The best time of year to visit Cape Town
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Introduction
The best time of year to visit Cape Town depends on your personal preferences. In this guide, you’ll learn about the different seasons in Cape Town and what the pros and cons of each season is, to help you figure out what season suits you best.
The summer season (December to February) is warm, bustling, and the best season for beginner surfers. Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are transitional seasons with mild temperatures and fewer tourists, and still good for beginner surfers. During winter (June to August) the weather is cooler with frequent rainfall and it’s less crowded. This season can be a bit more challenging for beginner surfers than the other seasons, but not impossible. An upside of visiting Cape Town in winter is that other parts of South Africa experience little rainfall during these months. So if you plan to visit other parts of South Africa during your trip, June to August can be a good choice.
Seasons in Cape Town
Cape Town has four seasons. By understanding the seasonal variations in Cape Town, you can choose the best time to visit based on your personal preferences for weather, crowd, activities, and surf conditions.
Click on the tabs below to learn about each season including when it is, what the weather is like, how crowded it is, what activities are recommended, and what the surf conditions generally look like for beginners.
When: December to February
Temperature: Warm to hot, averaging 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
Precipitation: Very little to no rainfall
Crowd: High; peak tourist season
Activities: Beach visits, surfing, hiking, outdoor festivals, markets, snorkeling, diving
Surf conditions for beginners: Excellent; consistent and manageable waves, and a vibrant surf community at spots like Muizenberg Beach
When: March to May
Temperature: Mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
Precipitation: Gradually increasing, but still relatively dry
Crowd: Moderate; fewer tourists as peak season winds down
Activities: Wine tasting, hiking, outdoor activities, surfing
Surf conditions for beginners: Good; manageable waves, less crowded beaches, suitable for practicing skills
When: June to August
Temperature: Cooler, ranging from 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 64°F)
Precipitation: Frequent, often accompanied by strong winds
Crowd: Low; off-peak season
Activities: Wine tasting, hiking, outdoor activities, whale watching, surfing
Surf conditions for beginners: More challenging (but possible); bigger swells and more powerful waves, better suited for more experienced surfers
When: September to November
Temperature: Mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
Precipitation: Decreasing, transitioning from wetter winter to drier summer
Crowd: Moderate; fewer tourists compared to summer
Activities: Wildflower viewing, hiking, outdoor activities, wine tasting, whale watching, surfing
Surf conditions for beginners: Good; gentle waves at beginner spots like Muizenberg Beach, less crowded beaches
Weather in Cape Town
Based on weather reports collected during 1992–2021. Source: timeanddate
1. Average temperature
- Hottest month: February
- Coldest month: June
No Data Found
|
Month
|
Min
|
Max
|
|---|---|---|
|
January
|
63
|
82
|
|
February
|
63
|
82
|
|
March
|
59
|
81
|
|
April
|
54
|
77
|
|
May
|
50
|
70
|
|
June
|
46
|
66
|
|
July
|
45
|
64
|
|
August
|
46
|
66
|
|
September
|
48
|
68
|
|
October
|
52
|
73
|
|
November
|
57
|
77
|
|
December
|
61
|
81
|
No Data Found
|
Month
|
Min
|
Max
|
|---|---|---|
|
January
|
17
|
28
|
|
February
|
17
|
28
|
|
March
|
15
|
27
|
|
April
|
12
|
25
|
|
May
|
10
|
21
|
|
June
|
8
|
19
|
|
July
|
7
|
18
|
|
August
|
8
|
19
|
|
September
|
9
|
20
|
|
October
|
11
|
23
|
|
November
|
14
|
25
|
|
December
|
16
|
27
|
2. Average precipitation
- Wettest month: June
- Driest month: January
No Data Found
|
Month
|
Millimeters
|
|---|---|
|
January
|
12
|
|
February
|
12.1
|
|
March
|
18.9
|
|
April
|
46.4
|
|
May
|
54.6
|
|
June
|
80.9
|
|
July
|
78.8
|
|
August
|
69.6
|
|
September
|
41.9
|
|
October
|
30.8
|
|
November
|
30.1
|
|
December
|
19.5
|
The best time of year to visit Cape Town for beginner surfers
Summer season (December to February) is the best time of year to visit Cape Town for beginner surfers
As a beginner surfer, the best time of year to visit Cape Town is the summer season; December, January and February. At this time of year, the waves are consistent and manageable. Another plus is that the temperature is warm and it’s very little to no rainfall during this time of year.
