Climate Overview
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate reversed for the southern hemisphere — warm, dry Dec–Feb summers around 27°C and cool, wet Jun–Aug winters (96–103mm rain). Humidity stays moderate (70–80%). Nov–Mar delivers reliable beach-and-hike weather; winter brings Atlantic storms that close the Table Mountain cableway regularly.
Monthly Climate
Temperature range, rainfall, and humidity by month
Monthly Data
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26.2° | 17.3° | 12mm | 69% |
| Feb | 27.3° | 17.4° | 0mm | 67% |
| Mar | 27° | 16.7° | 8mm | 76% |
| Apr | 24.9° | 13.6° | 50mm | 72% |
| May | 20.8° | 11.1° | 102mm | 78% |
| Jun | 18° | 8.9° | 131mm | 82% |
| Jul | 17.3° | 8.1° | 118mm | 79% |
| Aug | 17.8° | 9° | 63mm | 83% |
| Sep | 20.7° | 10.5° | 9mm | 75% |
| Oct | 22.7° | 12° | 15mm | 71% |
| Nov | 26.4° | 15.9° | 1mm | 66% |
| Dec | 26.8° | 16.6° | 5mm | 67% |
When to Visit
Experiences to seek out and peak periods to plan around
Experiences & Highlights
Hot dry peak summer (27°C highs, 6–7mm rain) brings reliable cable-car days on Table Mountain and sunbathing at Clifton and Camps Bay; expect strong southeaster 'Cape Doctor' wind most afternoons.
Cows and calves gather in False Bay and Walker Bay; spot them from Boulders, Kalk Bay, or a day trip to Hermanus. September–November is near-guaranteed, with the Hermanus Whale Festival in late September.
Two-night festival at the CTICC (27–28 Mar 2026) with five stages of local and international jazz; pairs with warm 26°C autumn days still dry before the winter rains.
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia press grapes under 23–27°C skies; harvest festivals, cellar tours and long lunches while rainfall is still under 25mm.
Peak Periods & Travel Advisories
South African school holidays plus Northern Hemisphere escapees; V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and wine farms fill. Accommodation often doubles, book 3+ months ahead.
Free one-night street parade along the Fan Walk (Green Point) with floats and drum troupes; Sea Point and CBD hotels fill for the weekend.
CTICC and CBD hotels sell out, airport arrivals spike, and restaurant bookings in the Bo-Kaap and Waterfront tighten. Prices lift 30–50% over the weekend.
Coldest months (18°C highs) with 100mm+ monthly rain and frequent cold fronts. Cheaper rates and empty trails, but Table Mountain cableway often closes on windy days.
Official Resources
Government portals and tourism boards for Cape Town, South Africa