24° · Sea 17° · 8.0 h
In March, Hermanus is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 17.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 8.0 hours a day. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 30 mm. All in all, March is a good month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in March49April22° · Sea 16° · 7.3 h
In April, Hermanus is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 16.0 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 38 mm. All in all, April is a so-so month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in April32May20° · Sea 16° · 6.3 h
In May, Hermanus is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 15.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 52 mm. All in all, May is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in May22June18° · Sea 16° · 5.9 h
In June, Hermanus is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 15.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 67 mm in total. All in all, June is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in June24July18° · Sea 15° · 6.4 h
In July, Hermanus is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 15.0 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 69 mm in total. All in all, July is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in July24August18° · Sea 15° · 6.7 h
In August, Hermanus is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 14.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.7 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 62 mm in total. All in all, August is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in August29September19° · Sea 15° · 7.3 h
In September, Hermanus is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 15.3 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 43 mm. All in all, September is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in September44October21° · Sea 16° · 8.2 h
In October, Hermanus is mild: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 16.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 8.2 hours a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 38 mm. All in all, October is a so-so month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in October56November22° · Sea 17° · 9.1 h
In November, Hermanus is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 17.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 9.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 39 mm. All in all, November is a so-so month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in November71December24° · Sea 18° · 9.6 h
In December, Hermanus is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 18.4 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 9.6 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 23 mm. All in all, December is a good month for a holiday in Hermanus.
Hermanus in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Hermanus
How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.
- Cool 8–15°
- Pleasant 15–20°
CoolOctober: nights around 13°. A duvet at night and a jumper for the evening.
The coolest nights are in July (10°), the warmest in January (18°). Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) from November to March.
Temperatures through the year
Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.
| Month | Score | Day | Night | Sea | Sun | Rain days | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 79 | 25° | 18° | 19.0° | 9.8 h | 5 | 23 |
| FebruaryFeb | 79 | 25° | 18° | 18.6° | 9.2 h | 5 | 20 |
| MarchMar | 64 | 24° | 17° | 17.3° | 8.0 h | 6 | 30 |
| AprilApr | 49 | 22° | 14° | 16.0° | 7.3 h | 6 | 38 |
| MayMay | 32 | 20° | 13° | 15.9° | 6.3 h | 8 | 52 |
| JuneJun | 22 | 18° | 11° | 15.6° | 5.9 h | 9 | 67 |
| JulyJul | 24 | 18° | 10° | 15.0° | 6.4 h | 9 | 69 |
| AugustAug | 24 | 18° | 10° | 14.9° | 6.7 h | 10 | 62 |
| SeptemberSep | 29 | 19° | 11° | 15.3° | 7.3 h | 8 | 43 |
| OctoberOct | 44 | 21° | 13° | 16.1° | 8.2 h | 7 | 38 |
| NovemberNov | 56 | 22° | 15° | 17.3° | 9.1 h | 6 | 39 |
| DecemberDec | 71 | 24° | 17° | 18.4° | 9.6 h | 6 | 23 |
Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences
34.42° S, 19.23° E · 27 m · Africa/Johannesburg
Sea temperature in Hermanus
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 15.6 – 16.6 °C
Swimming season: Always below 20 °C
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Hermanus ranges from 14.9 °C in August to 19.0 °C in January. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
The sea temperature varies from year to year: in January, eight out of ten years were between 17.3 and 20.5 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 19.0° | 17.3° | 20.5° | fresh |
| FebruaryFeb | 18.6° | 16.9° | 20.2° | fresh |
| MarchMar | 17.3° | 15.9° | 19.2° | fresh |
| AprilApr | 16.0° | 14.5° | 17.5° | cold |
| MayMay | 15.9° | 14.8° | 16.9° | cold |
| JuneJun | 15.6° | 14.8° | 16.3° | cold |
| JulyJul | 15.0° | 14.3° | 15.7° | cold |
| AugustAug | 14.9° | 14.3° | 15.6° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 15.3° | 14.6° | 15.9° | cold |
| OctoberOct | 16.1° | 15.6° | 16.6° | cold |
| NovemberNov | 17.3° | 16.4° | 18.2° | fresh |
| DecemberDec | 18.4° | 17.1° | 19.6° | fresh |
Sunshine hours in Hermanus
Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.
