When to go
The Best Time to Visit Cape Town
Month-by-month climate data for Cape Town, South Africa — daily highs and lows, rain days, and an honest verdict for every month of the year.
Timing is the first real decision when planning Cape Town— it drives crowds, prices and what's actually open. Here's how the year breaks down so you can pick dates that fit the trip you're building, not just the weather.
November–February. Their summer — warm and dry. April–September is winter (their term) — cool, wet, but whales arrive June–November.
Warmest in Cape Town: Jan (26°C / 79°F) · Coolest: Jul (16°C / 61°F) · Wettest: Aug (~12 rain days)
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)
Cape Town climate, month by month
January
26° / 17°C
~3 rain days
Excellent
February
26° / 17°C
~3 rain days
Excellent
March
24° / 16°C
~5 rain days
Excellent
April
22° / 14°C
~5 rain days
Excellent
May
19° / 12°C
~8 rain days
Excellent
June
18° / 11°C
~11 rain days
Excellent
July
16° / 10°C
~11 rain days
Good
August
16° / 10°C
~12 rain days
Good
September
18° / 11°C
~8 rain days
Excellent
October
22° / 13°C
~6 rain days
Excellent
November
23° / 15°C
~7 rain days
Excellent
December
24° / 16°C
~5 rain days
Excellent
Plan around it
Dates locked in? Start from the Cape Town travel guide or jump straight to a 3-day, 5-day or 7-day itinerary.