When to visit Cape Town
EXPLORE CAPE TOWN: A COMPREHENSIVE SEASONAL TRAVEL GUIDE
Discovering the perfect time to visit Cape Town depends on what you're looking to experience in South Africa's most picturesque city. From vibrant summer festivities to serene winter landscapes, each season in Cape Town offers unique attractions and experiences. Here’s your seasonal guide to planning the ultimate Cape Town adventure:
Summer (December to February): Vibrant Festivities and Beach Days
Weather: Expect hot, sunny days with temperatures averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F). It's the perfect weather for beach enthusiasts.
Activities: Cape Town in summer is all about outdoor living. Enjoy bustling beaches, vibrant nightlife, and an array of festivals. New Year’s celebrations are particularly spectacular, with major events and parties city-wide.
Crowds: This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds, especially at popular tourist attractions and beaches.
Local Tips: Make reservations well in advance for accommodation and dining. Explore lesser-known beaches and local hangouts to escape the tourist crowds.
Autumn (March to May): Ideal for Outdoor Exploration and Cultural Events
Weather: The weather remains warm but becomes milder, perfect for outdoor activities without the intense heat. Average temperatures range from 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Activities: This is a great time for hiking, surfing with the start of ocean swells, and attending events like the Cape Town Jazz Festival in March. The vineyards are particularly beautiful and less crowded.
Crowds: Tourist numbers begin to decrease, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
Local Tips: Enjoy the city’s vibrant culture without the peak season crowds. The weather is still good enough for beach days, especially in early March.
Winter (June to August): Cozy Retreats and Cultural Richness
Weather: Winter brings cooler, rainy days with average temperatures of 17-20°C (63-68°F).
Activities: Winter is the best time to explore Cape Town's cultural scene, including galleries, museums, and exhibitions. Enjoy the warmth of cozy wineland and mountain bungalows for the perfect weekend getaway.
Crowds:Experience quieter attractions with fewer tourists allowing for a more personal experience in Cape Town’s top indoor venues without the long waits and bustling crowds.
Local Tips: Take advantage of the off-season rates and promotions on accommodation, restaurants, and experiences. The cooler weather is ideal for enjoying rich red wines next to a fireplace, adding a touch of romance and relaxation to your visit.
Spring (September to November): Wildflowers and Whale Watching
Weather: Spring is marked by gradually warming temperatures, ranging from 18-23°C (64-73°F). The weather is pleasant, with occasional rain showers that enhance the natural beauty of the region.
Activities: Experience the spectacular bloom of wildflowers and the peak of the whale-watching season. The Hermanus Whale Festival in September is a must-see, and the natural parks are filled with vibrant flora.
Crowds: As the weather warms, tourist activity starts to pick up, but it's still less crowded than the summer months.
Local Tips: This is the ideal time for nature lovers to visit. The mix of occasional rainy days and beautiful spring weather makes it perfect for exploring both the urban and natural landscapes.
Cape Town’s seasonal changes each bring their own charm and set of activities, making it a year-round destination. Whether you prefer the bustling summer beaches, the tranquil autumn trails, the cozy winter hideaways, or the blooming spring landscapes, Cape Town has something to offer in every season. Choose the season that aligns best with your interests and enjoy everything our dynamic city has to offer.
CONSIDERATIONS:
CROWDS:
November to February are the busiest months in Cape Town with a clear and obvious peak from the beginning of December to the end of January.
As a local, I do my best to avoid the main points of interest during this time. However, there is always a cheat sheet for each location. The ‘peak season’ coincides with the peak summer season which (obviously) means more consistent, beautiful weather.
WEATHER:
Our Southern-Hemisphere city experiences peak summer in January and peak winter in July. Summer is characterized by warm weather, blue skies and from time-to-time, strong afternoon winds.
SEASONAL PRICES:
Most accommodation & experience providers charge seasonal rates with higher prices during the from December to March & lower rates from May to October. You can find some awesome deals during those in-between months while the weather is still on your side. J
WHEN TO VISIT:
JANUARY
The city is vibing! With consistent warm weather (it can get as hot as average 30°C/86°F for several days in a row), there is a notable excitement in the air. Bars, beaches, restaurants & clubs are humming. A lot of South African’s are still on holiday which contributes (considerably) to the crowds.
As a local, the main attractions are a bit of a no go as crowds of international travellers ascend on the city. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered…there’s always a secret spot to escape to for the day.
As a local, we like to get the best of both worlds: Escape to a hidden beach & return to the city to soak up the nightlife once the sun has set. New Year’s Eve in Cape Town is always special!
The hardest part is deciding which world-class event/party you wish to attend!
Average rainfall is +- 6 days while temperature sit around 26°C (79°F) on average.
