By Roxanne Reid
Dreaming of sandy beaches and watersports? Or is birding along a river, exploring nature reserves, and whale watching more your thing? You can find all this and more at Still Bay / Stilbaai in the southern Cape. History buffs will enjoy historical buildings and the archaeological museum, while foodies will love its fynbos-inspired gin, olives, cheese, and seafood restaurants. Here’s my pick of things to do in Still Bay.
Dreaming of sandy beaches and watersports? Or is birding along a river, exploring nature reserves, and whale watching more your thing? You can find all this and more at Still Bay / Stilbaai in the southern Cape. History buffs will enjoy historical buildings and the archaeological museum, while foodies will love its fynbos-inspired gin, olives, cheese, and seafood restaurants. Here’s my pick of things to do in Still Bay.
Still Bay – also known by its Afrikaans name of Stilbaai – is just under a four-hour drive south-east of Cape Town and lies along the Goukou River that spills into the Indian Ocean. It’s part of the Hessequa Region, or Explorer’s Garden Route, which lies between the Breede River in the west and the Gouritz River in the east. (The Hessequa were a Khoi tribe who lived in the area.) Take the N2 to Riversdale then about 26km further, turn south onto the R305. When you get to Still Bay, turn right over the bridge to reach Still Bay West or continue straight to Still Bay East.
Anyone who hasn’t visited this seaside village for 20 years or so will hardly recognise it today. Once a little hamlet of holiday cottages and not much else, it’s now a sprawling town that’s popular not only with holidaymakers but with retirees too. According to one local, it has ‘everything you could want or need – except a Woolies’.
1. Visit the Blombos Museum of Archaeology
See artefacts, photos and videos at the Blombos Museum of Archaeology
The heritage Palinggat homestead (see point 7) in Langenhoven Street houses the fascinating Blombos Museum of Archaeology. The Still Bay region is part of the Cradle of Human Culture through archaeological finds at the Blombos Cave, which is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world for understanding early modern human behaviour. Finds from the cave are from the Middle Stone Age, with some Later Stone Age artefacts in the top layer. It’s still an active research site on private land so not open to the public, but you can get a good idea of its significance at this museum through excellent displays of artefacts, photos and videos that bring science to life.
Some key Blombos discoveries you can see are:
2. See ancient fish traps
Some key Blombos discoveries you can see are:
- the earliest known drawing – a 73 000-year-old pattern made with an ochre ‘crayon’
- a 75 000-100 000-year-old block with geometric crisscross patterns – one of the oldest examples of abstract marking
- shells like abalone used as containers for mixing ochre with charcoal, fat, and other ingredients to make paint/pigment – what could be called the oldest ‘artist’s toolkits’ from around 100 000 years ago; bone, grindstones, and hammer-stones are also part of the two toolkits discovered
- tiny shells with handmade holes in them, which could be strung together to make a necklace – some of the earliest evidence of body adornment.
2. See ancient fish traps
Ancient tidal fish traps in Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve
At Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve you can see ancient tidal fish traps – stone-walled structures the KhoiSan built in the intertidal zone to catch fish some 3000 years ago. They were declared a National Heritage Site in 2018 for their cultural and historical significance. The traps are basically low stone walls made of boulders and pebbles arranged in half-moon or curved shapes of varying sizes, creating enclosed pools in the intertidal zone. At high tide, fish swim over the walls into the pools. As the tide recedes, the water level drops, trapping the fish inside for easy harvesting.
Top tips: The traps are best seen at low tide, when you might even spot some marine life inside. If you’re a birder, spend some time at the bird hide over the road in the reserve – see point 8.
3. Enjoy a gin tasting
Top tips: The traps are best seen at low tide, when you might even spot some marine life inside. If you’re a birder, spend some time at the bird hide over the road in the reserve – see point 8.
3. Enjoy a gin tasting
Gin tasting with handcrafted chocolates at Inverroche
Don’t miss a gin tasting at Inverroche Distillery about 6km outside Still Bay on the R305. This is the pioneer of South African craft gins, created using fynbos botanicals from the Cape Floral Kingdom – the richest plant biome in the world.
