Climate Overview
The climate in Swellendam is temperate. The average annual temperature is 17°C and approximately 407mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 50mm of rainfall. Swellendam is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed — summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: December, January, February. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 5°C.
Temperature
Temperatures in Swellendam vary considerably across the year, with a 25°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is December, when average highs reach 30°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 5°C and an average of 11°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 13°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between May and June, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Swellendam is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 407mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 34mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 50mm of rainfall. June and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is October, with just 14mm. That's 36mm less than July, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
Swellendam is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 3km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 3km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 2km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
52 days until Spring
It is currently winter in Swellendam, which began on June 21, 2026. Swellendam is in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed — spring starts in September, summer in December, autumn in March, and winter in June. The warmest period peaks in December at around 30°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 5°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 52 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 9 to 26°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 78mm over the season and a monthly average of 26mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 15 to 30°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 101mm over the season and a monthly average of 34mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 9 to 25°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 91mm over the season and a monthly average of 30mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from 5 to 21°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 137mm over the season and a monthly average of 46mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Swellendam is during January, February, March, April, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 29mm per month. By contrast, July can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 5°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Swellendam based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
