Best Time To Visit Cape Town, South Africa 2022
Trying to figure out the best time to visit Cape Town for your next South African holiday?
Cape Town is an extraordinary city to be in; any day, any time, whatever the weather. It has epic beauty and the climate is relatively mild throughout the year.
Cape Town weather is notoriously fickle, with sunshine one moment and pouring rain the next. On any given day in Cape Town, you might need a swimsuit, a windproof jacket, a blanket, and something nice to wear for an evening out on the town.
Cape Town is a beautiful city to visit year-round, and most activities can be done at any time. However, some times of year are better for certain activities, so it is best to plan your trip depending on what you would like to do.
Read on to find out the best and worst times to visit Cape Town.
Overall Best Time To Visit Cape Town
Because there are things that Cape Town has to offer at any given time of the year, it is hard to say which is the overall best time of year to visit Cape Town.
If you enjoy surfing and prefer cooler weather, come during the winter. Spring and fall are great shoulder seasons that are neither too busy nor too cold. If you want to see Cape Town at its most vibrant and to immerse yourself in the local culture, then summer is the season for you.
Although Cape Town is lovely at any time of the year, overall, the most popular time to visit is during summer, from November to February.
This period, aptly referred to as “Festive Season” by South Africans, is indeed a cause for celebration. The weather is warm, people are on leave for the holidays, and everyone is in a great mood.
Around mid-November, a buzz starts to develop throughout the city as beaches fill up, outdoor concerts take place, and the streets feel alive with excitement and possibility.
Visiting Cape Town In Spring Pros + Cons
If you’re considering a visit to Cape Town in spring, then you have a lot to look forward to.
When: September-October
Spring in Cape Town occurs during September and October and is generally quite warm, with only the occasional rainstorm.
The mountains are a more dazzling green during this time, with vibrant indigenous wildflowers sprouting up everywhere. Spring is the perfect time to go hunting for those idyllic fields of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Because of the Cape’s rich biodiversity, you will have the opportunity to witness all of the local fynbos in full bloom on the hiking trails.
Early spring is still considered whale-watching season, so if you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of one in the ocean.
There are very few cons to visiting Cape Town in spring, except that the weather can be unpredictable, and there are some cold days at this time of year.
More Things To Do In Cape Town In The Spring
- Find the best local wildflowers
- Go on a whale watching tour
- Go to a braai on Heritage Day
Visiting Cape Town In Summer Pros + Cons
Cape Town is a pretty laid-back city to begin with, but there is nothing that Capetonians love more than enjoying the summer.
When: November-February
The days are warm and long, with over 14 hours of sunlight during the peak of summer. Cape Town is a major holiday destination for South African tourists during the summer, so you will see the city at its busiest and most electrifying between November and February.
People are excited about the holidays and everyone is ready to have some fun. At any moment, you might hear the most popular South African top hits blasting from speakers, you might see people dancing in the streets, and you will definitely see everyone having fun.
The mood in the city is infectious and you will find it hard to resist joining in on the festivities.
Aside from lively events happening every day and night during the summer, some pretty awesome cultural celebrations also take place during this time. Two of the most popular and longest-running are the Cape Town Festival of Lights and the Cape Minstrel Carnival, which are both massive street parties in the city center.
Summertime is also the best time to visit the game reserves that are located outside of Cape Town. Because it is the dry season, wildlife must go to the watering holes, meaning you’ll have a better chance of spotting them.
As exhilarating as summer in Cape Town is, there are a few downsides as well.
Accommodation fills up quickly and prices are higher in general for most things. Most tourist attractions, beaches, and hiking trails will be crowded.
Summer is also the windiest time of the year, with the “Cape Doctor” tearing through the city for months at a time.
There also seem to be higher rates of crime during the festive season. People are out having fun and enjoying themselves, so they are often less likely to pay attention to their belongings. If you visit Cape Town during the summer, be sure to be more vigilant about safety.
More Things to Do In Cape Town In The Summer
- Discover local music at an outdoor concert
- Celebrate New Years at V&A Waterfront
- Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach
Visiting Cape Town In Fall Pros + Cons
Fall is a lovely time to visit the Mother City.
When: March-May
During March, April, and May, the weather is temperate, most tourists have returned home, and prices start to drop for accommodation and activities.
Fall is the best time for hiking in Cape Town since the weather is mild and the skies are crisp and clear, offering the best views of the city and mountains.
It is also the perfect time to visit the many wine estates in and around Cape Town. This is the time of year that most estates are harvesting their grapes, so you will have the opportunity to attend several harvest festivals that take place between February and March. Wine culture is big in Cape Town, so you will not be disappointed.
There are very few cons to visiting in the fall. There are some cool and downright cold days during the fall, and there is more rain than in the summer. Aside from the cooler temperatures, there is no reason not to visit Cape Town in the fall.
More Things To Do In Cape Town In The Fall
- Take a wine tour in the Cape Winelands
- Hike Table Mountain
- See the autumn leaves in Newlands Forest
Visiting Cape Town In Winter Pros + Cons
Before visiting South Africa, many tourists have a belief that all of Africa is hot. Like many other foreigners, if you have thought of Africa as only a land of hot and humid jungles and bone-dry deserts, then try a winter in Cape Town.
