Useful Cape Town Weather Information

Our Cape Town climate is largely influenced by the surrounding natural terrain of mountain ranges, the Cape Peninsula and the coastal plains.

Strong south easterly winds blow during the summer months bringing in cool air from the sea. Cloud is then formed by condensation over the mountains as the moisture laden air meets hot dry air trapped in the valley where Cape Town is situated. This cooling effect is noticeable when different temperatures are experienced on opposite sides of the Peninsula and when the famous 'table cloth' of cloud is seen rolling over Table Mountain.

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Cape Town weather in winter is influenced by the movement of cold fronts and polar depressions to the south which generate stormy gusty conditions and gale force northerly winds. Heavy soaking rain is often a characteristic of these conditions.

In the past our winter season was a lot colder and wetter, but the effect of the ongoing climatic change cycle on the weather in recent years has meant that winters have become milder, and Cape Town often experiences sunny and pleasant winter days.


Such conditions are ideal for travellers who choose to visit the Cape during the generally less crowded 'off' season in Spring and from April when transport and accommodation is cheaper, and general expenses less.

For some useful flight information go to my Cheap Flights page.

We do have our cold and rainy days in Cape Town of course, and icy times when snow falls on the high mountains. Not always a good time to visit our beaches perhaps, or hike in the mountains, but you'll find that there's always plenty to do around Cape Town anyway and the sun is usually shining happily again after a day or two.

Our Cape Town summer season officially runs from October to March but sometimes extends into a warm April as Autumn approaches.

During these months our Cape Town weather is warm to hot 25 – 35°c. Really hot days are also experienced from time to time but are often cooled down by the 'Cape Doctor' South Easterly wind which gusts strongly in from the sea.

Summer days are beach days in the Cape and the popular beaches and tourist spots around Cape Town are usually crowded at weekends and holidays. Cape Town beaches

The Cape summer evenings are long and pleasant, ideal for the traditional South African braaivleis (barbecue) or pastimes such as sport and entertainment.

The winter months June - August provide Cape Town weather conditions ranging from dry and warm to wet and cold. Temperatures generally range from 2 – 20°c and Capetonians experience short days with late sunrises and early sunsets.

Two day Cape Town weather forecast

Cape Town weather is unique in that the nature of the Cape environment often determines the conditions you get, eg. If it is raining and windy on one side of Table Mountain, the sun could be shining on the other!

Springtime Aug-October is the season to visit Namaqualand and endless fields of colorful flowers. Whale watching is also a popular pastime from various coastal areas in the Cape, as the Southern Right whales move inshore to breed.

Grapes mature during the summer months in the Cape Winelands and are generally harvested early in the year.

During the autumn months Cape Town weather is mild and the rust colors of the vines and the Cape fynbos (indigenous plants) are worth experiencing. A good time of year to visit Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Cape Winelands.

The dramatic Scarborough night sky image at the top of this page was kindly provided by Barbara Bridge from: Connect South Africa

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