Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mossel Bay, South Africa

Mossel Bay, situated in a distinctive geographical position along South Africa's southern coast, is primarily stamped under the Köppen climate classification as Cfb, indicating a temperate marine climate with warm summers. This climate type, often characterized by modest temperature variations and substantial rainfall throughout the year, has an influential role on the overall weather conditions experienced in Mossel Bay.

Daily highs in this town fluctuate from 17°C (62.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) and form a relatively stable band of temperatures, allowing one to anticipate a pleasantly warm climate regardless of the season. Conversely, the maximum temperature is recorded in the first two months of the year before receding and reaching a minimum between July and September, marking the South African winter period. The lows show a similar trend, with values oscillating from 12°C (53.6°F) in August to 19°C (66.2°F) in January and February, therefore pointing to average temperatures that rarely dip into the cold domain.

Rainfall measurements portray a slightly different situation. From the data, it's noticeable that rainfall occurs in each month, although the volumes vary from 30mm (1.18") in January and December to a peak of 41mm (1.61") during March and September. It therefore demonstrates a relatively wet environment soaking the urban area throughout the year, with increased precipitation in transitioning seasons like spring and autumn.

The sea's temperature remains inviting to visitors throughout the year, starting at 20.7°C (69.3°F) in January and falling to 16°C (60.8°F) in July and August before rising again. Daylight hours are balanced, ranging from 9.9 hours in June to 14.4 hours in December, confirming the expected pattern for the southern hemisphere, with shorter days recorded during the winter season.

Without a doubt, the optimal time to visit Mossel Bay would be during the summer months, from November to February. During this period, maximum temperatures linger around a comfortable 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73.4°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Simultaneously, sea temperatures rise to between 18.4°C (65.1°F) and 20.7°C (69.3°F), encouraging a myriad of water-based recreational activities. Rainfall also shows a modest decrease, falling to as low as 30mm (1.18") in December and 33mm (1.3") in November, thus milder and less disruptive to holiday plans.

The least attractive time for a visit to this coastal town would likely be the winter season extending from June to August. This period is characterised by lower temperatures, with daily lows dropping to 12°C (53.6°F) and highs plummeting to an average of 17°C (62.6°F). It also sees the annual lowest sea temperatures, around 16°C (60.8°F), which may discourage swimming and other water activities. Rainfall is around its highest during these months, meaning one could expect wetter conditions and more frequent rain showers.

Springtime, from September to November, is a season of gradual warmth and refreshing changes in Mossel Bay. The recorded high temperature nudges up from 18°C (64.4°F) in September to a pleasant 20°C (68°F) in November, while the corresponding low moves from 13°C (55.4°F) to 16°C (60.8°F). With hours of daylight per day increasing from 11.9 to 13.9, there's an enhanced opportunity for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, with rainfall peaking in September at 41mm (1.61") then reducing to 36mm (1.42") in November, prospective visitors should pack an umbrella or raincoat.

Summertime in Mossel Bay, from December through February, is comfortably warm and inviting. During this period, the temperature swings between a high of 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) and a low of 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Simultaneously, sea temperatures hover from 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F), presenting favourable conditions for a variety of water sports from surfing to sailing. Additionally, daylight hours peak at 14.4 in December then drop slightly to 13.3 in February, providing abundant sunshine for beachside relaxation.

Running from March to May, the autumn period witnesses Mossel Bay transitioning from the summer's moderate heat to the slight chill of winter. Highs start at 22°C (71.6°F) in March and descend to a slightly cooler 19°C (66.2°F) by May. Simultaneously, lows follow a similar trend, starting at 18°C (64.4°F) before decreasing to 15°C (59°F) in May. Rainfall measures kick off high at 41mm (1.61") in March and remain steady in the 30s through April and May. Nevertheless, this is also a time where daylight hours begin to drop from a high of 12.3 in March down to 10.4 by May.

In the winter months from June to August, Mossel Bay sees a cooler spell. The temperature reaches a high of 18°C (64.4°F) in June, drops to 17°C (62.6°F) for July and August, while the corresponding lows swing between 13°C (55.4°F) and 12°C (53.6°F). Rainfall is characterized by a slight decrease going from 33mm (1.3") in June to 36mm (1.42") in August. Meanwhile, the sea temperature touches its lowest point of 16°C (60.8°F) in both July and August while daylight hours gradually rise from 9.9 to 10.9. Despite the chillier conditions, it's still an enjoyable time for visitors who prefer cooler climates or intend to indulge in winter sports.

One of the warmest months in Mossel Bay, South Africa, January sees the start of the new year with temperatures remaining steady between 23°C (73.4°F) during daytime and a not so chilly 19°C (66.2°F) at night. Averaging at 14.1 hours, daylight persists the longest, allowing for more time to explore the city's beautiful coastline. Weather in January »

February sees a minute drop in temperatures as compared to January, with averages hovering around the same range as the previous month. A remarkable attribute of the February climate is the high sea temperature, which tends to be at a warm 20°C (68°F), just shy of January's peak. Weather in February »

As summer starts to give way to autumn, March ushers in a slight reduction in temperatures. The subtle coolness of the weather couples perfectly with quiet strolls along the beach under the soft glow of a 12.3-hour average daylight. Weather in March »

April presents an evident shift in temperature, dropping to an average low of 17°C (62.6°F) in conjunction with a fall in sea temperature to a chilly 18.1°C (64.6°F). The length of daylight starts to dwindle further, providing around 11.2 hours on average across the month. Weather in April »

May ushers in colder days with average maximum temperatures dropping to 19°C (66.2°F). Despite being noticeably chillier than the preceding months, Mossel Bay still retains a moderate climate. Rainfall persists and so does the shrinking daylight hours, decreasing further to an average of 10.4. Weather in May »

June marks the arrival of winter in Mossel Bay, with the lowest temperatures of the year, averaging between 19°C (66.2°F) during the day and dipping to a cold 13°C (55.4°F) during the night. This month also records the shortest daylight hours, providing a little under 10 hours of light. Weather in June »

The mid-winter month of July shares similar weather traits with June, with temperatures remaining steady and daylight gradually starting to extend, averaging at 10.1 hours. Rainfall amounts are mirrored from June, with an average of 33mm (1.3"). Weather in July »

August signals the wrap-up of winter with temperatures starting to creep upward, albeit the sea remains cold, averaging at 16°C (60.8°F). The daylight hours begin to lengthen, providing an approximate of 10.9 hours of light each day. Weather in August »

With the onset of spring in September, Mossel Bay experiences a gradual rise in temperatures. The days dynamically transform, with daylight hours extending to an average of 11.9, leaving more room for outdoor exploration. Despite this shift, showers persist and the month records an average rainfall of 41mm (1.61"). Weather in September »

October brings in a noticeable uptick in the average temperature, now reaching up to 20°C (68°F). The transition from spring to summer is accompanied by extended sunlight exposure, with daylight extending to approximately 13 hours. Weather in October »

The pre-summer month of November presents a further surge in the maximum temperature, now registering an average of 22°C (71.6°F). The increase in temperatures is complemented by a significant rise in sea temperatures, reaching up to 18.4°C (65.1°F) on average. Weather in November »

December, jolting us into the peak of summer, graces Mossel Bay with the highest temperature averages, returning to those experienced in January. Expect extensive daylight, close to the yearly peak averaging 14.4 hours. Sea temperatures reach their second highest for the year at an average of 19.8°C (67.6°F), perfect for beachgoers and water lovers. Weather in December »