When: June-August
Many visitors to Cape Town are surprised by how chilly the city can be, especially during the winter months of June, July, and August. Although the winters are not comparable to the icy blizzards in the US or Europe, there is a crisp feel to the air, with temperatures going as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter is also the rainiest season in the city, with some storms lasting several days at a time. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to see the occasional snow-capped mountain in the distance.
During the winter, you will likely have tourist attractions and hiking trails all to yourself. While this is a dream for most travelers, ensure that all attractions are open when you visit since some places have limited hours during the winter.
Winter is also best for surfing. The waves are big and clean, with great opportunities to surf almost every day. The water is frigid though, so be sure to grab a wetsuit before you partake in one of Cape Town’s favorite watersports.
On the other hand, if you enjoy meeting other travelers, perhaps winter is not for you. Hostels and hotels are close to empty at this time, so you will likely be alone at the breakfast table.
Winter is also the coldest time of year in Cape Town, with less than 9 hours of daylight on average. Those wanting to enjoy sunny beach days might avoid coming in winter.
Things To Do In Cape Town In The Winter
- Learn about art and history at a museum
- Go surfing
- Enjoy music, food, and shopping at an indoor market
Worst Time To Visit Cape Town
Although you can find beauty in Cape Town throughout the entire year, some months are definitely less enjoyable than others.
The worst time to visit Cape Town is during the winter months (June- August). There is also far less daylight during these cold and rainy months, so you will have less time to complete outdoor activities.
If you’re visiting during the winter, plan your hikes for the first few days you arrive so that you have ample time to reschedule in the case of poor weather.
Many businesses tend to close earlier as well.
Best Time To Visit Cape Town: FAQs
I’m sure you’ve thought up a few more questions regarding the best time to visit Cape Town, so we wanted to cover all of the bases. Here are the most frequently asked questions:
When Is The Best Time To Visit Cape Town To Avoid Crowds?
Although winter is by far the least crowded, the weather can put a damper on any plans you might have. Since many of Cape Town’s most popular activities are outdoors, most travelers opt for periods of dry weather to take full advantage of Cape Town’s natural beauty.
The best times to visit Cape Town if you are looking to avoid the crowds are late fall (March and April) or early spring (September and October).
In fall, most tourists will have returned home and gone back to work, leaving many of the top tourist attractions empty and free to explore at your own pace. The air is still relatively warm and there isn’t much rain.
Springtime in Cape Town is more or less the same as fall; many tourist attractions are uncrowded since the tourist season hasn’t yet begun. However, you may find outdoor activities, such as beaches and hiking trails, quite busy on a warm spring day since locals will be dying to get outside after the cold winter has passed.
When Is The Rainy Season In Cape Town?
Cape Town’s rainy season is winter, with June being the rainiest month of the year. If you decide to visit Cape Town during the rainy season, be sure to plan your activities carefully. Plan to do outdoor activities, such as hiking and going to the beach, on sunny days, while saving the indoor activities for those rainy days.
Some tourist attractions, such as the Table Mountain cable cars and Robben Island, will only operate if the weather is ideal, so don’t forget to check in advance.
On those stormy days, check out some of Cape Town’s excellent museums.
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is one of the most captivating modern art museums in the world, showcasing compelling art from all over Africa. The MOCAA was built inside an old grain silo and is a piece of art in itself. At the top of the building, you will be blessed with some incredible views of the city and the V&A waterfront.
Another museum that all travelers should visit is the District Six Museum. You will learn about District Six, a culturally vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Cape Town that was completely demolished during the Apartheid Era. Tours are given by ex-residents of District Six who lived there before being forcefully removed by the government.
There are also several other museums worth visiting in Cape Town, such as the Iziko South African Museum, the South African Gallery, and the Bo Kaap Museum.
What Are The Hottest And Coldest Months In Cape Town?
Although Cape Town’s weather is relatively mild compared to other places globally, the temperatures vary between the seasons.
January is the hottest and driest month in Cape Town, with temperatures usually in the 70’s and 80’s. Cape Town’s coldest month is July, with temperatures dropping to the low 50’s, though it can feel much colder on windy days.
Regardless of what time of year you decide to visit, you should always pack clothes for warm and cold weather. Because of Cape Town’s notoriously unpredictable weather, you might encounter a freezing day in the height of summer or the perfect beach day in winter. You might even experience both extremes on the same day.
The expression “four seasons in a day” truly does apply to the Mother City.
Are There Cheaper Times Of The Year To Visit Cape Town?
Yes! The cheapest time to visit Cape Town is during the winter when tourism is down. Not only are flights and accommodation much more affordable during the winter than the summer, but many of the national park tariffs offer a discounted rate for the low season.
You will also find that restaurants offer winter specials for food and drinks in an attempt to draw people out of their homes on chilly days.
Many adventure activities, such as abseiling and snorkeling, are heavily discounted during the winter months as well, with some prices going as low as half off.
The Wrap-Up: Best Time To Visit Cape Town
Each season in Cape Town has something special and unique to offer. Although summer is by far the warmest and most popular season, it might not be best time to visit Cape Town if you are looking to avoid crowds.
Spring and fall are also considered the best times to visit Cape Town if you’d like to enjoy the warm weather without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle. Winter can be great for surfers and for those who don’t mind spending more time indoors.
Like we said in the beginning, Cape Town is an incredible place to visit at any time, during any season.
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