A Travel Price Comparison for South Africa Port Elizabeth vs. Hermanus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port Elizabeth or Hermanus?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port Elizabeth and Hermanus can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Port Elizabeth or Hermanus?

Port Elizabeth

Located on the Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa, Port Elizabeth is a major sea port and tourist destination featuring a pleasant climate, opportunities for water sports, historical landmarks, wildlife areas, and clean beaches.

Hermanus

Hermanus is located on the southern coast of the Western Cape region of South Africa, situated right on the Atlantic Ocean. The area is famous for being the summer home to the Southern Right Whales who migrate there from the Antarctic every September. Hermanus offers incredible natural scenery and great opportunities for adventure seekers. The best time to visit is during their winter and spring, which runs from April through October. This is the driest time of year, meaning wildlife is easier to spot and the heat is much more bearable!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Africa, and The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Port Elizabeth and Hermanus, we can see that Hermanus is more expensive. And not only is Port Elizabeth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Port Elizabeth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Port Elizabeth and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hermanus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hermanus than you might in Port Elizabeth.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port Elizabeth Expensive? and Is Hermanus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Port Elizabeth or Hermanus?

Port Elizabeth has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hermanus. When comparing the sizes of Port Elizabeth and Hermanus, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Port Elizabeth or Hermanus?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Hermanus in the Summer?

Both Hermanus and Port Elizabeth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Port Elizabeth is around the same temperature as Hermanus in the summer. The daily temperature in Port Elizabeth averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Hermanus fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Hermanus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth usually receives less sunshine than Hermanus during summer. Port Elizabeth gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Hermanus receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Port Elizabeth usually receives more rain than Hermanus. Port Elizabeth gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Hermanus in the Autumn?

Both Hermanus and Port Elizabeth during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Port Elizabeth is around the same temperature as Hermanus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Port Elizabeth in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Hermanus averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hermanus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Port Elizabeth. In the autumn, Port Elizabeth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hermanus. Port Elizabeth gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hermanus receives 233 hours of full sun.

Port Elizabeth usually gets more rain in April than Hermanus. Port Elizabeth gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Hermanus in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Port Elizabeth and Hermanus.

In July, Port Elizabeth is generally a little warmer than Hermanus. Daily temperatures in Port Elizabeth average around 15°C (58°F), and Hermanus fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Port Elizabeth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port Elizabeth usually receives more sunshine than Hermanus during winter. Port Elizabeth gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Hermanus receives 193 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Port Elizabeth usually receives less rain than Hermanus. Port Elizabeth gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Port Elizabeth or Hermanus in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Port Elizabeth as well as Hermanus.

Port Elizabeth is around the same temperature as Hermanus in the spring. The daily temperature in Port Elizabeth averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Hermanus fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hermanus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port Elizabeth this time of the year. In the spring, Port Elizabeth often gets less sunshine than Hermanus. Port Elizabeth gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hermanus receives 278 hours of full sun.

Port Elizabeth usually gets more rain in October than Hermanus. Port Elizabeth gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hermanus and Port Elizabeth