Overview of Cape Town: Climate

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The summer months are from December to March or April. Days are usually very hot, but the humidity is low, so it is not uncomfortable. You should stay inside or in the shade during the midday heat and use sufficient sun block. You will fight for space on the beach around New Year's with all the local tourists but it is still a great time to visit as there are a lot of events happening.

• The winter months of June and July tend to be rather wet, which does not mean rain every day. Often you will have one or two days of rain and a week of total sunshine, but it can rain for two weeks straight on occasion. It can also get very cold at night, with temperatures as low as 6 or 7°C (this is the temperature of the ocean so it will not get colder unless you go far inland) but 10-12°C normal. It will become warmer during the day, with temperatures between 14-20°C typical. Sunrises and sunsets are best in the winter, as is the seafood!

• Best times to visit are:
  • October and November: The weather is getting warmer. Spring is in the air, but it is not as hot as mid-summer yet. These months can be windy months. The South-Easter is known as the Cape Doctor as it blows away a great deal of pollution!
  • December to March: These are the prime summer months of long hot days. The sun sets late in the evening (it stays light up until about 8:30PM in December) and there is generally a lot going on. February is the most reliable month for weather, with week after week of hot days.
  • April and May: This can change from year to year, but generally speaking although it starts raining, it is still warm. There are far fewer visitors around, and you can get excellent deals on accommodation, food and most tourism services.

• Mannetjiespringbok, 478 km (297 miles)
• Witsand, 480 km (298 miles)