People pack for Cape Town's summer sun and get caught out by the wind. The southeaster can blow hard for days in summer, and the Atlantic beaches at Camps Bay and Clifton are cold enough to shock you even on a 26°C (79°F) day. Bring a windproof layer, and expect winter rain, not tropical warmth, from June to August.
Cape Town weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 22°C72°F | 19°C66°F | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F |
| Low | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 14°C57°F | 12°C54°F | 11°C52°F | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 15°C59°F | 16°C61°F |
| Rain days | 3 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryWarm, dry and windy. Highs of 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (79°F), lows of 16°C (61°F) to 17°C (63°F), and only 2 to 4 rain days a month. The southeaster, the Cape Doctor, blows strongest now, so bring a windproof layer for the top of Lion's Head or Table Mountain and plenty of sunscreen.
Autumn
March–MayOur pick for a visit. The wind eases, highs drop from 24°C (75°F) to 19°C (66°F) and there are only 5 to 7 rain days a month. It's good hiking weather. By May you'll want a fleece for the evenings.
Winter
June–AugustThis is the rainy season, with 11 to 15 rain days a month and June the wettest. Highs are 16°C (61°F) to 17°C (63°F) and lows dip to 9°C (48°F), and many older houses and guesthouses have no central heating. Bring a warm jacket, a rain shell and warm layers for indoors.
Spring
September–NovemberHighs climb from 18°C (64°F) in September to 24°C (75°F) in November, with 5 to 7 rain days a month. It's wildflower season up the West Coast and whale season at Hermanus. Mornings start cool, so layer up.
What to bring to Cape Town
0 of 21 packedWinter brings 11 to 15 rain days a month, and the weather on the mountain turns fast. This packs small and keeps you dry on the walk back down.
Cloud rolls over Table Mountain without much warning. It's a light, packable women's rain shell that's easy to keep in a day bag. Pack it even in summer.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
A sealed 20L day bag carries water, a layer and your phone up Lion's Head and keeps them dry when the mist comes in.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A tough, light quart of water for the Table Mountain climb, where there's nothing to buy on the way up.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Rocky trails on Lion's Head and at Cape Point mean scraped hands and blisters. This kit has the bandages and blister care to deal with both.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Keeps your phone, cards and passport behind lockable zips in the city center and at busy markets. It won't hold water or a layer, so pair it with a day bag on hike days.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
On a hiking day your phone is your map and your camera. This gives you about one extra charge with no cable to carry.
Clothing
- Windproof jacket · 1The southeaster blows hard in summer
- Warm fleece · 1Winter lows drop to 9°C
- Light layers and T-shirts · 4
- Swimsuit · 1
- Sun hat with a chin strap · 1Wind will take a loose hat
Footwear
- Trail shoes for Table Mountain · 1 pair
- Sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Quick-dry beach towel · 1
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen26°C summer highs with strong sun
- Lip balm with SPF
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign fees
Tech
- Type M plug adapter · 1Buy one locally; Type M sockets are common
What shoes should you pack for Cape Town?
Table Mountain, Lion's Head and the Cape Point trails are rocky and steep, so bring trail shoes or hiking shoes with real grip. One Lion's Head route uses chains and ladders near the top. Around the V&A Waterfront and Kloof Street, sneakers are fine.
What do people wear in Cape Town?
Cape Town is relaxed and outdoorsy. Shorts, sneakers and a light jacket are normal daywear, and smart casual covers the nicer restaurants in the City Bowl and Constantia. Always carry a layer, because the wind and the sea mist can drop the temperature fast.
What plugs does Cape Town use?
South Africa uses Type C, D, M and N plugs at 230V. The large three round pin Type M socket is the one you'll see most, and US, UK, EU and AU travel adapters won't fit it. Slim two pin Type C plugs often go in, but buy a Type M adapter when you land.
Tours and things to do in Cape Town
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cape Town.
What should you leave at home for Cape Town?
Leave the tropical-only wardrobe, even summer evenings get windy and cool. Skip flashy jewelry and expensive watches too, they can make you a target in the city center.
Packing for Cape Town: questions people ask
What should I wear in Cape Town in summer?
Light clothes, sun protection and a windproof layer. Highs reach 26°C (79°F), but the southeaster wind makes it feel cooler, especially up Table Mountain.
Does it rain in Cape Town in winter?
Yes, winter is the rainy season. June has 15 rain days, July 13 and August 11, with highs of 16°C (61°F) to 17°C (63°F).
Will my travel adapter work in South Africa?
Most won't fit the common Type M socket, which has three large round pins. Buy a local Type M adapter when you land.
Can you swim at Cape Town's beaches?
You can, but the Atlantic side at Camps Bay and Clifton is cold all year. The False Bay beaches like Muizenberg are a bit warmer.
What shoes do I need for Table Mountain?
Hiking shoes or trail shoes with good grip. The trails are rocky and steep, and thin-soled sneakers slip on loose stone.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.