Camps Bay at dusk

Best Time to Visit Cape Town

November 19, 2024

The best time to visit Cape Town is during summer, between December and March, when the skies are clear and the days are long with the sun setting after 8pm.

The Mother City has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, plus an incredible 300 days of sunshine a year. But it is also a temperamental beauty, thanks to several microclimates – the weather can change within minutes, and locals often joke about experiencing four seasons in one day.

Spring (September/October/November) and autumn (March/April/May) are beautiful times to visit, with balmy daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and some rain. Summer is when it’s at its hottest, with beach days aplenty – this is also when the infamous ‘Cape Doctor’, the Western Cape’s strong southeastern wind, makes an appearance. While winter is cooler and rainier, you’re still likely to experience a fair amount of mild, sunny days.

January

Weather: Peak summer, hot and dry.
Temperature: 17°C to 29°C.
Highlights: Clear skies, warm seas, perfect for beaches and outdoor activities.

February

Weather: Warmest month, with little to no rain.
Temperature: 18°C to 30°C.
Highlights: Great for hiking and events like the Cape Town Pride Festival.

March

Weather: End of summer, still warm but less windy.
Temperature: 16°C to 28°C.
Highlights: Perfect for wine tours and enjoying quieter beaches.

April

Weather: Start of autumn, cooler and occasional rain.
Temperature: 14°C to 25°C.
Highlights: Vibrant autumn colours in vineyards and fewer tourists.

May

Weather: Cooler with an increase in rain.
Temperature: 11°C to 21°C.
Highlights: Ideal for exploring museums and indoor attractions.

June

Weather: Beginning of winter, wet and cool.
Temperature: 9°C to 19°C.
Highlights: Cosy up by fireplaces in Cape Winelands or enjoy whale watching along the coast.

July

Weather: Coldest month, often rainy with some sunny days.
Temperature: 8°C to 18°C.
Highlights: Winter specials at luxury lodges and great whale-watching opportunities.

August

Weather: End of winter, still cool but with more sunny days.
Temperature: 9°C to 19°C.
Highlights: Cape wildflowers bloom, signalling the start of spring.

September

Weather: Spring begins, warmer and drier.
Temperature: 11°C to 22°C.
Highlights: Perfect for scenic drives and viewing blooming wildflowers.

October

Weather: Pleasant spring weather, mild and sunny.
Temperature: 12°C to 24°C.
Highlights: Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring Cape Town’s gardens.

November

Weather: Early summer, warmer with little rain.
Temperature: 14°C to 26°C.
Highlights: Enjoy outdoor festivals and beach visits.

December

Weather: Start of peak summer, hot and dry.
Temperature: 17°C to 29°C.
Highlights: Bustling holiday season with festive events and long sunny days.


Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec













AVERAGE  24 24 23 22 19 17 17 17 18 20 22 23
HIGH °C (°F) (76) (76) (74) (71) (67) (63) (63) (63) (65) (69) (71) (74)













AVERAGE  17 17 16 13 11 9 8 9 10 12 14 16
LOW °C (°F) (63) (63) (60) (56) (52) (49) (48) (49) (51) (54) (58) (61)













DAILY  21 21 20 18 15 13 13 13 14 16 18 20
MEAN °C (°F) (69) (69) (67) (63) (59) (56) (55) (56) (58) (61) (64) (68)













AVERAGE RAINFALL  12 10 15 35 53 73 71 53 35 22 17 10
MM (INCHES) (0,5) (0,4) (0,6) (1,4) (2,1) (2,9) (2,8) (2,1) (1,4) (0,9) (0,7) (0,4)













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