There’s a range of experiences, like a tutored tasting paired with chocolate, gelato, or artisan cheeses. We did a guided tour giving insight into the history and distilling process and finishing with a tasting paired with handcrafted chocolates. The tasting in the distillery was definitely the best part, where we got to know a few of the botanicals, taste juniper berries and try the zesty Classic, floral Verdant and aromatic Amber gins in different ways. Our guide was well-informed, opening our eyes to the complexity of the different flavours and aromas. We also got a tiny taste of Cape Fynbos Botanique Cream Liqueur which was new to us, so we had to buy a bottle to take home.
Or you can go for the Full Monty of a two-hour Gin Academy experience, where you’ll be guided through the process of creating your own unique 500ml bottle of fynbos-infused gin.
Top tip: You need to book ahead for all these gin experiences, but not for a self-guided tasting, which you can do anytime during opening hours.
4. Go hiking
There are a number of short walking trails to enjoy in the Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve, such as a Shell Midden Trail, Bird Hide Trail, Fish Trappers Trail, and Elephant Forest Trail. The Pauline Boehnen Nature Reserve also offers a number of walking trails; you could do a one-hour trail, or combine a few for a longer walk. Although most of them are fairly level, those nearer the river are steeper.
There’s a range of experiences, like a tutored tasting paired with chocolate, gelato, or artisan cheeses. We did a guided tour giving insight into the history and distilling process and finishing with a tasting paired with handcrafted chocolates. The tasting in the distillery was definitely the best part, where we got to know a few of the botanicals, taste juniper berries and try the zesty Classic, floral Verdant and aromatic Amber gins in different ways. Our guide was well-informed, opening our eyes to the complexity of the different flavours and aromas. We also got a tiny taste of Cape Fynbos Botanique Cream Liqueur which was new to us, so we had to buy a bottle to take home.
Or you can go for the Full Monty of a two-hour Gin Academy experience, where you’ll be guided through the process of creating your own unique 500ml bottle of fynbos-infused gin.
Top tip: You need to book ahead for all these gin experiences, but not for a self-guided tasting, which you can do anytime during opening hours.
4. Go hiking
There are a number of short walking trails to enjoy in the Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve, such as a Shell Midden Trail, Bird Hide Trail, Fish Trappers Trail, and Elephant Forest Trail. The Pauline Boehnen Nature Reserve also offers a number of walking trails; you could do a one-hour trail, or combine a few for a longer walk. Although most of them are fairly level, those nearer the river are steeper.
Enjoy sea views on a hike in Geelkrans Nature Reserve (photo: CapeNature)
CapeNature’s Geelkrans Nature Reserve, which borders on the Stilbaai Marine Protected Area, offers two day-trails. Get there by passing the parking for Preekstoel Beach and then following the Geelkrans signs to the entrance gate, where you can buy a permit. (All proceeds from permits are ploughed directly back into the conservation of this nature reserve.) From here, the Geelkrans Trail is a circular 7.7km through coastal fynbos with ocean views. Take water with you and pack a picnic to enjoy on one of the two wooden decks overlooking the ocean.
The Taaibos Trail in Geelkrans Nature Reserve is shorter at 4.4km there and back. From the entrance gate, it will take you up and along ancient dunes covered in natural vegetation, with gorgeous scenery.
Look out for some of the reserve’s 144 bird species along the way, especially along the yellow cliffs where birds like rock kestrel, cape cormorant and kelp gull breed (see more about birding in point 8). These two Geelkrans trails also provide good vantage points for spotting whales from June to November (see point 5). A designated swimming area is popular in summer and you can snorkel in the clear pools at low tide.
Or tackle the 11.2km Southern Right Whale Hiking Trail between Morris Point in Stilbaai and the caravan park in Jongensfontein. You can do it in either direction; just arrange transport on the other side. See ancient Khoi fish traps and shell middens, caves, rock pools, fynbos, birds, and whales in season. For safety, plan your hike for low tide. It’s free and you don’t need a permit.
Top Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for birds while you walk (see more about birding in point 8) and also for whales between June and November (see point 5).
5. Go whale-watching
Still Bay lies on the Cape Whale Route. Here, from June to November, southern right whales return to the Cape coast to mate and have their calves. They are gentle giants that are around 15m long, weigh a hefty 50 to 60 tons, and can live to 100 years. They’re easy to recognise because they have no dorsal fin and they have rough, bumpy patches on their heads called callosities. These wart-looking growths are covered in whale lice (tiny crustaceans). Every whale has its own unique pattern of callosities, so researchers use them like fingerprints to tell individuals apart.
