Cape Town enjoys a temperate climate with warm, dry conditions from October to April. Temperatures peak between December and February, which is the most popular time for a Cape Town beach holiday. Expect busy beaches, a vibrant nightlife and gloriously sunny festive cheer. Cape Town’s fierce south-easterly wind blows during this time, occasionally clearing the beaches and blanketing Table Mountain in cloud.
By February the wind calms and most visitors head home, making late January to April absolutely fantastic – expect better rates, uncrowded world class beaches and less wind.
The best time for a hiking holiday in Cape Town is from late April to early June when the days are crisp and clear, great hiking weather. The best time for a Cape Town foodie safari is from late June to August. The fireside-friendly, rainy days of winter make the most of vibrant indoor markets, easy bookings at the city’s famous eateries and regular crisp, clear days for winetasting, cycling and hiking.
The best time for a whale watching holiday is from July to September when migratory southern right whales arrive along the coastline, wild flowers bloom on the West Coast and the weather warms up. Explore the Whale Coast for the best land-based whale watching.
