December Holiday Accommodation Plettenberg Bay – 16 Properties

16 properties found · Plettenberg Bay Guide

Plettenberg Bay in December is the real deal — it's when the town fills fast and the beaches are at their best. South African school holidays run mid-December through mid-January, and demand for accommodation peaks sharply in that window. We list 16 holiday properties near Plettenberg Bay, priced from R1,200 to R3,100 per night, with an average of R1,849 across areas including Piesang Valley and the town itself. If you're planning a December stay, early booking isn't just advice — properties typically fill months before peak season. Expect warm days, full beaches, and the town running at maximum capacity.
All Bed & Breakfast Guest house Lodge Resort Self-catering Villa Golf
Two colorful cocktails with umbrellas by a lakeside with mountains in the background
Star Star Star Star

Milkwood Manor

Guest house Plettenberg Bay
Bedroom with a neatly made bed bedside tables and a scenic painting above

Swallows Nest B&B

Bed & Breakfast Plettenberg Bay
From R1,400
Buffet with croissants cereals and a person in the background at a table
Star Star Star

Plett Beachfront Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast Plettenberg Bay
From R1,600
Outdoor lounge area with a fire pit surrounded by nature and seating

Emily Moon River House Barn House

Villa
Bedroom with open doors to a patio large bed and sofa

Moles Holes

Villa
Bedroom with large bed two lamps desk chair and ceiling fan
Star Star Star Star Star

Fynbos Ridge Country House & Cottages

Bed & Breakfast Plettenberg Bay
From R3,100
Couple relaxing in hanging chairs by the ocean holding drinks

Beacon Island Resort

Resort
Beach at sunset with scattered clouds and calm water
Star Star Star Star

Thanda Vista

Guest house Plettenberg Bay
From R1,200
Wooden table with magazine overlooking ocean from a balcony with railing

Mpelisweni

Self-catering
Swimming pool with lounge chairs and potted plants in a fenced garden area
Star Star Star Star

Bayside Lodge

Lodge Plettenberg Bay
From R2,590
Ocean view with mountains in the background and green foliage in the foreground

Dolphin's Playground

Bed & Breakfast Plettenberg Bay
From R1,600
Modern house with a swimming pool lounge chairs and outdoor dining area

Sondel Beach House

Self-catering
Zebras in front of a white house with trees and bushes

Stanley Island

Self-catering
Wooden deck with lounge chairs beside a clear blue swimming pool and greenery

Piesang Valley Lodge

Lodge Piesang Valley
From R1,500
Star Star Star Star

T'Niqua Stable Inn

Guest house Plettenberg Bay
From R1,800
Beach lodge bedroom with ocean view bed and fruit basket on a table

Singing Kettle Beach Lodge

Self-catering

About Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay features long sandy beaches and clear waters that attract many visitors each year. The area includes coastal forests and trails for exploration, providing a base for relaxation and adventure. With its mix of seaside charm and natural landscapes, it serves as an appealing spot for a holiday.

December in Plettenberg Bay: What to Expect

Plettenberg Bay shifts into a different gear in December. Schools break mid-month and the town's population swells with families, couples, and groups drawn to the Western Cape's best summer weather. The Indian Ocean sits around 22°C, air temperatures regularly hit 27–30°C, and the main beaches — Robberg, Central, and Lookout — are in full operation from early morning. This is not a quiet month. Book expecting crowds at popular spots and plan beach time for early morning or late afternoon if you want space.

Best Areas for December Holiday Stays

The 16 holiday properties in our listings split across two main areas: Piesang Valley and Plettenberg Bay itself. Piesang Valley sits slightly inland and tends to offer larger self-catering houses with gardens, private pools, and braai areas — better suited to families or groups who need room to spread out. The trade-off is a short drive to the beach rather than a walk.

Staying within the Plettenberg Bay town area puts you closer to the beaches and the restaurant strip along Main Street. These properties are generally more compact and sit at the higher end of the rate range — the premium reflects the convenience. With rates averaging R1,849 per night and ranging from R1,200 to R3,100, there's a real spread depending on group size and how central you need to be.

What December Activities Are Available

Robberg Nature Reserve is the standout — the full coastal loop takes around 4 hours and passes a large Cape fur seal colony with open-ocean views. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surf lessons, and boat trips operate from local operators throughout December. Whale-watching trips (humpbacks are still present into early summer), shark cage diving, and the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival in November wind into the December holiday crowd. Local farm stalls and the Plett Market run through summer and are worth a Saturday morning.

Tips for Booking December Accommodation

The Christmas–New Year window (24 December to 2 January) is the hardest block to secure and typically sells out by October. If your dates include that stretch, treat availability as urgent. Shoulder weeks — mid-December before the 20th, or early January after the 5th — are easier to find but still benefit from booking well ahead.

When comparing properties, check whether air conditioning is included — December nights can be warm enough to matter. Most self-catering properties in this area include a braai facility; it should be treated as standard rather than a bonus. Families with young children should check for pool fencing and whether the access route is pedestrian-friendly versus road-facing.

Also in Plettenberg Bay

Easter Family Friendly Whale Season Guest House Lodge Self Catering All Accommodation

Nearby Destinations

Nature's Valley 19km Knysna 30km Redclyffe 36km Rheenendal 42km Krakeelrivier 43km Storms River Village 48km