Weather in Cape Town

About Cape Town

Cape Town may be the most dramatically situated city on Earth. Table Mountain rises sheer above the city bowl. Winelands begin barely an hour away. The food scene rivals London. The beaches are wild and pristine.

Country

South Africa

Best months to visit

January, February, March, April, November, December

Currency

ZAR

Language

English / Afrikaans / Xhosa

Things to do in Cape Town

Table Mountain Cape Point Wine routes Boulders Beach penguins Robben Island Braai evenings

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

22C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

May

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

June

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

July

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

August

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

September

18C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

October

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

November

22C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

December

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Cape Town may be the world's most dramatically situated city — hemmed in by the flat-topped Table Mountain on one side and the cold Atlantic on the other, with a winelands valley a 45-minute drive away and penguins waddling around a beach to the south. It's exhilarating and complex in equal measure, a city of extraordinary beauty that wears its contradictions openly. Ride the cable car, drive Chapman's Peak, eat boquerones at the waterfront, and try to leave without already planning your return.

Best areas to stay in Cape Town

V&A Waterfront

Cape Town's most visited precinct — a working harbour redeveloped with restaurants, bars, shopping, and direct views of Table Mountain.

Bo-Kaap

The colourful, cobbled Malay Quarter with its pastel-painted houses, fascinating Cape Malay culture, and excellent spice shops and restaurants.

Atlantic Seaboard

The glamorous western coastline of Camps Bay, Clifton, and Sea Point — stunning beaches, stylish restaurants, and the best sundowner spots in the city.

Cape Peninsula

The dramatic drive to Cape Point via Chapman's Peak and Boulders Beach (home to African penguins) is one of the world's great road trips.

Getting to Cape Town

✈

Flights

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is served by direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, typically 11–12 hours.

⏱

From London

~11 hours direct from London

🚕

Getting around

Uber is reliable and affordable; the MyCiTi bus network covers the Atlantic Seaboard and city centre; a hire car is recommended for exploring the peninsula and winelands.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

November to March is summer — warm, sunny, and perfect for beaches and outdoor activities. April to October is cooler and wetter (the Cape has a Mediterranean climate) but the winelands and mountain hikes are still excellent.

Is Cape Town safe for tourists?

Like any large city, Cape Town requires awareness — stick to tourist areas like the waterfront, city bowl, and Atlantic Seaboard, avoid walking at night in unfamiliar areas, and take registered taxis or Uber rather than walking between venues.

Do I need a visa for South Africa?

UK citizens do not need a visa for South Africa for stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport has at least 30 days' validity beyond your return date and two blank pages.

What currency does South Africa use?

The South African Rand (ZAR) — Cape Town is excellent value for UK visitors given the favourable exchange rate, particularly for restaurants, wine, and accommodation.

Can I visit Table Mountain in any weather?

The cable car closes when the famous 'tablecloth' cloud covers the mountain or winds are too strong — check the forecast and book tickets online to avoid the queue. Hiking is possible but requires proper preparation.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Cape Town is simply extraordinary — Table Mountain at sunrise, wine tasting in Stellenbosch in the afternoon, and fresh sushi at the waterfront for dinner. The diversity of experiences in one city is unmatched.

Simon A. · January 2024

★★★★★

Chapman's Peak Drive has to be one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world — we timed it for golden hour and it was completely breathtaking. The penguins at Boulders Beach were a lovely bonus.

Nicola P. · March 2023

★★★★☆

A truly remarkable city, though the inequality is visible and prompts reflection. Take the Langa township tour — it's illuminating and supports local guides directly. The food scene in Woodstock is worth exploring too.

James O. · February 2024