GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Spring may be under way, but the Garden Route is set for a relatively cool and unsettled start to the weekend.

The forecast for Friday, 11 September, calls for partly cloudy conditions ranging from cool to warm, with isolated showers and thundershowers possible in the south and light rain along the coast.

Temperatures will vary across the region. In George, the forecast maximum is around 18°C, with a minimum of about 14°C, while the Knysna Lakes area is expected to reach around 18°C, with a low of 14°C.

Further west, Mossel Bay is expected to be somewhat warmer, with a maximum of around 21°C and a minimum of 16°C.

In Plettenberg Bay, temperatures are expected to reach about 21°C, with a minimum of 13°C, although cloudy conditions and some rain are possible.

Over the mountain, Oudtshoorn should reach about 22° C, with a minimum of 13° C.

Saturday brings more cloud and showers

Saturday, 12 September, is expected to remain fine in places but otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers developing in the south and west.

The Knysna area is forecast to reach about 20°C, with a minimum of 15°C, while Storms River could reach 20°C, with a low of 15°C.

Mossel Bay is expected to reach around 20°C, with a minimum of 16°C, with light rain possible during the afternoon.

Plettenberg Bay is also forecast to reach around 21°C, with a minimum of 13°C.

For anyone heading outdoors, Saturday could therefore be a day to keep a jacket and umbrella close by, particularly along the coast and in areas where showers develop.

Sunday could bring some warmer conditions

Sunday, 13 September, should see fine conditions in places, otherwise partly cloudy weather, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers still possible in the south and west.

Temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild. Knysna is forecast to reach about 17°C, with a minimum of 16°C, while Storms River could reach 18°C, with a low of 16°C.

Mossel Bay could be a little warmer, with a forecast maximum of 21°C and minimum of 17°C.

Sunrise and sunset

Spring is also steadily lengthening the days.

In George, the sun rises at approximately 06:33 on Friday, setting at 18:20. On Saturday, sunrise is around 06:32 and sunset around 18:20, while on Sunday the sun rises at about 06:30 and sets at 18:21.

That means the Garden Route will gain roughly two minutes of daylight each day over the weekend as spring progresses towards the September equinox on 23 September.

New moon brings darker skies

There is also something interesting happening in the night sky this weekend.

Friday, 11 September, marks the New Moon, with the exact New Moon occurring at about 05:27 South African time. The Moon will be essentially invisible because it is positioned close to the Sun from our perspective.

That is good news for stargazers.

The nights around a New Moon are generally among the best times for viewing faint stars and deep-sky objects because there is very little moonlight washing out the night sky. 

The Garden Route is particularly well suited to stargazing, with its rural areas, forests and stretches of coastline offering opportunities to escape artificial light.

By Saturday and Sunday, the Moon will begin appearing as a very thin waxing crescent, gradually becoming more visible in the evening sky.

Garden Route weekend at a glance

*Temperatures are indicative of the range across key Garden Route locations, rather than a single forecast for the entire region.

For the latest local conditions, residents and visitors should check updated forecasts before heading out, particularly if travelling along the coast or planning outdoor activities.

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