Top tip: You can spot whales from the beaches, coastal walks, or the elevated Whale Lookout on the way to the Still Bay harbour.
6. Spend time on the beach
The Taaibos Trail in Geelkrans Nature Reserve is shorter at 4.4km there and back. From the entrance gate, it will take you up and along ancient dunes covered in natural vegetation, with gorgeous scenery.
Look out for some of the reserve’s 144 bird species along the way, especially along the yellow cliffs where birds like rock kestrel, cape cormorant and kelp gull breed (see more about birding in point 8). These two Geelkrans trails also provide good vantage points for spotting whales from June to November (see point 5). A designated swimming area is popular in summer and you can snorkel in the clear pools at low tide.
Or tackle the 11.2km Southern Right Whale Hiking Trail between Morris Point in Stilbaai and the caravan park in Jongensfontein. You can do it in either direction; just arrange transport on the other side. See ancient Khoi fish traps and shell middens, caves, rock pools, fynbos, birds, and whales in season. For safety, plan your hike for low tide. It’s free and you don’t need a permit.
Top Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for birds while you walk (see more about birding in point 8) and also for whales between June and November (see point 5).
5. Go whale-watching
Still Bay lies on the Cape Whale Route. Here, from June to November, southern right whales return to the Cape coast to mate and have their calves. They are gentle giants that are around 15m long, weigh a hefty 50 to 60 tons, and can live to 100 years. They’re easy to recognise because they have no dorsal fin and they have rough, bumpy patches on their heads called callosities. These wart-looking growths are covered in whale lice (tiny crustaceans). Every whale has its own unique pattern of callosities, so researchers use them like fingerprints to tell individuals apart.
Top tip: You can spot whales from the beaches, coastal walks, or the elevated Whale Lookout on the way to the Still Bay harbour.
6. Spend time on the beach
Lappiesbaai Beach on a misty morning
The town is lucky to have long stretches of clean, sandy shores meeting the warm Indian Ocean, with a shallow bay that’s generally safe for swimming. There are a number of popular beaches. Lappiesbaai Beach is a wide Blue Flag beach that’s much-loved by families for its calm, shallow waters, a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and walks. It really pumps in the summer season.
Preekstoel Beach, named after a pulpit-shaped rock outcrop, is also a Blue Flag Beach and situated in a Marine Protected Area. Characterised by sweeping white dunes, yellow rock formations and the remains of a shipwreck, it’s excellent for relaxed strolls, picnics, and quieter swims. Walk about 100m east along the beach from the parking area at low tide and you might be able to find some Pleistocene-era elephant footprints in the fossilised sand dunes (if you know what you’re looking for).
The 3km stretch of Main Beach / Stilbaai Beach is close to the town center and Goukou River estuary, sought-after for swimming, walking, surfing, kite surfing, fishing, and watersports like rowing or sailing. It’s safe for kids, with good whale-watching in winter/spring.
7. Admire Still Bay’s heritage buildings
Preekstoel Beach, named after a pulpit-shaped rock outcrop, is also a Blue Flag Beach and situated in a Marine Protected Area. Characterised by sweeping white dunes, yellow rock formations and the remains of a shipwreck, it’s excellent for relaxed strolls, picnics, and quieter swims. Walk about 100m east along the beach from the parking area at low tide and you might be able to find some Pleistocene-era elephant footprints in the fossilised sand dunes (if you know what you’re looking for).
The 3km stretch of Main Beach / Stilbaai Beach is close to the town center and Goukou River estuary, sought-after for swimming, walking, surfing, kite surfing, fishing, and watersports like rowing or sailing. It’s safe for kids, with good whale-watching in winter/spring.
7. Admire Still Bay’s heritage buildings
Palinggat homestead houses Stilbaai Tourism and the Blombos Museum of Archeology
If you visit Stilbaai Tourism and the Blombos Archaeological Museum (see point 1), take note of the old Palinggat Homestead which houses them. It was originally built in 1809, then rebuilt in 1814 after a fire by Andries de Jager, whose initials still appear above the front door. Now a National Monument, its walls are 70cm thick and the ceilings are made of yellowwood.
Top tip: Try to time your visit to Palinggat for around 11:00 Monday to Saturday when you can watch eels being fed at the freshwater fountain that gave Palinggat its name (the ‘eel hole’). Generations of De Jagers looked after them and now Stilbaai Tourism staff continue the tradition.
