Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate: dry summers, wet winters and wind at almost any time of year. Here’s what to expect each season.
Cape Town by season
| Season | Weather | Crowds & prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Hot, dry, often windy | Peak, the most expensive | Beaches, outdoor concerts, long days |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Warm, calmer, cooling in May | Moderate | The wine harvest, hiking, golden light |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Cool (around 18°C highs), rainy | Low, the cheapest | Whales, green landscapes, cosy wine farms |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Warming, wildflowers | Moderate, rising | Whales in Hermanus, flower season up the West Coast |
Summer: beaches and wind
Long sunny days are perfect for Camps Bay, Clifton and the Peninsula drive. The south-easter, the “Cape Doctor”, blows hard on many days and can close the Table Mountain cableway. Book flights and hotels early for December and January.
Autumn: our favourite
March and April are often the calmest, most settled months, ideal for hiking Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. The Winelands harvest runs from February to April.
Winter: whales and low prices
Expect cold fronts with rain, broken by clear, crisp days. Southern right whales arrive along the coast, and Hermanus is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world. Robben Island ferries are more often cancelled in this season.
Spring: flowers and whales
From August to October, wildflowers bloom along the West Coast and in Namaqualand, and whale watching peaks around September–October. The weather is changeable, so pack layers.
Ready to go? Compare flights to Cape Town and hotel prices for your dates.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see Cape Town Tourism.
More Cape Town guides
- Cape Town travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Cape Town
- Cape Town itinerary: 3, 5 or 7 days
- Where to stay in Cape Town
- Table Mountain cableway tickets and hikes
- Cape Point and Boulders Beach day trip
- Robben Island tickets and tour
- Cape Town Airport to the city
FAQ: Best time to visit Cape Town
What is the cheapest time to visit Cape Town?
June to August, during the winter low season, outside the South African school holidays.
When is whale season in Cape Town?
Roughly June to November, with a peak around September–October in Hermanus and False Bay.
Is Cape Town windy all year?
Wind is common, especially the summer south-easter. March–April and some winter days between fronts are usually the calmest.
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