Summer season in Cape Town is the peak tourist season. It can be a fun time to visit Cape Town, with lots of events going on and an opportunity to make new surf buddies in the water. This is however also the downside of visiting Cape Town in the summer as a beginner surfer, as the beaches and waters can get rather crowded- however the beginner beaches are big and you’ll be able to find a spot to surf even if it’s crowded.
What it's like surfing in Cape Town during other seasons as a beginner surfer
Autumn (March to May): Good for beginners
Autumn offers fewer crowds and consistent waves, making it a good time for beginners to surf in Cape Town. The weather is still warm, though evenings can be cooler, and there’s a slight increase in rainfall.
Winter (June to August): More challenging for beginners
Winter brings bigger, more powerful waves, which can be challenging for beginners. The weather is cooler, and there’s more rainfall. However, the beginner beaches are less crowded, providing ample space for practice.
Spring (September - November): Good for beginners
Spring is a transitional season with variable conditions. The waves are smaller and more manageable than in winter, making it suitable for beginners. The weather gradually warms up, and crowds start to increase, but it’s still less busy than summer.
Big Bay Beach; a good beginner surf spot in Cape Town
Cape Town's weather differs from the rest of South Africa
Cape Town has a bit of a unique weather pattern- its climate differs a bit from the rest of South Africa. During the summer months when it’s sunny, warm and dry in Cape Town, other parts of the country experience rainfalls. In Cape Town, rainfalls are more common in the winter months. If you’re planning to visit other parts of South Africa and not just Cape Town, it’s good to have this in mind when planning your trip.
I myself was not aware of the difference in the climate between Cape Town and other South African provinces when I visited South Africa. I only found out one day before leaving Cape Town to explore other provinces of South Africa that the climate differs- a tour guide told me. However, I can’t say the rain was very excessive or bothered me much- it was just some small rain showers here and there, and when it was not raining the sun was out and the weather was warm. This of course differs depending on where in South Africa you go, so do your own research!
Conclusion: The best time of year to visit Cape Town is...
… here’s a real consultant answer for you: It depends! Why? Because the best time of year to visit Cape Town depends on what is most important according to your own personal preferences.
Do you prefer less crowded or more bustling places? Do you enjoy cooler or warmer weather? Are you planning to visit other parts of South Africa and want to ensure minimal rainfall during your trip? Answering these questions will help you determine the ideal time for your visit.
To help you out, here’s a short summary of the pros and cons of each season:
Summer (December - February)
Ideal for beginner surfers due to consistent and manageable waves, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. However, be prepared for large crowds as this is the peak tourist season. It’s a vibrant time with plenty of events, perfect for those who enjoy a bustling atmosphere and meeting new people.
Autumn (March - May)
Offers a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and good surf conditions for beginners. The waves remain manageable, and the beaches are less crowded, making it a great time for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment while still enjoying outdoor activities and wine tasting.
Winter (June - August)
Best for those looking to avoid crowds and who are more experienced surfers. The waves are bigger and more powerful, and the weather is cooler with frequent rainfall. However, winter can be an excellent time to visit if you also plan to explore other parts of South Africa, as the rest of the country experiences little rainfall during these months.
Spring (September - November)
A good time for beginner surfers with manageable waves and gradually warming weather. The crowds start to increase but remain less intense than in summer. It’s a season of variable conditions, suitable for those looking for a balance between tranquility and activity.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!
Díky za skvělé čtení, hodně mě to obohatilo.
Bravo pour ce travail de qualité, c’est vraiment bien fait.