January is a bustling time in Cape Town. The weather is usually hot and sunny, although it can get windy at times. The daily temperatures range between 17°C (63°F) and 28°C (82°F), with occasional highs of up to 40°C (104°F).
You can expect long, warm days with clear blue skies. As this is considered the best time to visit Cape Town, January is peak season, which means flights and accommodation may be more expensive, and attractions can be crowded. It is advisable to plan your visit to avoid the crowds. Thankfully, the sun sets after 8 pm, giving you over 14 hours of daylight to enjoy the city.
February is still busy, but things have calmed down a bit by then. It is also a very hot month.
January and February are perfect for beaches, water sports, views, outdoor and adventure activities.
March marks the beginning of the shoulder season when the summer holiday crowds have left. During March and April, several significant events take place, such as the Cape Town Marathon, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, and Easter Weekend, which attract many local and international tourists. These weekends can be very busy, and flights and accommodations are usually booked up long in advance, making them slightly more expensive than other times. If you are not coming specifically for these events, plan your trip accordingly for a lower price.
In March and April, temperatures range between 15°C (59°F) and 27°C (81°F). By April, the first cold fronts of winter may start, bringing an average of six rainy days throughout the month. In comparison, March only has an average of two rainy days.
March and April are perfect for fewer crowds, lower rates, milder temperatures, and outdoor activities.
As May approaches, Cape Town starts to cool down considerably. This is the time when the first rains begin to fall, and the days are often cool enough to require a light jersey or sweater. Temperatures in May range from 13°C (55°F) to 22°C (72°F). As there are very few tourists around, all the major attractions are easily accessible, although there is a risk of rain dampening the experience.
However, May weather has its benefits. There is usually very little wind, so on clear days the beaches are beautiful. Moreover, the sea is actually warmer during the winter months, making the beach still an itinerary option. The month typically experiences an average of nine rainy days, meaning that there should still be plenty of gorgeous sunny afternoons to enjoy.
May is also the month when the annual winter restaurant specials begin, and you can experience some of the world’s best fine dining at a fraction of the usual cost. Accommodation providers also offer winter specials. Therefore, May is the perfect time to escape the crowds, save money, and still have a fantastic time in this incredible city.
May is perfect for saving money, avoiding crowds, wining and dining, and quiet beach days.
June to August is considered mid-winter in Cape Town, making it the coldest and rainiest period of the year. However, depending on your interests, this can be the ideal time to visit the city. One of the main reasons is that there are fewer tourists, which means you can explore the top attractions without having to face the crowds.
It is important to note that Table Mountain usually closes for two weeks at the end of July, meaning you will not be able to summit it via cable car. If this is a must-do for you, make sure your trip does not coincide with this closure. The good news is that many restaurants and accommodations offer specials during these colder months, and the flights are much cheaper than other times of the year.
During the winter months, temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) to 20°C (68°F), with most days being a crisp but bearable 13°C (55°F). Rain falls an average of 10-11 days in each month. Occasionally, there is snow on the high-lying mountain regions outside of the city. On clear days, hiking is incredible, with waterfalls tucked away in iridescent green forests, and mornings often bring moody fog in from the sea.
July and August are also the peak whale watching season in Cape Town, where you can spot Southern Right and Humpback whales calving in the shallow waters just off shore. Additionally, it is the greenest time of year, and while days are shorter, there are still around 10 hours of daylight every day. You can also enjoy lunch beside a fireplace with spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and sprawling vines in the Winelands.
Winter is perfect for off-peak rates, fewer crowds, wining and dining, amazing views and skies, hiking and whale watching.
Spring arrives in Cape Town in September, which is known for its stunning wildflowers. The Western Cape is covered in colourful blooms during this time of year, and it is truly a sight to behold. While whale season is coming to an end, the region is still a great place to visit.
The rain is less frequent, with only five to eight days of rain expected each month. The temperature ranges from 13°C (55°F) to 21°C (70°F), with most days hovering around the 14-16°C (57-61°F) mark. The winter specials conclude in September, which means the days of budget travel are over. However, the longer, warmer days, drier weather, and outdoor adventures make it worth the extra few pennies.
Additionally, you will still be able to avoid the crowds that come with summer. Prices are also lower than during the peak season, making it a great time to visit.
September and October are perfect for seeing wildflowers, whale watching and other outdoor activities.
Towards the end of the year, during the summer months, Cape Town becomes a bustling place. Locals and visitors alike are treated to long, balmy days and flock to beaches and other attractions. This is the beginning of peak season. By December, everything is in full swing, and it is the most festive time of the year.
The summer months bring about winds, but you will also find ideal days during this time. There is hardly any rainfall, and temperatures rise to between 17°C (63°F) and 28°C (82°F). It is a fantastic time of year in Cape Town!
November and December are perfect for beach days, hiking, adventure and other outdoor activities.
Although we have 11 official spoken languages, we primarily use English as a common communication medium.
It is not mandatory to have any vaccinations to enter South Africa except for a yellow fever vaccination if you have visited a yellow fever area in the last 12 months. Malaria is the only major health risk in South Africa, and it is limited to certain areas in the north-eastern part of the country, which does not include Cape Town. While there are small pockets of the Kruger National Park that are affected, the risk is considered to be very low and anti-malaria medication may not always be necessary. It is highly recommended that you consult your doctor or a local travel clinic before visiting South Africa to ensure that you take all necessary precautions.
South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incidents. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe (usually provided by your accommodation) or keep valuables in a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. The majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings, you should not have any problem. Do not enter high-crime zones without a guide. Do not walk alone in isolated places or after dark.
The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to Rand at a bank or Forex Bureau. The airports have many different Forex options available. You can also withdraw money from an ATM – banks are available throughout South Africa. However, before you arrive, make sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, but there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping.
Tipping on tour for tour guides and drivers is neither expected nor compulsory, but should you wish to tip them, you are welcome to decide on a value that matches the level of service received.
In restaurants, tipping is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total on the bill. If the number of guests exceeds six or ten, many restaurants will automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill.
WiFi is available at most accommodations, restaurants, and airports. However, the download speed is often slow, and many connections limit your data usage. Hence, you can stay connected with your loved ones, but it is not feasible to stream HD movies during your free time.
Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA will be granted a 90-day visitor's permit free of charge upon arrival. No visa is required for these travellers; however, it is essential to carry a valid passport with at least two blank pages. Return or onward travel arrangements may be requested. If you are travelling with children under the age of 18, an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents' details must be presented.
Please note that some countries require a visa to enter South Africa, and these visas must be obtained before travelling. It is recommended to check the Department of Home Affairs office's comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas before departure.
