Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate is one of the world’s most pleasant, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city’s dramatic setting between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean creates microclimates where one side of the mountain can be sunny while the other is shrouded in cloud. This month-by-month guide breaks down Cape Town’s weather in detail.
Cape Town Climate Overview
Cape Town has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb). Average annual temperature is 17 degrees Celsius (63 Fahrenheit). February is the hottest month averaging 26 Celsius (79 Fahrenheit); July is the coolest at 17 Celsius (63 Fahrenheit) for highs. Annual rainfall totals about 500 millimetres (20 inches), almost entirely in winter (May to September).
Summer is reliably dry, often going months without rain. The famous Cape Doctor, a strong southeasterly wind, blows frequently in summer, clearing pollution but making beach days challenging. The sea temperature ranges from a cool 15 Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) in winter to 18 Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) in summer. The Benguela Current keeps the Atlantic side cold year-round; the False Bay side is several degrees warmer.
Summer (December to February)
Cape Town summers are gloriously sunny and dry. December through February average highs of 25 to 26 Celsius (77 to 79 Fahrenheit) with abundant sunshine. Rainfall is minimal, often zero for weeks. This is peak tourist season with the highest prices and busiest attractions.
The Cape Doctor wind can be strong, particularly in December and January. Beaches are packed, and Table Mountain cableway queues can exceed two hours. Book everything well ahead. Pack summer clothes, swimwear, and sun protection. Summer is the best time for hiking Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, though start early to avoid midday heat.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn is Cape Town’s secret season. March and April deliver warm temperatures (24 Celsius / 75 Fahrenheit in March, cooling to 22 Celsius / 72 Fahrenheit by May) with dramatically fewer tourists than summer. The wind eases, and the sea is at its warmest.
May brings the first winter rains but also the start of the green season, when the landscape transforms from summer brown to lush green. Hotel prices drop significantly after March. This is arguably the best season for a Cape Town visit, combining pleasant weather with better value and fewer crowds.
Winter (June to August)
Winter is Cape Town’s wet season. June through August average highs of 17 to 18 Celsius (63 to 64 Fahrenheit) with regular rain and overcast skies. The rain typically comes in cold fronts lasting a few days, separated by crisp, clear days. Snow falls on the surrounding mountain peaks.
This is low season for tourism with the best hotel rates. The winter landscape is spectacularly green, and the lack of crowds at major attractions is a genuine pleasure. Whale watching peaks from June to November. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and warm clothing.
Spring (September to November)
Spring brings the famous wildflower bloom, particularly in August and September in the West Coast National Park and the Cape Floral Kingdom. Temperatures warm from 19 Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) in September to 23 Celsius (73 Fahrenheit) in November. Rain becomes less frequent. The whale watching continues through November. October and November are excellent months with warming weather and fewer tourists than summer. Pack layers and a light rain jacket.
