AI-generatedSomerset West at a glance
- Best time
- Sep – Apr
- Warmest month
- Feb · 28°
- Warmest sea
- Jan · 18.4°
- Sunshine a year
- 3,120 h
- Rain a year
- 460 mm
- Climate
- Mediterranean
- Time zone
- UTC+2
- Elevation
- 13 m
Climate in Somerset West
Somerset West has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. February is the warmest month with average highs of 28 °C, while July is the coolest at 18 °C. With around 3,120 hours of sunshine a year, Somerset West is very sunny; January is the sunniest month with 11.4 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Somerset West
The best time to visit Somerset West is from September to April. The sea stays too cool for a classic beach holiday: even in January it only reaches 18.4 °C. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, the weather is pleasant all year round. The wettest month is June with 84 mm of precipitation.
Somerset West through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Somerset West in spring
Sep – Nov
Excellent
- 20–24 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 8.9 h of sun a day
- 16 rainy days in all
Somerset West in summer
Dec – Feb
Excellent
- 26–28 °C by day
- Sea 18 °C
- 11.0 h of sun a day
- 8 rainy days in all
Somerset West in autumn
Mar – May
Excellent
- 21–26 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 7.9 h of sun a day
- 15 rainy days in all
Somerset West in winter
Jun – Aug
Good
- 18–19 °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 Somerset West for you.
Your best months: April, October – November
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Weather in October
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Excellent
Best time to visit: September – April
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 22°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 22°
- Evening, 20:00: about 18°
- Night, 23:00: about 15°
06:0418:57
Pleasant evenings; a light layer can help.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 05:48–06:37 · evening 18:23–19:12
- Blue hour
- Morning 05:38–05:48 · evening 19:12–19:22
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 Somerset West 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 23° at the end. The days get 1.0 h longer.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 21° | 23° |
| Night-time low | 11° | 13° |
| Sea | 16° | 16° |
| Daylight | 12.4 h | 13.4 h |
What is the weather like in Somerset West in October?
In October, Somerset West is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. The sea averages 15.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. With around 9.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 5 days bring 22 mm in total. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 12 h 53 min06:04 – 18:57
- 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
- 41 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 1 day30 °C or moreAll months
- Time zone
- UTC+2offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 50 %100 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %100 %
- Few rainy daysweight 30 %96 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “City break”.
What to pack in October
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses & sun hat
- A jumper for the evenings
Compare two months in Somerset West
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
October and March bring similar holiday weather to Somerset West (score 99 and 100). In March, days are 3 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 1 °C warmer in March. March has 2 fewer rainy days.
| Month | October | March |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 99 | 100 |
| Daytime high | 23° | 26° |
| Night-time low | 12° | 15° |
| Sea | 15.9° | 17.1° |
| Sunshine | 9.1 h | 9.3 h |
| Rainy days | 5 | 3better |
| Rainfall | 22 mm | 14 mm |
| Muggy days | 0better | 1 |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Somerset West month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
98January27° · Sea 18° · 11.4 h
In January, Somerset West is hot: daytime highs average 27 °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 11.4 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 12 mm in total. On about 7 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, January is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in January96February28° · Sea 18° · 10.8 h
In February, Somerset West is hot: daytime highs average 28 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 18.2 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 10.8 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 2 days bring 10 mm in total. On about 7 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, February is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in February100March26° · Sea 17° · 9.3 h
In March, Somerset West is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 17.1 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 9.3 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 14 mm in total. All in all, March is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in March96April24° · Sea 16° · 8.0 h
In April, Somerset West is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 15.8 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 8.0 hours a day. Rain is rare: about 5 days bring 32 mm in total. All in all, April is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in April84May21° · Sea 16° · 6.3 h
In May, Somerset West is warm: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 15.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 54 mm. All in all, May is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in May77June19° · Sea 15° · 5.9 h
In June, Somerset West is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 15.3 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 84 mm in total. All in all, June is a good month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in June81July18° · Sea 15° · 6.4 h
In July, Somerset West is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sea averages 14.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 81 mm. All in all, July is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in July80August18° · Sea 15° · 6.7 h
In August, Somerset West is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sea averages 14.6 °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 74 mm in total. All in all, August is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in August89September20° · Sea 15° · 7.6 h
In September, Somerset West is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 15.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.6 hours a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 40 mm. All in all, September is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in September99October23° · Sea 16° · 9.1 h
In October, Somerset West is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. The sea averages 15.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. With around 9.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 5 days bring 22 mm in total. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in October99November24° · Sea 17° · 10.1 h
In November, Somerset West is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 17.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 10.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 5 days bring 25 mm in total. All in all, November is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in November100December26° · Sea 18° · 10.9 h
In December, Somerset West is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 18.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 10.9 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 14 mm in total. All in all, December is an excellent month for a holiday in Somerset West.
Somerset West in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Somerset West
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 12°. A duvet at night and a jumper for the evening.