Top tip: Try to time your visit to Palinggat for around 11:00 Monday to Saturday when you can watch eels being fed at the freshwater fountain that gave Palinggat its name (the ‘eel hole’). Generations of De Jagers looked after them and now Stilbaai Tourism staff continue the tradition.
Jagersbosch homestead
Not far away in Still Bay West is the Jagersbosch homestead built in the 1860s. The building now houses the offices of the Stilbaai Community Care Centre. It became a National Monument in 1991.
Two other heritage buildings to look out for are Riverina on the western bank of the Goukou River – the oldest holiday cottage in Still Bay, built in the 1880s, which you can now rent as holiday accommodation – and the Klipkerk in Still Bay East, originally built as a Dutch Reformed church in 1928 but taken over by the Baptist Church in 2020. Although originally a stone church as the name implies, its exterior walls were plastered in 1956.
8. Go birding
Two other heritage buildings to look out for are Riverina on the western bank of the Goukou River – the oldest holiday cottage in Still Bay, built in the 1880s, which you can now rent as holiday accommodation – and the Klipkerk in Still Bay East, originally built as a Dutch Reformed church in 1928 but taken over by the Baptist Church in 2020. Although originally a stone church as the name implies, its exterior walls were plastered in 1956.
8. Go birding
Pied kingfishers were among the birds we saw from the hide at Skulpiesbaai
Some 200 bird species have been recorded in the area, and you’ll see coastal and fynbos birds along your hikes. Look out for the African black oystercatcher, blackwinged stilt, cormorants, pied kingfisher, Cape sugarbird, southern double-collared sunbird, and Karoo prinia. In breeding season, you’ll spot male southern red bishops. Raptors include spotted eagle-owl, jackal buzzard, rock kestrel, and African fish eagle.
Top tip: Two of the best places to look for birds are along the Goukou River and at the bird hide at Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve, though the Geelkrans and Pauline Boehnen Nature Reserves are also a drawcard for fynbos species.
9. Enjoy a cheese tasting
Top tip: Two of the best places to look for birds are along the Goukou River and at the bird hide at Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve, though the Geelkrans and Pauline Boehnen Nature Reserves are also a drawcard for fynbos species.
9. Enjoy a cheese tasting
Tasting platter of gouda and cheddar varieties at Kasselshoop
I loved our visit to the tasting room at Kasselshoop on the R305 about 20km outside Stilbaai. They specialise in hand-crafted full-fat cheddar and gouda made from the milk of Jersey cows, with different flavour varieties. We devoured our tasting platter of four types of gouda – plain, smoked, chilli, and smoked chilli pepper – and seven types of cheddar – plain, nettle, olive, biltong, pepper, paprika pepper, and pickled onion. My favourites were the plain gouda (soft and creamy), the white cheddar blended with stinging nettle, and the pickled onion cheddar. So of course we had to buy some to take away with us.
We made it just in time. I heard later that the tasting room has been closed from 14 February 2026, and although it will reopen in some guise in the future, no one at Kasselshoop could tell me yet when that is likely to be.
10. Taste olives and olive oil
We made it just in time. I heard later that the tasting room has been closed from 14 February 2026, and although it will reopen in some guise in the future, no one at Kasselshoop could tell me yet when that is likely to be.
10. Taste olives and olive oil
You can taste olives at two olive farms in Still Bay
At Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm, you can do a tour of the farming process and guided tasting on Tuesdays to Fridays at 10:00, but you need to book ahead. There’s also a farm shop where you can buy black or green Mission olives, extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Note that the shop is closed on the weekends. If you’d rather do a self-guided tasting than a full tour, you can do that at Dave’s Kitchen restaurant on the property (open Tuesday to Saturday 09:00-15:00, Sunday 11:30-15:00). Sadly, the week we were in Still Bay, Dave’s Kitchen was closed.
Another olive farm is the 10ha Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate on the banks of the Goukou River. They sell a range of olive products, as well as balsamic vinegar, beetroot chutney, olive and onion marmalade, and fynbos honey. DIY tastings are available from Monday to Friday. They give you testers with all the info and you can enjoy the view along the river while you taste. Booking essential.
