When to visit Cape Town

There's no bad time to visit Cape Town, but each season offers different experiences. Understanding the weather patterns, seasonal highlights, and key events will help you plan the perfect trip.

Below is a handy travel calendar detailing Cape Town's climate throughout the year, plus insights on whale watching, shark cage diving, and the best times for sightseeing.

For tailor-made tours and expert safari planning, get in touch with one of our friendly travel planners who will help craft your dream itinerary!

• Hot, dry, and sunny with long daylight hours.
• Occasional strong winds, but minimal rainfall.
• Average daytime temperatures: 24–30°C, sometimes higher.
• Ideal time for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and beach visits.
• Low season for whale watching and shark cage diving.
• Ocean temperatures remain cold, even on the hottest days.

• Cooler temperatures and occasional early rains.
• April offers mild, pleasant weather, while May marks the start of the rainy season.
• Average daytime temperatures: 18–23°C.
• Shark viewing season picks up but varies depending on prey movements.
• Great time to visit Cape Town with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates.

• Cold, rainy, and windy, but occasional clear days.
• Not ideal for the beach, but excellent for indoor attractions and wine tasting.
• Whale-watching season begins.
• Average daytime temperatures: 14–19°C.
• Low season for tourism, meaning lower hotel rates.
• The Table Mountain Cableway typically closes for maintenance in late July.
• Take advantage of clear days to visit Table Mountain in early July.

• End of winter with increasing sunny days.
• Peak season for whale watching and shark viewing.
• Spectacular wildflower season along the West Coast.
• Average daytime temperatures: 16–20°C.
• Great time to visit – overlaps with prime safari season while still offering lower rates in Cape Town.

• Warmer temperatures and the end of the rainy season.
• One of the best times to visit, with plenty of sunshine.
• Whale watching is still possible, but shark and flower seasons wind down.
• Average daytime temperatures: 20–25°C, but wind can make it feel cooler.
• The Cape Doctor (strong south-easterly wind) picks up in late November.

• Peak summer and high season – book early!
• South African school holidays bring crowds to beaches and attractions.
• Hot, sunny, and windy with temperatures reaching 30°C or higher.
• The city is buzzing with events, live music, and festivals.
• Expect long queues at top attractions like Table Mountain and Cape Point from 16 December to early January.
• The festive season ends with the Cape Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse Festival) on January 2.

Looking to pair Cape Town with a safari or another destination? Contact us for expert travel advice.

Keep in mind that weather patterns vary each year—rain may come early or late, and sunny days can appear in mid-winter. This calendar serves as a general guideline.

Read more about Cape Town in our Cape Town Travel Guide.

See our recommended tours and safaris that include Cape Town.