Weather in Cape Town

Planning a trip or a stroll through Cape Town? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts, to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Cape Town, located in South Africa, boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate. This means warm, dry summer months and mild, wetter winters await you here. Overall, the weather in the city is comfortable enough for visiting year-round, although each season has its own characteristics.

Summer, which falls in the period from December to February in the Southern Hemisphere, is characterized by the highest temperatures (averaging about 20-23°C) and minimal rainfall. This is the ideal time for a beach holiday and outdoor activities. Winter, from June to August, brings cooler weather with average temperatures around 13-16°C and the highest number of rainy days, although precipitation is usually moderate. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are transitional seasons with pleasant temperatures and changeable weather, when sunny days can alternate with short rains.

A distinctive feature of Cape Town's climate is the pronounced dry season during the summer months (January and February are practically rain-free) and a wetter winter period. Despite the presence of a "rainy season" in winter, the amount of precipitation is low, making the city attractive for tourism at any time of year, allowing you to choose the most suitable period depending on your holiday preferences.

The annual temperature trend in Cape Town clearly follows the changing seasons of the Southern Hemisphere, offering travellers warm summer months and a mild winter. The peak heat occurs in January and February. In January, the average temperature is 20.0°C, with the air warming up to a comfortable 22.8°C during the day and cooling down to only 17.1°C at night. February is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 19.7°C, a maximum of 22.5°C, and a minimum of 16.8°C. Summer months, including December (average 18.8°C, max. 21.5°C, min. 16.0°C), are characterized by an abundance of sun and very little rainfall, creating excellent conditions for active recreation and enjoying the beaches.

The winter period, from June to August, brings noticeable coolness to Cape Town, but without extreme cold. The coldest months are considered to be July (average temperature 12.9°C) and August (average 12.8°C). Daytime highs at this time are usually within 15.4°C - 15.6°C, and nighttime lows drop to 10.1°C - 10.2°C. June is also cool, with an average temperature of 14.0°C, a maximum of 16.8°C, and a minimum of 11.3°C. Throughout the year, the difference between day and night temperatures averages 5-6°C, which ensures pleasant cooling during the evenings and nights after the daytime heat in summer and requires warmer clothing on winter evenings.

Cape Town demonstrates seasonality in rainfall distribution characteristic of a Mediterranean climate. The city experiences a distinct dry summer season and a mild winter, when the main, albeit small, part of annual precipitation falls. Overall, Cape Town is not a rainy city, and even during the wettest periods, the amount of precipitation remains moderate.

The driest months in Cape Town are January and February. At this time, there is practically no precipitation, the average monthly figure is 0 mm, and the number of days with precipitation does not exceed two. This period corresponds to the peak of summer in the Southern Hemisphere and is ideal for those looking for predominantly sunny and dry weather.

Winter months bring the main share of annual precipitation to Cape Town, although it is small. June and July stand out as the wettest, with an average rainfall of about 3 mm in each and the highest number of rainy days – 11 in June and 10 in July. In May, August, and September, some increase in precipitation (about 2 mm) and the number of rainy days (from 7 to 10) is also observed. Given the small amount of falling moisture, rain in Cape Town usually presents as light rain or short-term drizzle rather than heavy downpours. Transitional months, such as March, April, October, and November, are also characterized by low precipitation levels (about 1 mm) and a small number of rainy days (on average 4-5).

When planning a trip to Cape Town, it is worth considering its coastal location and Mediterranean climate, which implies warm, dry summer months and a mild, wetter winter. The key to a comfortable wardrobe is layering, as the weather can change during the day, and the famous Cape Town wind can add a chill. In summer (December-February), when the average temperature hovers around 19-20°C (and daytime highs reach 21-23°C), and precipitation is practically absent (only about 2 rainy days in January and February with zero rainfall amount), pack light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, dresses, a swimsuit. Be sure to take high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun in South Africa is very strong. A light jacket or sweater will be useful for evening walks when the temperature drops slightly.

In winter (June-August), the weather in Cape Town becomes cooler, with average temperatures around 13-14°C (daytime highs around 15-17°C, and nighttime lows can drop to 10-11°C). This is also the wettest period of the year, although the total amount of precipitation remains moderate (about 2-3 mm per month, but with 10-11 rainy days, for example, in June-July). Therefore, your suitcase should include warmer items: jeans, sweaters, a fleece jacket, as well as a waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella. For transitional seasons (spring and autumn), the principle of layering is also relevant, as the temperature varies, and the probability of precipitation is lower than in winter but higher than in summer. And at any time of the year, don't forget comfortable walking shoes – they are indispensable for exploring the city's numerous attractions and its picturesque surroundings.