Best time to go to Cape Town Average weather of Cape Town, South Africa
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Cape Town?
The best time to visit Cape Town is generally at the beginning and end of the year, especially from October to April. It is during these months that the weather is truly ideal to appreciate all the charm and beauty of this exceptional city. If you are wondering when to visit Cape Town, these months offer a favorable climate combining mild warmth, generous sunshine, and low precipitation, making it a privileged time to explore the city and its surroundings, engage in water sports such as surfing, scuba diving, as well as go hiking in Table Mountain National Park.
However, if you prefer to avoid the influx of tourists, consider visiting Cape Town outside the peak tourist season, which extends from October to March. During these periods, the city is more crowded, tourist attractions are busier, and accommodation rates may be higher.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that even during less favorable weather months, such as July and August, Cape Town still has a lot to offer. Despite higher precipitation, these months offer lush greenery and splendid landscapes, thanks to local flora that flourishes and thrives with the rain.
Furthermore, the choice of the visiting period may also depend on the activities you wish to engage in. Summer months (December to February) are perfect for beach and outdoor activities, while autumn (March to May) offers mild temperatures ideal for city exploration. Winter (June to August) is the time to enjoy green landscapes, and spring (September to November) is the ideal time to admire blooming landscapes.
In conclusion, Cape Town is a destination that can be visited all year round. However, for an optimal experience, prioritize the months of January, February, March, April, October, November, and December. It all depends on your preferences, whether in terms of climate, tourist influx, or activities to do.
So, when is the best time to go to Cape Town? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The weather is good all year round in Cape Town
- On average, the warmest months are January, February, March and December
- The coldest months are June, July and August
- June is the rainiest month
- The best months for swimming are January, February, March, November and December
Annual weather in Cape Town
Weather details in Cape Town month by month
Weather and climate in Cape Town
Cape Town, located in South Africa, enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, making it pleasant to visit throughout the year. Specifically, according to the Köppen-Geiger classification, it has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb). The climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, each offering its own attractions. Below, we will explore the climate and typical weather conditions of each season in Cape Town.
Summer in Cape Town (December to February)
Summer in Cape Town is highly popular among travelers. The temperature generally ranges from a pleasant 21°C (70°F) to a warm 27°C (81°F) . Rain is rare during these months, with an average of one rainy day per month. Most days are sunny and clear, with only occasional showers. The clear skies and abundant sunshine make this period an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.
Autumn in Cape Town (March to May)
Autumn is another ideal season to visit Cape Town. Temperatures cool slightly, ranging between 15°C (59°F) and 26°C (79°F) . Although rain is slightly more frequent than in summer, it remains relatively rare, with an average of three to six rainy days per month. Mild temperatures and low precipitation rates make it a great time to explore the city and its surroundings without the summer crowds.
Winter in Cape Town (June to August)
Winter in Cape Town is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (65°F) . It is the wettest season, with between six and nine rainy days per month. However, even in winter, there are still plenty of sunny days. The higher precipitation leads to blooming local flora, making the surrounding landscapes particularly lush and green.
Spring in Cape Town (September to November)
Spring in Cape Town offers an ideal climate with temperatures ranging from 14°C (58°F) to 23°C (74°F) . Rain becomes less frequent, with an average of three to five rainy days per month. The mild weather and clear skies provide perfect conditions to enjoy the blooming spring landscapes.
In conclusion, no matter the time of year chosen to visit Cape Town, you can expect pleasant weather conditions. From sunny summers to lush winters, each season has something unique to offer. So, feel free to plan your trip to Cape Town and enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Cape Town
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Cape Town: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Cape Town
Find out when Cape Town has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Cape Town
- Very low season in Cape Town
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: May, June and July. - Low season in Cape Town
The months with low numbers of tourists are: August and September. - High season in Cape Town
The number of visitors to Cape Town is high in: January, February, March, April, October and November. - Peak season in Cape Town
The largest number of tourists visiting Cape Town is during: December.
Figure: Visitor index for Cape Town month by month
Best time for low prices in Cape Town
Average prices of hotels in Cape Town month by month
Generally, August is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Cape Town. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, February is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Cape Town
A return flight between London and Cape Town is generally cheaper if you go in march ($ 931 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 559 more for your airline ticket to Cape Town if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Cape Town
Average price of hiring a car in Cape Town
On average, it costs $ 26 per day to hire a car in Cape Town. This price varies by $ 4.2 depending on the month. In september, hiring a car costs an average of $ 24 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in february is $ 29.
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