The climate of Cape Town
With a prime location near the southernmost point of Africa,
Cape Town experiences a Mediterranean climate or, scientifically, a Creation climate of type Csb according to the Köppen climate classification. This categorization reflects a medley of contrasting seasons, with wet winters and warm, dry summers being the norm.
The year-round temperature fluctuates, with monthly averages reaching from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 26.1°C (79°F) at their highest, and dropping to between 10.2°C (50.4°F) and 17.7°C (63.9°F) at their lowest. Despite this, humidity remains subtly consistent, humbling around a 70% to 74% average. This is mirrored by visibility, which holds steady at a comfortable 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year, irrespective of the season.
Rainfall variations starkly contrast these stable parameters, with a near tenfold margin from 7mm (0.28") in
February to 98mm (3.86") in
June. Wind speed emerges likewise dynamic, from a breezy 13.4km/h (8.3mph) in winter months to a more gusty 17.6km/h (10.9mph) during
January's peak. To top it off, these hard numbers are complemented by an ample range of daylight hours, vacillating from a minimum of 9.9 hours in June and
July to a maximum of 14.4 hours in
December.
The best time to visit Cape Town
For travelers attracted by dry conditions and ample sunshine, the prime time to visit
Cape Town is from
January to
March. During this period, temperatures oscillate between a high of 24.C to 26.1°C (79°F) and a mild low from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 17.7°C (63.9°F). Sunshine increases overall enjoyment during these months, as it averages between 9.2 hours to 11 hours per day, and gives a better opportunity to explore city attractions and scenic coastlines.
The worst time to visit Cape Town
While the beauty of
Cape Town rarely fades, the weather conditions from
May to
August might not be to everyone's liking. These are Cape Town's coldest months, with high temperatures ranging between 16.6°C (61.9°F) and 19.7°C (67.5°F), and lows dipping to 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 13.1°C (55.6°F). Rainfall hits its maximum during these months, peaking at 98mm (3.86") in
June and maintaining at good 70mm (2.76") in August. Additionally, sunlight hours are limited to between 6 hours to 6.8 hours, dampening some outdoor adventures.
Spring weather in Cape Town
Cape Town ushers in a delightful spring season, from
September to
November. Temperatures move from an agreeable 18°C (64.4°F) to a summery 22°C (71.6°F) and lows climbing from 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F). Rainfall begins to recede, tapering off from 37mm (1.46") in September to an agreeable 16mm (0.63") by
December. Visitors can enjoy longer daylight hours, from 11.9 hours in September to a welcoming 13.9 hours in November.
Summer weather in Cape Town
Capetonians enjoy their summer, from
December to
February with temperatures that climb ever so slightly, peaking at 26.1°C (79°F) in
January and February, and lowering to -8.7°C (16.3°F) to 17.7°C (63.9°F). Rainfall is minimal, sinking to 7mm (0.28") in February, and providing sun worshipers with a steady 11 hours to 11.1 hours of sunshine each day.
Autumn weather in Cape Town
From
March to
May,
Cape Town experiences its autumn period. Temperatures start to cool, falling from high averages of 24.8°C (76.6°F) in March to 19.7°C (67.5°F) in May. Night lows also drop, reaching from 15°C (59°F) to 13.1°C (55.6°F). Despite the increasing rainfall from 11mm (0.43") in March to a peak of 46mm (1.81") in May, the town remains fairly sunny with an average of 8.6 hours to 6.5 hours of sunshine.
Winter weather in Cape Town
Cape Town's winter, from
June to
August, is characterized by cooling temperatures and increased precipitation. High temperatures typically reach between 16.6°C (61.9°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F), while lows fall to 10.2°C (50.4°F). The season draws the most rainfall, peaking in June at 98mm (3.86"). Despite the shorter days and longer nights, from 9.9 hours to 10.1 hours of daylight, sunshine still manages to break through, with an average of 6 hours to 6.8 hours.
Weather in January
In this commencement of the year,
Cape Town experiences peak summer conditions. The sea around this coastal city remains at a perfect 18.5°C (65.3°F) easing access to a variety of water activities. Most days in
January are sunny, attributing to high temperatures and minimum rainfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
A noted feature of the second month of the year is the drop in rainfall to an average of 7mm (0.28"), the second-lowest value of the year.
February in
Cape Town continues with mild humidity levels and gentle wind indicating unchanging steady summer weather.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As summer progresses into autumn in
March,
Cape Town weather sees a gentle slackening of heat. Visible in the noticeable drop in temperature from 26.1°C (79°F) in
February to 24.8°C (76.6°F), but still sufficiently warm for outdoor events.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is the window to changing seasons in
Cape Town, and the weather turns noticeably cooler from the height of summer. Though not extreme, the highest temperature averages at 22.5°C (72.5°F), providing comfortable warmth for exploration and activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Cape Town marks the full swing of the autumn season. It results in a remarkable increase in rainfall to an average of 46mm (1.81"), the first significant rise in the year. The cooler temperatures stick around, the skies turn more clear, and the city sprawls in shades of red and orange; bearing an enchanting view for photography lovers.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Cape Town welcomes winter in
June with the city's ambient temperature and rainfall graph hitting their yearly peaks. The cold combined with rain, often results in majestic panoramas of rainbows across the city skyline. Despite the cold, opposing climatic conditions regularly offer clear days with the well-known African sunshine providing warmth.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Cape Town continues to cement its winter status in
July. Among the colder months, July averages at a minimal sea temperature of 15.3°C (59.5°F), making it the chillest month for sea adventures. Despite a lack of higher temperatures, which keeps tourists at bay, locals enjoy city-wide indoor activities and the quiet of a less congested environment.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Cape Town is a turning point as the city slowly edges out of the winter season. The weather maintains a steady cold, but a noticeable reduction in rain gives the city a chance to dry up and prepare for the impending spring.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Spring in
Cape Town announces its arrival in
September with a marked decrease in rainfall. Nearly drying up to 37mm (1.46"), this period is characterized by blossoming flora and the rejuvenation of all kinds of outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is an exciting time in
Cape Town because of the evident ascent in temperature and the return of longer days. With spring in full bloom, the city attracts a surge of visitors who come to enjoy the pleasant weather and colorful panoramas.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Cape Town is a prelude to summer with the weather oscillating between pleasantly warm to hot. With temperatures pushing into their early twenties, this month starts harvesting the best of both spring and summer, making it a fan favorite.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the onset of peak summer in
Cape Town. With average temperatures scaling to a yearly high of 24.3°C (75.7°F), and daylight hours extending to 14.4 hours, this period becomes the most favorite for beach visits and water activities.
Weather in December »