Weather in Hermanus – What to Expect All Year Long
Are you finally heading to Hermanus for some whale watching?
Hermanus is a beautiful South African town about 120 km southeast of Cape Town. It’s well known for its spectacular whale watching and gorgeous ocean views.
If you plan to visit this picturesque little town, you’ll need to know what the weather in Hermanus is like.
If you’re trying to choose the best time of year to make your journey to Hermanus, you’re in luck. There’s no bad time to visit.
In fact, the weather in this part of South Africa is considered to be a “warm-summer Mediterranean climate”.
Basically, this means that summers rarely get hotter than 25ºC in February summer, or colder than 16ºC in July, aka. winter in Africa.
But what about the rest of the year? Below you’ll get a glimpse of the weather in Hermanus from January to December, so you can choose your perfect time to visit.
Weather in Hermanus Year Round
Hermanus isn’t an area of weather extremes, but the weather does vary from month to month. Summer in South Africa lasts from December through February.
June to August are the coolest month, in South Africa’s winter.
Typically November and December are the most popular months to visit Hermanus. On the other hand, if there is one month that people may decide to stay away, it is June.
Here’s a look at how the weather changes from month to month.
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January ☀️
• Warm
• Max average temp = 26ºC
• Min average temp = 15.7ºC
• Driest month = 4mm (ave. of 5 rainy days)
• Average January sunshine = 338 hours
February
• Warmest month of the year
• Max average temp = 26.5ºC
• Min average temp = 15.6ºC
• Dry = 16mm average rain
• Average February sunshine = 297 hours
March
• Warm
• Max average temp = 25.3ºC
• Min average temp = 14ºC
• Dry = 21mm average rain
• Average March sunshine = 293 hours
April
• Nice
• Max average temp = 23ºC
• Min average temp = 11.8ºC
• Less dry = 41mm average rain
• Average April sunshine = 234 hours
May
• Nice
• Max average temp = 20ºC
• Min average temp = 9.3ºC
• Less dry = 68mm average rain
• Average May sunshine = 205 hours
June 🌧️
• Cooler
• Max average temp = 18ºC
• Min average temp = 7.7ºC
• Wettest month = 93mm (ave. of 13 rainy days)
• Average June sunshine = 175 hours
July
• Cooler
• Max average temp = 17.4ºC
• Min average temp = 7.0ºC
• Less Dry = 83mm average rain
• Average July sunshine = 193 hours
August
• Cooler
• Max average temp = 17.9ºC
• Min average temp = 7.4ºC
• Less Dry = 77mm average rain
• Average August sunshine = 212 hours
September
• Warmer
• Max average temp = 19.1ºC
• Min average temp = 8.5ºC
• Drier = 41mm average rain
• Average September sunshine = 225 hours
October
• Warmer
• Max average temp = 21.0ºC
• Min average temp = 10.5ºC
• Drier = 33mm average rain
• Average October sunshine = 278 hours
November
• Warm; windiest month = 20.6 km/hr
• Max average temp = 23.4ºC
• Min average temp = 16.0ºC
• Dry = 16mm average rain
• Average November sunshine = 310 hours
December
• Warm
• Max average temp = 24.8ºC
• Min average temp = 14.8ºC
• Dry = 17mm average rain
• Average December sunshine = 334 hours
Hermanus Weather at a Glance
| Month | Description | Max Avg Temp (ºC) | Min Avg Temp (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) | Avg Rainy Days | Avg Monthly Sunshine (hrs) | Other Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Warm | 26.0 | 15.7 | 4 | 5 | 338 | Driest month |
| February | Warmest month of the year | 26.5 | 15.6 | 16 | – | 297 | – |
| March | Warm | 25.3 | 14.0 | 21 | – | 293 | – |
| April | Nice | 23.0 | 11.8 | 41 | – | 234 | Less dry than winter |
| May | Nice | 20.0 | 9.3 | 68 | – | 205 | Less dry than winter |
| June | Cooler | 18.0 | 7.7 | 93 | 13 | 175 | Wettest month |
| July | Cooler | 17.4 | 7.0 | 83 | – | 193 | Less dry than June |
| August | Cooler | 17.9 | 7.4 | 77 | – | 212 | Less dry than June |
| September | Warmer | 19.1 | 8.5 | 41 | – | 225 | Drier than summer months |
| October | Warmer | 21.0 | 10.5 | 33 | – | 278 | Drier than summer months |
| November | Warm; windiest month | 23.4 | 16.0 | 16 | – | 310 | 20.6 km/hr winds |
| December | Warm | 24.8 | 14.8 | 17 | – | 334 | Dry |
More Things to Do in Hermanus 🐳
If you need some guidance when it comes to when to visit Hermanus, here are a few activities that might help you decide.
1. Whale watching – Humpback and southern right whales can be seen between June and October. These sightings are at their peak in August, September, and October.
2. Hermanus Whale Festival – Takes place in late September, and celebrates the return of the southern right whales to these coastal waters.
3. Hermanus Wine Tasting – Whenever you decide to make a trip to Hermanus, the wine route is waiting for you. You can even take a full-day wine tour that includes whale watching.
Explore the Hemel-en-Aarde (“Heaven on Earth”) valley with the Hermanus Wine Hopper or a half-day tour. Enjoy a trip through this beautiful wine region in their safari-style vehicles.
4. Sea Kayaking – See the area from a new perspective. An early morning on Walker Bay is amazing any time of year. If you paddle out during whale-watching season, you might have the chance to see these goliaths from the water!
5. Biking in Hermanus – Rent a bike or take a bike tour, and get to see parts of Hermanus that cars just can’t go.
Summing It Up – Weather in Hermanus
The weather in Hermanus, South Africa can be a deciding factor when deciding when to visit. This pretty little Western Cape town has spectacular ocean views, incredible whale watching, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
The temperate climate and wide variety of activities make it an ideal destination for any traveller. Pick your favourite weather, and pack your bags!
Happy travels!
Read more about South Africa:
➦ Penguin Beach South Africa: THE Place to See Penguins in Their Natural Habitat
➦ How Many Cities are in Beautiful South Africa
➦ 14 Reasons to Visit South Africa
➦ 30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit South Africa
➦ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