Fashion: Open shoes/sandals, swimsuit, active wear, loads of sunscreen, shorts and dresses
FEBRUARY:
Feb provides a great balance of beautiful warm weather & reduced crowds. Due to the fact that most South African’s are back to work, the city has greater freedom of movement. That being said, the summer excitement is still in the air as people are constantly on the mission to do awesome activities.
The late sunset (last light is usually around 8 PM this time of year) means that after-work drinks & picnics on the beach are in full-swing. In addition, outdoor concerts & festivals are still occurring so keep an eye on the weekend as these events always provide a good time.
Feb is usually packed with national sporting events at Cape Town Stadium. Even if you don’t know the rules, I highly recommend checking out a home game for yourself. Buy a green shirt & blend in with the crowd (just be sure to shout profanity from time to time.) Trust me, the atmosphere will get you hooked. Be sure to try a classic ‘boerie roll’ outside the stadium
Average rainfall: +- 5 days while temperature is around 26°C (79°F)
Local tip: Insect repellent. As much as Cape Town has a European vibe to it, this is still Africa. Warm summer nights mean you’re going to want to sleep with the windows open. Unfortunately, a cool breeze comes with a couple of hundred mosquito’s that are determined to keep you up. You’ll thank me later.
MARCH:
I love March in Cape Town! The peak-season craziness has died down along with the gale-force wind. In addition, the weather is still great with consistent beach days (maybe one or two warm, rainy days in-between.)
March is a great month for outdoor adventuring as the cooler conditions allow hikers the opportunity to explore the mountains without dying of dehydration. The change in season usually brings with it a surge of ocean swells which, coupled with a consistent SE wind means that the Atlantic Ocean lights up with some incredible (yet freezing) surf. T
March also offers some awesome events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour & the Cape Epic (both of which offer a truly unique perspective of this remarkable city.) In addition, the Cape Town Carnival & the International Jazz Festivals provide a culturally rich experience for both locals & internationals alike.
Average rainfall is still around 6 days while the average temperature sits at a cool 25°C (77°F)
Pack: You can still rock that summer apparel for the numerous beach days but be sure to bring a few warm items (jackets etc.) as evenings can get chilly. There will undoubtably be one or two, cold and rainy days so be prepared.
APRIL:
Cape Town autumn is amazing! Clear skies for the most (with a few rainstorms between), April is less of a beach month, but the reduced crowds allow for exceptional experiences at some of the classics. The Easter public holiday provides the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and explore the incredible, natural beauty that’s on our doorstep.
Throughout the month, you’ll find that you have large parts of the city to yourself. Just be sure to pack for all possible conditions. Cape Towns’ weather is consistently inconsistent. For those looking to stretch their legs, the Two Oceans Marathon is probably one of the most beautiful races in the world.
Average rainfall is around 9 days while temperature drops to around 22°C (72°F)
Fashion: Pack for every possible conditions! T
MAY:
Bring a raincoat. That being said, May has some UNREAL days between the storms! Cool days, no wind and zero crowds. In addition, the combo of fading light and a few clouds provides some of the most remarkably pink sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean! May is a wine enthusiasts heaven as the month hosts several festivals to boast the best boozy grape juice that the Western Cape has to offer.
Whether you’re a foodie or connoisseur, this is the place to be! Cape Town has an incredible variety of world-class fine dining, food markets, wine farms, gin distilleries, craft breweries and much, much more. May is the perfect month as the usually cut-throat reservation process is a breeze. Plus, there’s something about a glass of red wine by a fireplace that just hits different.
Average rainfall rises to around 12 days while temperature drops to a chilled 20°C (68°F)
Fashion: If you plan on venturing onto the hiking trails in the mornings between the wet, be sure to pack some solid hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and some thermal activewear (just in case.)
JUNE:
June marks the start of whale season. I know it sounds a bit gimmicky (like something our grandparents would enjoy) but trust me…it’s pretty epic! If you cruise the False Bay coast for the day, you’re bound to see a handful of these gentle giants frolicking in a bay.
In addition to the explosion of marine life, the start of the rainy season means that the fynbos landscape of the Western Cape is on full display! Whether you’re utilizing the sunny days to adventure some Table Mountain hiking trails or explore some of the many nature reserve a few hours away, you won’t be disappointed!
Average rainfall is around 14 days while temperature drops to a crisp 18°C (64°F.) I know…the Canadians reading this are laughing right now but for us, this is chilly.
Local tip: Be sure to have some boots suitable for the wet weather. Makes all the difference!
JULY:
Deals for days. July marks the peak of Cape Town’s winter. But with the chilly weather comes great discounts and promotions on everything from restaurants to experiences to accommodation. For me, July means escaping the city to a wooden bungalow in the winelands. Sitting by a warm fire with a book and a glass of red wine to warm me up from the inside out.
