Cape Town Weather
In Cape Town, every season has a unique appeal and, to be honest, there is no best time to visit Cape Town.
Summer days are long and make for great beach weather, while visitors from colder climates are often astounded to find warm winter days in Cape Town to match their hottest summer weather. Winter is the rainy season, which is great for snuggling up, getting cosy and sampling some excellent Cape red wine next to a wood-burning fireplace.
Whichever you prefer, there is a season in Cape Town that is cut out just for you.
Spring: September To November
Spring in Cape Town is when the floral kingdom is at its best. Not only does the natural fynbos burst into bloom, with Table Mountain supporting no less than 2 200 species, but indigenous flowers also appear in every nook and cranny.
Most wildlife gives birth to their young in spring, so visitors stand a good chance of welcoming new babies (be they whales, small bucks, birds, or dassies and other small critters), to the world during their spring visit to the Mother City.
Spring is also arguably the best time of the year for outdoor activities and adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to do to fill their days.
Summer: December To February
In the summertime, the living is easy in the Cape. Chill out on the beach, eat, drink and be merry.
You can expect crowds, so book and plan your days well ahead of time to avoid disappointment. The vibe in Cape Town during the silly season is incredible.
If you want to experience Table Mountain lit up at night, summertime is your season in the Cape. Christmas lights spread cheer in Adderley Street and the Cape Minstrels in their colourful garb maintain a general sense of festiveness during the holidays.
Autumn: March To May
When the first leaves fall, the South-Easter wind usually dissipates and sightseeing season arrives. This is the time to soak up the sun while visiting all the sites without getting stuck in the queues.
If you don't like crowds, also avoid the Easter school holidays, which will result in Cape Town getting busy with people flocking in from all over to enjoy the spoils that only this city can offer. The weather is usually still warm in autumn and it is a great time to take in the wide expanse of the African sky that spreads over the Mother City.
Great news for gourmands is that the month of May usually rings in the restaurant specials, where patrons can choose between two- and three-course options at special set rates.
Winter: June To August
The biggest secret about this season is that there are plenty of beautiful sunny days in between the rainy weather.
Experience the sun warming your back while you take in the sight of frolicking whales in the waves that come close to the Cape Town shores to give birth and mate during the winter months.
Winter is also a great time for wine tasting next to roaring fireplaces. It provides the perfect setting to get acquainted with South Africa's unique red wine cultivar, Pinotage. For a distinctive experience, sample this earthy red wine with tropical flavours in combination with South African game meats.