38 properties found · Showing 1–20
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.
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.