In addition, Cape Town’s various indoor attractions offer some creative inspiration as the numerous galleries, exhibitions, restaurants and museums provide some activities to fill the itinerary on the rainy days.
Average rainfall is about 14 days while temperatures are around 17°C (63°F)
Local tip: Be sure to check out the Franschhoek Bastille Day Festival. This quaint, French Hugenot town becomes THE destination for the weekend. Be sure to rock your red, white and blue regalia and indulge in the incredible variety of world-class food and fine wines.
AUGUST:
Probably the wettest month of the year, the month of August is associated with beautiful cold-front storms that bring with it large volumes of rain & strong winds. The moment Mother Nature has finished performing, she blesses the city with a level of tranquillity that no other month can replicate. These moments of stillness are well worth the wait and provide adventurers with a unique paradise. Table Mountain is a lush green, the trails are relatively empty, and the waterfalls explode with energy of the past storm.
August is also marks the mid-point of the season for mushroom foraging. Area’s like Newland & Tokai Forrest offer an incredible variety of Porchini, Morel and Pine Ring Mushrooms. Just be sure to check out our Foraging Listing to identify the good from the bad and the bad from the deadly.
For the foodies and socialites, be sure to check out the Feastival Night Market events which showcases the best food vendors, live music and local, craft drinks that Cape Town has to offer.
Average rainfall is 14 days, and the average temperature is a comfortable 18°C (64°F)
Fashion: Wine tasting rooms in Cape Town are world-class without the pretentiousness. Most estates offer an amazing, family friendly environment. Gents can wear a nice shirt that you can handle a little a red wine stain.
SEPTEMBER:
September marks the start of Spring & the beginning of the Wildflower Season. Take a short drive out the city to witness Mother Nature on full display. This celebration of colour is September’s signature so be sure to check out the numerous botanical gardens and nature reserves that boast this wonderful phenomenon (West Coast National Park, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Elgin Open Garden, Darling Wildflower Show to name a few.)
September marks the mid-point of whale season with the Hermanus Whale Festival taking place towards the end of the month. Since the pandemic, Hermanus has experienced a youthful facelift with young locals choosing the coastal town as their getaway of choice. A town that had a slight retirement feel to it is now populated by incredible cafes, restaurants and bars. Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance as the quaint quirkiness of this little gem means that supply and demand is in favour of the latter.
Rainfall is around 12 days and the temperature starts to increase ever so slightly to around 19°C (66°F)
Fashion: Balance of spring dresses, beach gear and warm clothes for the chilly evenings.
OCTOBER:
By October, the wildflowers are in full-swing and Cape Town has awoken from its winter hibernation. The city’s vibing as outdoor festivals, concerts and events slowly start to increase.
October offers numerous beach days with a percentage of the peak-summer crowds while travellers can still take advantage of the numerous ‘off-season’ specials for accommodation, flights and experiences. October and March are two ‘low-profile’ months that us locals take full advantage of!
For me, October means going for a longboard surf at Muizenberg (winter offers beautiful swell, warmer water and off-shore winds for the entire False Bay region) followed by a warm coffee and croissant by the heater at the Harvest Café.
Rainfall drops down to nine days while temperature averages 21°C (70°F)
Tip: Ugg boots are socially acceptable pre/post surf in winter.
NOVEMBER:
November is the start of the summer season with beautiful, consistent warm days. Post work picnics on Bakoven Rocks followed by drinks at Tigers Milk, Camps Bay and outdoor events/festivals become a weekly occurrence. I highly recommend checking out the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts and the Galileo Open Air Cinema.
Rainfall is around seven days and temperatures reach an average of 23°C (73°F)
Local tip: Summer festivals offer a creative outlet to dress to impress. Acting as a central location for the trendiest locals to turn some heads. Be sure to check out the festival blog for some inspo.
DECEMBER:
December is a bit of a shit show…but we love it! Cape Town welcomes a serious influx of both domestic and international travellers who seek white-sand beaches over a white Christmas.
I sound negative but in truth, December offers incredible weather and unbelievable nightlife Plus, there’s always a way to avoid the masses. The longer days (+-14 hour days) means more bang for your buck!
Average rainfall is around seven days while temperature is a lovely 25°C (77°F)
Local tip: Cape Town has an incredible variety of boutique stores, markets and factory stores that are perfect for some last minute Christmas shopping. Just don't leave it too last minute.
There you have! A little guide to help you plan your trip. Hand in your leave application, book your ticket and get down here. As for me, it's a beautiful afternoon in March so I'm going to cruise for a surf and a beer on the beach. I just need to remember to pack a jacket. Til next time. Peace
