AI-generatedKnysna at a glance
- Best time
- Dec – Mar
- Warmest month
- Feb · 26°
- Warmest sea
- Jan · 20.8°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,620 h
- Rain a year
- 598 mm
- Climate
- Subtropical
- Time zone
- UTC+2
- Elevation
- 9 m
Climate in Knysna
Knysna has a subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. February is the warmest month with average highs of 26 °C, while August is the coolest at 20 °C. With around 2,620 hours of sunshine a year, Knysna is sunny; December is the sunniest month with 7.9 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Knysna
The best time to visit Knysna is from December to March. The sea stays too cool for a classic beach holiday: even in January it only reaches 20.8 °C. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, the weather is pleasant all year round. The wettest month is November with 67 mm of precipitation.
Knysna through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Knysna in spring
Sep – Nov
Fair
- 21–23 °C by day
- Sea 18 °C
- 7.4 h of sun a day
- 27 rainy days in all
Knysna in summer
Dec – Feb
Good
- 24–26 °C by day
- Sea 21 °C
- 7.6 h of sun a day
- 27 rainy days in all
Knysna in autumn
Mar – May
Good
- 22–25 °C by day
- Sea 19 °C
- 6.9 h of sun a day
- 23 rainy days in all
Knysna in winter
Jun – Aug
Poor
- 20–21 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 6.8 h of sun a day
- 24 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 Knysna for you.
Your best months: January – March
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 21°
- Evening, 20:00: about 17°
- Night, 23:00: about 15°
05:4718:40
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 05:31–06:20 · evening 18:07–18:55
- Blue hour
- Morning 05:21–05:31 · evening 18:55–19:05
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 Knysna compared with home
Loading the climate at home …
Early or late October?
In October, daytime highs rise from about 21° at the start of the month to 22° at the end. The sea warms from 17° to 18°. The days get 1.0 h longer.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 21° | 22° |
| Night-time low | 12° | 13° |
| Sea | 17° | 18° |
| Daylight | 12.4 h | 13.4 h |
What is the weather like in Knysna in October?
In October, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 17.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 59 mm. All in all, October is a so-so month for a holiday in Knysna.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 12 h 53 min05:47 – 18:40
- UV index
- 9 · very highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 23 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 50 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 1 day30 °C or moreAll months
- Time zone
- UTC+2offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 35 %43 %
- Seaweight 25 %4 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %72 %
- Few rainy daysweight 20 %65 %
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
- Rain jacket or umbrella
Compare two months in Knysna
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
February has the better holiday weather in Knysna: score 77 against 44. In February, days are 4 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 3 °C warmer in February. February has one rainy day fewer.
| Month | October | February |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 44 | 77better |
| Daytime high | 22° | 26° |
| Night-time low | 13° | 18° |
| Sea | 17.3° | 20.7° |
| Sunshine | 7.3 h | 7.4 h |
| Rainy days | 9 | 8better |
| Rainfall | 59 mm | 42 mmbetter |
| Muggy days | 0better | 7 |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Knysna month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
76January25° · Sea 21° · 7.6 h
In January, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 20.8 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 7.6 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 48 mm in total. All in all, January is a good month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in January77February26° · Sea 21° · 7.4 h
In February, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 20.7 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 7.4 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 42 mm. All in all, February is a good month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in February71March25° · Sea 20° · 7.0 h
In March, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 19.8 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.0 hours a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 51 mm. All in all, March is a good month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in March58April24° · Sea 18° · 6.9 h
In April, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 18.1 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 6.9 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 49 mm. All in all, April is a so-so month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in April50May22° · Sea 18° · 6.7 h
In May, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. The sea averages 17.5 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 6.7 hours a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 44 mm. All in all, May is a so-so month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in May36June21° · Sea 17° · 6.3 h
In June, Knysna is mild: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 17.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 45 mm. All in all, June is not an ideal month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in June33July20° · Sea 17° · 6.7 h
In July, Knysna is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 16.8 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.7 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 47 mm. All in all, July is not an ideal month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in July34August20° · Sea 17° · 7.3 h
In August, Knysna is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 16.5 °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 56 mm. All in all, August is not an ideal month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in August37September21° · Sea 17° · 7.3 h
In September, Knysna is mild: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 16.8 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 47 mm. All in all, September is not an ideal month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in September44October22° · Sea 17° · 7.3 h
In October, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 17.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 59 mm. All in all, October is a so-so month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in October54November23° · Sea 18° · 7.7 h
In November, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 18.4 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.7 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 67 mm in total. All in all, November is a so-so month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in November69December24° · Sea 20° · 7.9 h
In December, Knysna is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 19.9 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.9 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 45 mm in total. All in all, December is a good month for a holiday in Knysna.