11. Spend some chill time in the Tuin op die Brak
Another olive farm is the 10ha Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate on the banks of the Goukou River. They sell a range of olive products, as well as balsamic vinegar, beetroot chutney, olive and onion marmalade, and fynbos honey. DIY tastings are available from Monday to Friday. They give you testers with all the info and you can enjoy the view along the river while you taste. Booking essential.
11. Spend some chill time in the Tuin op die Brak
A lily pond at Tuin op die Brak in Stilbaai East
Don’t miss this lovely garden in Stilbaai East. It’s a well-landscaped space featuring some of the calcareous limestone fynbos that occurs in the Hessequa area. There are apparently some 240 different species, some of them endangered. As you amble around, you’ll spot informative signboards here and there, a labyrinth, a sundial, a braille ‘touch and smell’ route, a waterfall, a medicinal garden, a lily pond, a wooden bridge, and a few benches where you can sit to enjoy the relaxed vibe. Entrance is free and you can find it along Main Road in Still Bay East, between Doris and Wes streets.
Trompe d’oeil wall art next to Tuin op die Brak
Top tip: While you’re visiting the garden, don’t miss the impressive trompe d’oeil wall art on the corner of Main Road and Doris Street. You’ll find realistic old vehicles, shuttered windows, dogs, people leaning on balconies, even two playful mice.
12. See the Anglo Boer War monument
12. See the Anglo Boer War monument
Anglo Boer War monument commemorating the southernmost battle of the war
About 10km after you turn south from the N2 onto the R305 towards Stilbaai, you’ll spot a small rock monument on the righthand side of the road. It was erected in 2001 to commemorate the centenary of a skirmish during the Anglo Boer War of 1899-1902. Here, on 12 September 1901, during the guerilla phase of the war, Boer commander Jan Theron and his men clashed with British divisions under the command of Lieutenant Smalberger and Major Kavanagh. Two Boers were wounded and later banished. The plaque states that although British losses were ‘considerable’, the numbers are unknown. It’s claim to fame is as the southernmost clash of the war, far from the main theatres in the north.
13. Enjoy watersports
13. Enjoy watersports
Surfing is a popular pastime at Stilbaai; you can rent boards or have lessons
Feel like boating, waterskiing, surfing, kiteboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding? Stilbaai’s coastline and the Goukou River are perfect places to indulge in watersports (but no jetskis are allowed). If you haven’t brought your toys with you, rent a surfboard, kayak or SUP from East Side Kayaks. They also offer surfing lessons with equipment and wetsuits provided. During the December and April holidays, they do guided sea kayaking trips from the harbour – a chance to see marine life like humpback and common bottlenose dolphins. At least 10 people are needed to launch; book ahead.
14. Go fishing
The Goukou River is navigable for 15km inland and fishing is allowed as long as you fish within the demarcated areas. You can angle from the shore, or launch a boat at the jetty. True Blue Charters also offers a deep-sea fishing experience. Make sure you have your fishing licence with you before you bait a line; you can apply for this at the Stilbaai Post Office or online at www.fishing.dffe.gov.za.
15. Try a few Stilbaai restaurants
14. Go fishing
The Goukou River is navigable for 15km inland and fishing is allowed as long as you fish within the demarcated areas. You can angle from the shore, or launch a boat at the jetty. True Blue Charters also offers a deep-sea fishing experience. Make sure you have your fishing licence with you before you bait a line; you can apply for this at the Stilbaai Post Office or online at www.fishing.dffe.gov.za.
15. Try a few Stilbaai restaurants
Sea views all around from Die Seekombuis at Lappiesbaai
There are some 20 restaurants and coffee shops in Still Bay so you won’t go hungry after all your activities. Dave’s Kitchen was on our wish-list, but both of them (one at the Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm and the other in town) were closed the week we visited in early February.
But we tried Die Seekombuis, with its fabulous position at Lappiesbaai Beach. There are lots of big open windows to take advantage of the panoramic views, and the colour scheme is a Greek-inspired white with tones of blue and blue-green. Seafood is obviously the thing to order here, and my grilled calamari was tender though the tartar sauce was disappointing. I was a bit jealous of my husband’s kabeljou with lemon rice and wine-and-garlic sauce. Two elderly aunties near us were happily tucking into a seafood platter with hake, prawns, mussels, calamari strips, squid heads, and fish cakes.
