Knysna

Garden Route Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the Garden Route, South Africa in January.

Considering a trip to the Garden Route, South Africa this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in the Garden Route in January

The Garden Route, South Africa is a region in South Africa. January in the Garden Route generally has warm temperatures, with moderate precipitation.

Temperatures

You can expect warm maximum daytime temperatures of around 24°C (75°F) and nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) in Knysna.

For a closer look at conditions across the Garden Route, South Africa, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Mossel Bay with an average of 43 mm (1.7 in) to moderate rainfall in Wilderness with 55 mm (2.2 in).

Average sunshine

Plenty of sunshine can be expected in numerous places in January. Knysna typically receives 320 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore the Garden Route by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the Garden Route — and find the best time to visit. (based on Knysna)

Best Places to Visit in the Garden Route in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the Garden Route.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in the Garden Route

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in the Garden Route, South Africa?

Temperature range in the Garden Route (January)

Precipitation variation in the Garden Route (January)

Knysna

In January Knysna generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
345 hours
320 hours
300 hours
Monthly rainfall
51 mm (2 in)
52 mm (2 in)
50 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Plettenberg Bay

In January Plettenberg Bay generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
18°C (64°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
345 hours
320 hours
300 hours
Monthly rainfall
51 mm (2 in)
51 mm (2 in)
50 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Wilderness

In January Wilderness generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 17°C (63°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
17°C (63°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
237 hours
234 hours
209 hours
Monthly rainfall
52 mm (2 in)
55 mm (2.2 in)
51 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

George

In January George generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 17°C (63°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
17°C (63°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly sun hours
237 hours
234 hours
209 hours
Monthly rainfall
51 mm (2 in)
54 mm (2.1 in)
50 mm (2 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
9 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Mossel Bay

In January Mossel Bay generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
237 hours
234 hours
209 hours
Monthly rainfall
40 mm (1.6 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
39 mm (1.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
8 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the Garden Route, in South Africa.

In our records: South Africa January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in South Africa in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • From our sources, the wettest January day in South Africa brought 323 mm (13 in) in Hoedspruit on January 18, 2012.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in the Garden Route in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Knysna 24°C (75°F) 18°C (64°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Plettenberg Bay 24°C (75°F) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Wilderness 24°C (75°F) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
George 25°C (77°F) 17°C (63°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mossel Bay 24°C (75°F) 19°C (66°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sedgefield 24°C (75°F) 18°C (64°F) 52 mm (2 in)

The Garden Route weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the Garden Route, South Africa in January?

January in the Garden Route, South Africa brings perfect weather. In Knysna, daytime temperatures are typically around 24°C (75°F) and nighttime lows hover near 18°C (64°F).

What is the average temperature in the Garden Route, South Africa in January?

Knysna averages a daytime maximum of 24°C (75°F) in January, with overnight lows close to 18°C (64°F).

Does the Garden Route, South Africa get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in the Garden Route, South Africa. Knysna averages only about 52 mm (2 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit the Garden Route, South Africa?

We consider January to be one of the best times to travel to the Garden Route, South Africa. Typically, the climate in Knysna is perfect. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

Generally speaking, January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December provide perfect weather in Knysna.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the Garden Route.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to South Africa? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in South Africa.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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