Knysna in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Knysna
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 February (18°). Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) from December 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 | 76 | 25° | 17° | 20.8° | 7.6 h | 9 | 48 |
| FebruaryFeb | 77 | 26° | 18° | 20.7° | 7.4 h | 8 | 42 |
| MarchMar | 71 | 25° | 16° | 19.8° | 7.0 h | 9 | 51 |
| AprilApr | 58 | 24° | 14° | 18.1° | 6.9 h | 8 | 49 |
| MayMay | 50 | 22° | 12° | 17.5° | 6.7 h | 7 | 44 |
| JuneJun | 36 | 21° | 10° | 17.0° | 6.3 h | 7 | 45 |
| JulyJul | 33 | 20° | 10° | 16.8° | 6.7 h | 8 | 47 |
| AugustAug | 34 | 20° | 10° | 16.5° | 7.3 h | 8 | 56 |
| SeptemberSep | 37 | 21° | 11° | 16.8° | 7.3 h | 9 | 47 |
| OctoberOct | 44 | 22° | 13° | 17.3° | 7.3 h | 9 | 59 |
| NovemberNov | 54 | 23° | 14° | 18.4° | 7.7 h | 9 | 67 |
| DecemberDec | 69 | 24° | 16° | 19.9° | 7.9 h | 9 | 45 |
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
34.04° S, 23.05° E · 9 m · Africa/Johannesburg
Sea temperature in Knysna
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 16.4 – 18.0 °C
Swimming season: Jan – Feb
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Knysna ranges from 16.5 °C in August to 20.8 °C in January. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from January to February.
The sea temperature varies from year to year: in January, eight out of ten years were between 19.5 and 22.0 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 20.8° | 19.5° | 22.0° | refreshing |
| FebruaryFeb | 20.7° | 19.4° | 21.8° | refreshing |
| MarchMar | 19.8° | 18.4° | 21.1° | fresh |
| AprilApr | 18.1° | 16.7° | 19.2° | fresh |
| MayMay | 17.5° | 16.8° | 18.7° | fresh |
| JuneJun | 17.0° | 16.1° | 17.9° | fresh |
| JulyJul | 16.8° | 16.0° | 17.9° | cold |
| AugustAug | 16.5° | 15.6° | 17.2° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 16.8° | 15.9° | 17.9° | cold |
| OctoberOct | 17.3° | 16.4° | 18.0° | fresh |
| NovemberNov | 18.4° | 17.1° | 19.2° | fresh |
| DecemberDec | 19.9° | 18.2° | 21.1° | fresh |
Sunshine hours in Knysna
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 7.3 of 12.9 hours of daylight in Knysna, 57 % 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 Knysna: 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, Knysna has about 9 rainy days with 59 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Knysna
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 Knysna
How breezy and how cloudy Knysna 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 Knysna typically peaks at 23 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: Jun – Mar.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 50 % of the sky over Knysna: variable cloud, with about 7.3 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 Knysna
How often the day gets hot in Knysna (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, Knysna has about 1 hot day, with an average daytime high of 22 °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 Knysna
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Knysna 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.
Knysna has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 73) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 34).
- 62
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Good
- 24 °C by day
- Sea 19 °C
- 6.9 h of sun a day
- 8 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 47
May half-term
May – Jun
Fair
- 22 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 6.6 h of sun a day
- 7 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 34
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Poor
- 20 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 7.1 h of sun a day
- 8 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 44
October half-term
Oct
Fair
- 22 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 7.3 h of sun a day
- 9 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 73
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
GoodBest holidays
- 25 °C by day
- Sea 20 °C
- 7.8 h of sun a day
- 9 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
- 9,780 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
Knysna compared
Put Knysna side by side with another destination.
Knysna vs Plettenberg Bay
In October Knysna has the better holiday weather (score 44 vs 39). During the day Plettenberg Bay is 1 °C cooler than Knysna. The sea is about equally warm.
| in October | Knysna | Plettenberg Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 44 | 39 |
| Daytime high | 22° | 21° |
| Sea | 17° | 17° |
| Sunshine | 7 h | 7 h |
| Rainy days | 9 | 10 |
| Best time | Dec – Mar | Dec – Mar |
Through the year
South Africa in October: the best places
In October, Knysna ranks 27 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Orania23°100
- 2Paarl24°99
- 3Somerset West23°16°99
- 4Cape Town23°15°99
- 5Franschhoek23°96
- 6Stellenbosch22°95
- 7Swellendam25°94
- 8Graaff-Reinet26°93
- 27KnysnaThis page22°17°44
Near Knysna
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Knysna
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Knysna's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Knysna
When is the best time to visit Knysna?
The best time to visit Knysna 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 Knysna?
The sea temperature in Knysna ranges from 16.5 °C in August to 20.8 °C in January. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from January to February.
Can you swim in Knysna in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 17.3 °C. Comfortable swimming is possible from January to February.
What is the warmest month in Knysna?
February is the warmest month, with average highs of 26 °C and nights around 18 °C. August is the coolest month at 20 °C.
When does it rain most in Knysna?
The wettest month is November with 67 mm of precipitation. The driest month is February with 42 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Knysna get?
Knysna gets around 2,620 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is December with 7.9 hours a day; in June there are 6.3 hours a day.
What time zone is Knysna in?
Knysna is on UTC+2 all year.
How long is the flight from London to Knysna?
A nonstop flight from London to Knysna takes about 12 h 15 min, for a straight-line distance of about 9,780 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Which school holidays are best for Knysna?
Knysna has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 73) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 34). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 62, May half-term 47, summer holidays 34, October half-term 44, Christmas holidays 73.