Cape Town Weather Month by Month: The Complete Guide
- Craig Howes
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Cape Town is a city of seasons. Summer days stretch long and golden, autumn brings wine harvests, winter means cosy red-wine nights, and spring paints the mountains with flowers.
The weather here can be famously unpredictable, Table Mountain makes its own clouds, the Cape Doctor wind clears the air, and the Atlantic Ocean keeps things cool.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s the ultimate month-by-month breakdown of Cape Town’s weather, events, and what to do.
Cape Town Climate at a Glance
Style: Mediterranean (hot, dry summers; cool, wet winters).
Temperatures: From 8 °C winter nights to 28 °C summer days.
Rainfall: Winters (Jun–Aug) are wettest.
Microclimates: It can be sunny at Camps Bay and raining at Kirstenbosch at the same time.
Tip: Pack layers, Cape Town weather changes fast.
“Cape Town summers are all about long evenings — you’ll still be in your swimsuit at 8pm.” — Local beachgoer, Camps Bay.
Cape Town Weather Month by Month Weather and Tips
January – Peak Summer
Weather: 17–28 °C, little rain, 11 hours of sunshine.
What to expect: Bustling beaches (Clifton, Camps Bay, Muizenberg), long evenings, penguins at Boulders. Book restaurants and activities in advance, it’s high season.
Local tip: Ocean water is chilly! For slightly warmer swims, try Muizenberg in False Bay.
February – Golden Days
Weather: Similar to January, hot with fewer crowds.
What to expect: Open-air concerts at Kirstenbosch, sunset hikes, summer festivals.
Local tip: It’s the sweet spot, great weather but easier bookings.
March – Early Autumn
Weather: 15–27 °C, mild.
What to expect: Cape Town Cycle Tour, Two Oceans Marathon, grape harvests in the Winelands.
Local tip: Perfect month for wine-tasting and mountain hikes before the rains.
“Autumn is my favourite season, the vineyards turn golden and the air is crisp without being cold.” Ruan Winelands sommelier.
April – Autumn Glow
Weather: 9–24 °C, more rain but still sunny.
What to expect: Cape Town Jazz Festival, colourful sunsets, cosy indoor markets.
Local tip: Hiking season starts, cooler but clear.
May – Into Winter
Weather: 10–22 °C, rains pick up.
What to expect: Unpredictable days, sunny mornings, rainy afternoons. Great time for art galleries, museums, and indoor food markets.
Local tip: May often means cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
June – Mid-Winter
“I didn’t expect to love Cape Town in winter, but the fireplaces, red wine, and whale watching made it magical.” Fred, Traveller from Germany.
July – Cold but Cultural
Weather: 7–19 °C, rain, 6 hours of sunshine.
What to expect: Peak whale watching (Hermanus, False Bay), Robben Island tours, Zeitz MOCAA gallery visits.
Local tip: Table Mountain cableway sometimes closes for maintenance this month.
August – Winter to Spring
Weather: 8–19 °C, rains ease, wildflowers bloom.
What to expect: West Coast flower season, whale calves, dramatic light for photographers.
Local tip: Pack a raincoat, August can flip between sunshine and showers in a single day.
“Spring is wildflower season, the West Coast transforms into a carpet of colour.” — Craig Howes, Editor African Safari Mag.
September – Spring
Weather: 9–21 °C, mild with fewer crowds.
What to expect: Namaqualand wildflowers, wine harvest festivals, outdoor terraces reopening.
Local tip: Whale season is still strong, Hermanus Whale Festival is in September.
“We visited in September. It was mild, fewer tourists, and the whale festival in Hermanus was a highlight.” — Traveller couple, Netherlands.
October – Early Summer
Weather: 11–23 °C, warming up, 9 hrs sunshine.
What to expect: Beaches start filling, spring blooms, Winelands picnics.
Local tip: Rates are lower than peak summer, October is a great “value” month.
November – Calm Before the Rush
Weather: 13–24 °C, long sunny days.
What to expect: Quiet beaches, excellent scuba/snorkel conditions, early summer buzz without the crowds.
Local tip: Perfect month for road trips down the Garden Route.
December – Summer in Full Swing
Weather: 16–27 °C, hot, little rain, long days.
What to expect: Packed beaches, festive events, New Year celebrations, the Cape Minstrel Carnival (Jan 2).
Local tip: Book early, accommodation, cars, and restaurants sell out fast.
Seasonal Highlights
Hiking: Best in autumn (Apr–Jun) and spring (Sept–Oct).
Wine: Winter means fireside tastings, summer means long vineyard picnics.
Wildlife: Whale watching Jul–Sept; penguins year-round; wildflowers in Aug–Sept.
Festivals: Summer concerts at Kirstenbosch, Cycle Tour in March, Jazz Fest in April, Minstrel Carnival in January.
FAQs
Is Cape Town worth visiting in winter?
Yes! It’s cooler and wetter, but you’ll find fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and a cosy cultural side of the city.
When is the best time to see whales?
July to September, peaking in August.
Is the ocean warm enough for swimming?
The Atlantic is cold year-round (15–19 °C). Head to False Bay for slightly warmer water.
What’s the best month to visit overall?
It depends: January–March for beaches, April–June for hiking and culture, July–Sept for whales, Oct–Dec for spring blooms and early summer.
A Year-Round Destination
Cape Town’s weather is never boring, it shifts with the seasons, offering something unique every month. Whether you want beaches, whales, wine, or wildflowers, the city has a time that suits your travel style.
👉 Plan your Cape Town adventure today and explore the city, month by month.
About City of Cape Town CityofCapeTown.info is the insider’s guide to South Africa’s Mother City. We share local tips, curated guides, and first-hand experiences to help travellers, locals, and digital nomads make the most of Cape Town.
About the AuthorThis guide was prepared by the City of Cape Town editorial team with input from Craig Howes, a Cape Town-based travel photographer and storyteller who has explored the city across all its seasons.
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