What to expect in Cape Town in August
August is a mixed month in Cape Town. You get 18° / 8°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
Cape Town weather in August
Typical conditions in Cape Town during August, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 18°C 64°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 8°C 46°F |
| Rainfall | Wet 60/100 |
| Total rainfall | 77 mm3.0 in |
| Rainy days | 14 |
| Sea temperature | 15°C 58°F |
| Daylight | 10 h 52 min |
| How it feels | Mild — layers weather |
Average highs sit around 18°C with lows near 8°C. Expect a fair amount of rain, so plan indoor backups.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Low for Cape Town — plenty of space at the main sights.
Prices & value
This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year.
What to pack
Layers you can shed: 18°C by day and about 8°C after dark is a two-jacket kind of month. Add a compact rain shell and shoes you do not mind soaking; this is one of the wetter months.
What it costs
This is one of the cheaper months to visit Cape Town. Flights and accommodation sit near their yearly floor, and you can usually book late without being punished for it. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 65% less.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- People who would rather have space than perfect conditions
- Visitors who want to catch a festival
Events & what’s on
Look out for Whale Watching Season while you’re there.
- Whale Watching Season — Southern right whales calve close to shore along False Bay.
Cape Town in August compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 18° / 8° | Low | $ | 70 |
| July | 17° / 7° | Low | $ | 68 |
| August · This month | 18° / 8° | Low | $ | 68 |
| September | 19° / 9° | Low | $ | 67 |
| October | 21° / 11° | Moderate | $$ | 65 |
These months score higher for Cape Town on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in August
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in August.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
