Knysna Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Western Cape, South Africa
Is Airbnb profitable in Knysna in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Knysna, based on AirROI data from February 2025 to January 2026, reveals key trends in the niche market of 43 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Knysna, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Knysna Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Knysna Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Knysna (2026)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Knysna is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Knysna is typically December, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Knysna across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,409+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,065 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $902 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $377, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Knysna
Knysna Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Knysna STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Knysna:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 65%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 46% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 24%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Knysna
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Knysna (2026)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Knysna involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Knysna typically peaks in December and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $257+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $173 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $110 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $76 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Knysna
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Knysna (2026)
Peak Season (December, June, January)
- Revenue averages $2,239 per month
- Occupancy rates average 40.2%
- Daily rates average $162
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,194 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 27.3%
- Daily rates hold near $141
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $0 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 0.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $136
Seasonality Insights for Knysna
- The Airbnb seasonality in Knysna shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Knysna's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,604, occupancy reaching a high of 53.3%, and ADRs peaking at $178.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $0, occupancy could drop to 0.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $119.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Knysna.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Knysna seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Knysna (2026)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Knysna? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Thesen Island | A popular and scenic destination known for its beautiful waterfront properties and vibrant atmosphere. It's a top choice for tourists looking for a unique getaway with access to boutiques and restaurants. | Thesen Island Harbour Town, Ocean Odyssey, Knysna Heads, Knysna Lagoon, Forest Haven, Knysna Elephant Park |
| Noetzie | Famous for its stunning beach and historic castles, Noetzie offers a picturesque setting for visitors and is ideal for hosting upscale accommodations. | Noetzie Beach, Noetzie Castles, Knysna National Park, Kayaking on the lagoon, Bird watching, Hiking trails |
| Pledge Nature Reserve | An ecological gem with walking trails and abundant wildlife, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Attracts tourists looking for authentic experiences in nature. | Pledge Nature Reserve Trails, Bird watching, Suretseedle Nature Reserve, Knysna River, Picnic areas |
| Knysna Waterfront | A bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the lagoon. It's a must-visit for tourists and an excellent place to host guests. | Knysna Quays, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Art Galleries, Boat trips, Restaurants, Water sports |
| Brenton-on-Sea | Known for its pristine beaches and relaxed vibe, Brenton-on-Sea attracts beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike, making it a prime location for vacation rentals. | Brenton Beach, Bird Sanctuary, Hiking Trails, Whale Watching, Tranquil surroundings, Ocean views |
| The Heads | A scenic area with breathtaking views of the Knysna Heads and lagoon. It appeals to tourists seeking stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. | Viewpoint of the Heads, Knysna Heads viewpoint, Lagoon sailing, Shark diving, Sunset cruises |
| Rugby | A quieter, residential area that provides a more local experience. Attractive for families and those looking for longer stays in a serene environment. | Nearby beaches, Local markets, Parks, Fishing spots, Family-friendly activities |
| Sedgefield | While technically just outside Knysna, Sedgefield is known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It's a great place for eco-friendly accommodations and nature adventures. | Sedgefield Beach, Groenvlei Lake, Wild Oats Community Farmers Market, Birds of Eden, Hiking trails, Nature reserves |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Knysna (2026)
While Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Knysna to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Knysna (2026)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Knysnabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Clifftop Glen Villa - Knysna Heads
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Knysna - Views Views Views !
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
French Corner
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Thesen - The Beautiful Life
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Lagoon View Serenity!
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Solare 34 on Thesen
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Knysna (2026)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Knysna based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy | 3 | $92,822 | 14 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Linda | 8 | $58,996 | 52 | 4.35/5.0 |
| Nats | 3 | $33,059 | 3 | Not Rated |
| Mary-Jane | 1 | $24,808 | 17 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Brenda | 2 | $24,534 | 68 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Elmo | 2 | $23,112 | 8 | 4.00/5.0 |
| Eve | 1 | $22,322 | 25 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Kristi | 2 | $21,477 | 8 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Carla | 2 | $18,324 | 6 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Thesen Rentals With Magru | 1 | $17,199 | 2 | Not Rated |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Knysna.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Knysna STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Knysna. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKnysna Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Knysna
- The Knysna Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95.3% of the 43 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Knysna, House properties are the most common (58.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 58.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others (combined 2.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Knysna Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Knysna
- The dominant room capacity in Knysna is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 30.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 60.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Knysna, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 39.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Knysna.
Knysna Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Knysna
- The most common guest capacity trend in Knysna vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (27.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 4 guests dominate the Knysna STR market, accounting for 53.5% of listings.
- 39.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Knysna.
- On average, properties in Knysna are equipped to host 4.4 guests.
Knysna Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Knysna
- The most common availability pattern in Knysna falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 81.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 97.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Knysna (58.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 2.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Knysna Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
9 listings
20.9% of total
2 Nights
6 listings
14% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
4.7% of total
4-6 Nights
2 listings
4.7% of total
30+ Nights
24 listings
55.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Knysna is 30+ Nights, adopted by 55.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (55.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Knysna, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 55.8% of Knysna hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 20.9% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 55.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Knysna.
Knysna Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
4 listings
9.3% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
4.7% of total
Non-refundable
1 listings
2.3% of total
Refundable
3 listings
7% of total
Flexible
8 listings
18.6% of total
Moderate
3 listings
7% of total
Firm
20 listings
46.5% of total
Strict
2 listings
4.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Knysna
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Knysna is Firm, used by 46.5% of listings.
- A majority (51.2%) of hosts in Knysna utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (4.7%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 46.5% market standard in Knysna.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 4.7% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Knysna.
Knysna STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Knysna
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Knysna is 36 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 46 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 0 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (34 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (1 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (36 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Knysna.
- During April, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (0 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 34 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Knysna averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Knysna (2026)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Knysna
- Essential amenities in Knysna that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, BBQ grill, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Knysna: Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or BBQ grill to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Knysna to stay competitive.
Knysna Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Knysna
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Knysna consists of primarily domestic travelers (65%), often arriving from nearby Cape Town, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Afrikaans.
- Domestic travelers account for 65.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (65.3%) and Germany (7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (52.1%) followed by Afrikaans (15%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Knysna Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George | 4,909 | $897 | $140.42 | 30% |
| Plettenberg Bay | 33 | $877 | $177.06 | 31% |
| Wilderness | 14 | $783 | $136.22 | 33% |
| Saint Francis Bay | 13 | $767 | $150.20 | 29% |
| Mossel Bay | 37 | $766 | $113.39 | 31% |
| Kouga Local Municipality | 914 | $758 | $144.63 | 29% |
| Kou-Kamma Local Municipality | 113 | $701 | $92.75 | 29% |
| Prince Albert Local Municipality | 139 | $686 | $94.99 | 27% |
| Cape Saint Francis | 12 | $602 | $182.42 | 25% |
| Jeffreys Bay | 46 | $417 | $100.05 | 27% |