In October, the sun shines for about 8.2 of 12.9 hours of daylight in Hermanus, 64 % of the daylight hours.
Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
Rain in Hermanus: rainy days and rainfall
A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.
In October, Hermanus has about 7 rainy days with 38 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Hermanus
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 9 · very highStay in the shade around midday; SPF 50, clothing, hat and sunglasses.
The sun is strongest in December (UV 11).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 15 min
- Fair skin
- about 20 min
- Light brown skin
- about 25 min
- Olive skin
- about 35 min
Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.
Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.
Wind and clouds in Hermanus
How breezy and how cloudy Hermanus is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.
Wind
Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.
In October, the wind in Hermanus typically peaks at 24 km/h during the day: Beaufort 4, moderate breeze.
Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting
From Beaufort 4 (20 km/h) the daily breeze is usually enough for windsurfing and often for kiting, and here it is that strong all year.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 52 % of the sky over Hermanus: variable cloud, with about 8.2 hours of sunshine a day.
Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.
Heat and humidity in Hermanus
How often the day gets hot in Hermanus (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.
Heat calendar
- pleasant
- some hot or muggy days
- often muggy
- often hot
- hot and muggy
In October, Hermanus has about 0 hot days, with an average daytime high of 21 °C: pleasant. Heat plays no part this month.
Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year
Planning a trip to Hermanus
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Hermanus in the school holidays
How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.
Hermanus has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 75) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 24).
- 54
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Fair
- 23 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 7.5 h of sun a day
- 6 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 30
May half-term
May – Jun
Poor
- 20 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 6.2 h of sun a day
- 8 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 24
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Poor
- 18 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 6.6 h of sun a day
- 10 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 44
October half-term
Oct
Fair
- 21 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 8.2 h of sun a day
- 7 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 75
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
GoodBest holidays
- 24 °C by day
- Sea 19 °C
- 9.7 h of sun a day
- 5 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 12 h 15 min
- Distance
- 9,740 km
- Time zone
- UTC+2
- Jet lag
- Hardly any (under 3 h)
Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.
Compare & alternatives
Hermanus compared
Put Hermanus side by side with another destination.
Hermanus vs Somerset West
In October Somerset West has the better holiday weather (score 62 vs 44). During the day Somerset West is 2 °C warmer than Hermanus. The sea is about equally warm. Somerset West gets one more hour of sunshine a day.
| in October | Hermanus | Somerset West |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 44 | 62 |
| Daytime high | 21° | 23° |
| Sea | 16° | 16° |
| Sunshine | 8 h | 9 h |
| Rainy days | 7 | 5 |
| Best time | Dec – Mar | Sep – Apr |
Through the year
South Africa in October: the best places
In October, Hermanus ranks 27 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Orania23°100
- 2Somerset West23°16°99
- 3Paarl24°99
- 4Cape Town23°15°99
- 5Franschhoek23°96
- 6Stellenbosch22°95
- 7Swellendam25°94
- 8Graaff-Reinet26°93
- 27HermanusThis page21°16°44
Near Hermanus
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Hermanus
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Hermanus's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Hermanus
When is the best time to visit Hermanus?
The best time to visit Hermanus is from December to March. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Hermanus?
The sea temperature in Hermanus ranges from 14.9 °C in August to 19.0 °C in January. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
Can you swim in Hermanus in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 16.1 °C. Comfortable swimming temperatures are not reached at any time of year.
What is the warmest month in Hermanus?
February is the warmest month, with average highs of 25 °C and nights around 18 °C. July is the coolest month at 18 °C.
When does it rain most in Hermanus?
The wettest month is July with 69 mm of precipitation. The driest month is February with 20 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Hermanus get?
Hermanus gets around 2,850 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is January with 9.8 hours a day; in June there are 5.9 hours a day.
What time zone is Hermanus in?
Hermanus is on UTC+2 all year.
How long is the flight from London to Hermanus?
A nonstop flight from London to Hermanus takes about 12 h 15 min, for a straight-line distance of about 9,740 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Which school holidays are best for Hermanus?
Hermanus has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 75) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 24). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 54, May half-term 30, summer holidays 24, October half-term 44, Christmas holidays 75.