Seal Point Lighthouse

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Seal Point Lighthouse

Museum

Seal Point Lighthouse is an operational late-19th-century lighthouse at Cape St. Francis on South Africa's southeastern coast; visitors come for the museum, guided climbs to the lantern room and coastal views.

Seal Point Lighthouse GqeberhaEast London, South AfricaBhishoMthathaMakhanda, South AfricaGraaff-ReinetQonceAliwal NorthSeal Point Lighthouse

Seal Point Lighthouse essentials

Address: Cape St. Francis, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Perched on the rocky headland of Cape St. Francis, Seal Point Lighthouse has been guiding ships since it became operational on 4 July 1878; construction began in November 1875 and the original build cost was recorded at £20,000. The tower remains operational and also contains a small maritime museum that interprets local shipping and lighthouse history.

Public access to the top of the tower is allowed, but only in the company of a guide; the climb gives panoramic views of the surf and surrounding coastline. The site has a coastal, windswept character with seabirds, rocky pools and frequent surf visible from the headland.

For a while the lighthouse site was used by SANCOB to care for penguins and other coastal birds, though that program has closed in recent years. The area around the lighthouse has been developed with bike paths and walking routes that make it a popular short outing from nearby towns.

  • Lantern room and guided climb: A guided ascent reaches the lantern room where you can see the optic and expansive ocean views.
  • Maritime museum: Small exhibits in the tower cover the lighthouse’s history, local shipwrecks and coastal navigation.
  • Historic fabric: The masonry tower and period fittings give a clear sense of 19th-century lighthouse engineering and construction.
  • Coastal birdwatching and rock pools: The headland is good for seabirds and exploring rock pools at low tide.
  • Bike paths and seaside walks: Developed paths around the lighthouse offer easy cycling and short coastal walks with surf views.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Seal Point Lighthouse#

The coast is mild year-round; spring and early autumn generally give the most settled weather for walking, cycling and sea views while winter sees more rain and wind.

Spring (best)
September - November · 11°C - 20°C (52°F - 68°F)
Spring often has relatively calm seas and fewer heavy rainy days than winter, making it a pleasant time for coastal walks and cycling.
Summer
December - February · 16°C - 24°C (61°F - 75°F)
Summer brings warmer conditions and good daylight for sightseeing, though sea breezes and occasional showers can occur.
Winter (wetter)
May - August · 10°C - 21°C (50°F - 70°F)
Winter months are cooler and show higher rainfall totals, with stronger winds and rougher seas that are dramatic to watch but less comfortable for outdoor activities.

Weather & Climate near Seal Point Lighthouse#

Climate

Seal Point Lighthouse's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (679 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 17° - 24° 20° 39 mm partly cloudy 75% 4.6 m/s 2.8 extreme 14.0h
February Excellent 17° - 23° 20° 49 mm some cloud 76% 5.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.2h
March Excellent 16° - 22° 19° 50 mm some cloud 76% 4.4 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
April Very Good 14° - 22° 18° 58 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.8 m/s 1.1 high 11.1h
May Very Good 12° - 21° 17° 52 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.7 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h
June Very Good 11° - 20° 15° 66 mm partly cloudy 70% 3.3 m/s 0.4 low 9.7h
July Very Good 10° - 19° 15° 66 mm partly cloudy 69% 3.9 m/s 0.5 low 10.0h
August Very Good 11° - 19° 15° 80 mm partly cloudy 72% 4.2 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.7h
September Very Good 11° - 19° 15° 59 mm partly cloudy 73% 4.4 m/s 1.2 high 11.7h
October Very Good 13° - 20° 16° 67 mm partly cloudy 74% 4.9 m/s 1.8 very high 12.8h
November Very Good 14° - 21° 18° 49 mm partly cloudy 74% 4.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.8h
December Excellent 16° - 22° 19° 44 mm partly cloudy 75% 5.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 14.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Seal Point Lighthouse#

Seal Point Lighthouse sits at Cape St. Francis, a short drive from the surf town of Jeffreys Bay; the nearest major city and airport are at Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

Most visitors reach the lighthouse by car from Jeffreys Bay or Gqeberha; the final stretch is best done by private car, taxi or regional shuttle and on-site parking is available. If you plan to climb the tower, check locally for guided-tour times and any visitor restrictions.

Tips for Visiting Seal Point Lighthouse#

  • Bring a windproof layer - conditions on the headland can be much cooler and windier than inland.
  • Tower access is only with a guide, so check opening days and guided-tour availability locally before you go.
  • If you plan to cycle, use the designated bike paths and secure your bike when visiting the museum or climbing the tower.
  • Respect museum displays and any wildlife-care notices; do not disturb seabirds or marine life on the rocks.