The Garden Route has a maritime Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area experiences the most rainfall in South Africa, though this seldom hinders travellers from enjoying the beauty of the region. The Western Cape half of the Garden Route has a similar climate to Cape Town, with most rain falling in the winter months (June to August).In the Eastern Cape and approaching Port Elizabeth, rain tends to fall predominantly during the summer months (December to February). The fact that the route winds along the coast ensures that the weather can be rather unpredictable and rain is always a possibility.Average temperatures from December to March (summer and early spring) are about 75ºF (24ºC) to 86ºF (30ºC), while the average winter temperature is 64ºF (18ºC). As these averages suggest, the Garden Route is seldom uncomfortably hot or cold.The Garden Route is stunning in any weather, making it a year-round destination. That said, some of the main attractions are beaches and hikes, meaning they're at their best in late spring, summer and early autumn (anytime between October and March). Travellers should bear in mind that the main resorts become extremely crowded over the Christmas period.