But we tried Die Seekombuis, with its fabulous position at Lappiesbaai Beach. There are lots of big open windows to take advantage of the panoramic views, and the colour scheme is a Greek-inspired white with tones of blue and blue-green. Seafood is obviously the thing to order here, and my grilled calamari was tender though the tartar sauce was disappointing. I was a bit jealous of my husband’s kabeljou with lemon rice and wine-and-garlic sauce. Two elderly aunties near us were happily tucking into a seafood platter with hake, prawns, mussels, calamari strips, squid heads, and fish cakes.
Yummylicious cakes on display at Coffee and Cream, Still Bay
Our favourite find was Coffee and Cream in Still Bay West. The décor is attractive, the waitresses friendly and efficient. The elegant indoor space has a high ceiling, open rafters and interesting light fixtures, while the outdoor space lies under a spreading milkwood tree. The attention to detail is impressive and the array of freshly baked cakes very alluring. I enjoyed my Malaysian chicken curry tramezzini and my husband loved his sourdough open steak and caramelised onion sandwich. I’d had my eye on a decadently moist coffee cake for dessert but found myself without space to spare. The husband is never short of space, and scoffed his huge slice of apple tart with glee. Highly recommended.
16. Take a drive to Jongensfontein
16. Take a drive to Jongensfontein
Jongensfontein has a nice beach and tidal pool
Drive to the popular retirement and holiday spot of Groot Jongensfontein about 10km south-west of Still Bay. The beach is small but lovely, good for surfing and safe for family swimming. There’s also a natural tidal pool. The caravan park and campsite next to the beach is extremely popular and very busy in summer. The Fonteinhuisie, one of the historic buildings, is now a small museum. There’s also a golf course, and the 8km Southern Right Whale Hiking Trail stretches along the coast between Jongensfontein and Stilbaai, offering glorious views (see point 4).
17. Stay in Stilbaai accommodation
Obviously, with so much to do and see in the area, you’re going to want to stay for a few days. Luckily, there’s a host of Stilbaai accommodation options, from guesthouses, lodges and B&Bs to self-catering apartments or camping. Browse Stilbaai Tourism’s website for some choices or have a look on accommodation booking sites like Lekkeslaap to find something that suits your requirements and budget.
17. Stay in Stilbaai accommodation
Obviously, with so much to do and see in the area, you’re going to want to stay for a few days. Luckily, there’s a host of Stilbaai accommodation options, from guesthouses, lodges and B&Bs to self-catering apartments or camping. Browse Stilbaai Tourism’s website for some choices or have a look on accommodation booking sites like Lekkeslaap to find something that suits your requirements and budget.
Still Bay homes along the river often have boats or kayaks moored in front
Best time to visit Still Bay
Stilbaai is a wonderful spot for relaxation and nature all year round, so choosing when to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (November to February) is an extremely popular time of year. Temperatures of 25–29 degrees Celsius are perfect for beach days, swimming, and water activities. Bear in mind, though, that summer is peak season with bigger crowds (especially around Christmas and New Year) and higher prices. You’ll need to book your accommodation far in advance.
Although the winter months of June to August are cooler (11 to 18 degrees) and wetter (an average of 8-10 days of rain per month), it’s peaceful and more affordable. Winter also overlaps with peak whale-watching season (July to November), when you can spot southern right whales from the shore.
I particularly like September for pleasant temperatures of 20–25 degrees and fewer visitors than in high summer. Nature is particularly gorgeous at this time of year with the fynbos in colourful bloom, and of course you can see whales in spring too.
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Like it? Pin this image!
Stilbaai is a wonderful spot for relaxation and nature all year round, so choosing when to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (November to February) is an extremely popular time of year. Temperatures of 25–29 degrees Celsius are perfect for beach days, swimming, and water activities. Bear in mind, though, that summer is peak season with bigger crowds (especially around Christmas and New Year) and higher prices. You’ll need to book your accommodation far in advance.
Although the winter months of June to August are cooler (11 to 18 degrees) and wetter (an average of 8-10 days of rain per month), it’s peaceful and more affordable. Winter also overlaps with peak whale-watching season (July to November), when you can spot southern right whales from the shore.
I particularly like September for pleasant temperatures of 20–25 degrees and fewer visitors than in high summer. Nature is particularly gorgeous at this time of year with the fynbos in colourful bloom, and of course you can see whales in spring too.
You may also enjoy
Things to do in Arniston / Waenhuiskrans
Things to do in Malgas in the Overberg
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Like it? Pin this image!
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