The coolest nights are in July (8°), the warmest in January (17°). 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 | 98 | 27° | 17° | 18.4° | 11.4 h | 3 | 12 |
| FebruaryFeb | 96 | 28° | 17° | 18.2° | 10.8 h | 2 | 10 |
| MarchMar | 100 | 26° | 15° | 17.1° | 9.3 h | 3 | 14 |
| AprilApr | 96 | 24° | 13° | 15.8° | 8.0 h | 5 | 32 |
| MayMay | 84 | 21° | 11° | 15.6° | 6.3 h | 7 | 54 |
| JuneJun | 77 | 19° | 9° | 15.3° | 5.9 h | 10 | 84 |
| JulyJul | 81 | 18° | 8° | 14.6° | 6.4 h | 9 | 81 |
| AugustAug | 80 | 18° | 8° | 14.6° | 6.7 h | 10 | 74 |
| SeptemberSep | 89 | 20° | 10° | 15.1° | 7.6 h | 7 | 40 |
| OctoberOct | 99 | 23° | 12° | 15.9° | 9.1 h | 5 | 22 |
| NovemberNov | 99 | 24° | 14° | 17.0° | 10.1 h | 5 | 25 |
| DecemberDec | 100 | 26° | 16° | 18.0° | 10.9 h | 3 | 14 |
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
34.08° S, 18.82° E · 13 m · Africa/Johannesburg
Sea temperature in Somerset West
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 15.3 – 16.6 °C
Swimming season: Always below 20 °C
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Somerset West ranges from 14.6 °C in July to 18.4 °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 16.8 and 20.4 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 18.4° | 16.8° | 20.4° | fresh |
| FebruaryFeb | 18.2° | 16.3° | 19.8° | fresh |
| MarchMar | 17.1° | 15.9° | 19.1° | fresh |
| AprilApr | 15.8° | 14.4° | 16.9° | cold |
| MayMay | 15.6° | 14.4° | 16.8° | cold |
| JuneJun | 15.3° | 14.6° | 16.0° | cold |
| JulyJul | 14.6° | 13.8° | 15.4° | cold |
| AugustAug | 14.6° | 13.8° | 15.4° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 15.1° | 14.4° | 15.7° | cold |
| OctoberOct | 15.9° | 15.3° | 16.6° | cold |
| NovemberNov | 17.0° | 16.2° | 18.1° | fresh |
| DecemberDec | 18.0° | 16.4° | 19.4° | fresh |
Sunshine hours in Somerset West
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 9.1 of 12.9 hours of daylight in Somerset West, 71 % of the daylight hours.
Sunshine hours: measured at the weather station 24 km away, averages 1991–2020 (WMO climate normals). Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
Rain in Somerset West: 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, Somerset West has about 5 rainy days with 22 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Somerset West
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 Somerset West
How breezy and how cloudy Somerset West 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 Somerset West 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, Aug – Apr.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 41 % of the sky over Somerset West: mostly sunny, with about 9.1 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 Somerset West
How often the day gets hot in Somerset West (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, Somerset West has about 1 hot day, with an average daytime high of 23 °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 Somerset West
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Somerset West 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.
Somerset West has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 99) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 80).
- 97
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Excellent
- 25 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 8.4 h of sun a day
- 4 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 83
May half-term
May – Jun
Excellent
- 21 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 6.2 h of sun a day
- 8 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 80
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Excellent
- 18 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 6.6 h of sun a day
- 9 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 99
October half-term
Oct
ExcellentBest holidays
- 23 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 9.1 h of sun a day
- 5 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 99
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
Excellent
- 27 °C by day
- Sea 18 °C
- 11.2 h of sun a day
- 3 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 12 h 10 min
- Distance
- 9,700 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
Somerset West compared
Put Somerset West side by side with another destination.
Somerset West vs Stellenbosch
In October the holiday weather in Somerset West and Stellenbosch is about equally good (score 99 vs 95). During the day Stellenbosch is 1 °C cooler than Somerset West.
| in October | Somerset West | Stellenbosch |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 99 | 95 |
| Daytime high | 23° | 22° |
| Sea | 16° | no sea nearby |
| Sunshine | 9 h | 9 h |
| Rainy days | 5 | 6 |
| Best time | Sep – Apr | Sep – Apr |
Through the year
South Africa in October: the best places
In October, Somerset West ranks 2 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Orania23°100
- 2Somerset WestThis page23°16°99
- 3Cape Town23°15°99
- 4Paarl24°99
- 5Franschhoek23°96
- 6Stellenbosch22°95
- 7Swellendam25°94
- 8Graaff-Reinet26°93
Near Somerset West
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Somerset West
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Somerset West's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Somerset West
When is the best time to visit Somerset West?
The best time to visit Somerset West is from September to April. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Somerset West?
The sea temperature in Somerset West ranges from 14.6 °C in July to 18.4 °C in January. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
Can you swim in Somerset West in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 15.9 °C. Comfortable swimming temperatures are not reached at any time of year.
What is the warmest month in Somerset West?
February is the warmest month, with average highs of 28 °C and nights around 17 °C. July is the coolest month at 18 °C.
When does it rain most in Somerset West?
The wettest month is June with 84 mm of precipitation. The driest month is February with 10 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Somerset West get?
Somerset West gets around 3,120 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is January with 11.4 hours a day; in June there are 5.9 hours a day.
What time zone is Somerset West in?
Somerset West is on UTC+2 all year.
How long is the flight from London to Somerset West?
A nonstop flight from London to Somerset West takes about 12 h 10 min, for a straight-line distance of about 9,700 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Which school holidays are best for Somerset West?
Somerset West has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 99) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 80). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 97, May half-term 83, summer holidays 80, October half-term 99, Christmas holidays 99.