Cape Town month by month

The best time to visit Cape Town

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Cape Town is December · February · January: 25° avg. high, premium prices. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	26° / 16°	High	$$$	Ideal
February	27° / 16°	High	$$$	Ideal
March	25° / 15°	Moderate	$$	Great
April	23° / 13°	Moderate	$$	Great
May	20° / 10°	Low	$	Fair
June	18° / 8°	Low	$	Quiet
July	17° / 7°	Low	$	Quiet
August	18° / 8°	Low	$	Fair
September	19° / 9°	Low	$	Fair
October	21° / 11°	Moderate	$$	Great
November	23° / 13°	Moderate	$$	Great
December	25° / 15°	High	$$$	Ideal

Best months December February January April

The year in Cape Town

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Cape Town.

Spring Great

Sep–Nov · highs around 21°C · Warming and drier, crowds still thin

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Summer Ideal

Dec–Feb · highs around 26°C · Summer holidays begin, beaches fill fast

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

Autumn Great

Mar–May · highs around 23°C · Warm, harvest season in the winelands

Mar ·Apr ·May

Winter Fair

Jun–Aug · highs around 18°C · Still wet, whales close to shore

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

February ·January

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

June ·July

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

June ·July

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

January ·March ·June

Practical basics

Region: Africa
Local currency: ZAR
Hemisphere: Southern (summer in Dec–Feb)
Yearly range: 7° – 27°
Strongest months: December, February, January
Good for: nature · city · food · wildlife

Events in Cape Town

Jan Cape Town Minstrel Carnival — Troupes in bright costumes parade through the city on Tweede Nuwe Jaar.
Mar Cape Town International Jazz Festival — Africa's largest jazz gathering draws international headliners downtown.
Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct Whale Watching Season — Southern right whales calve close to shore along False Bay.

Every month in Cape Town

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Cape Town in January 26° · $$$ Ideal Cape Town in February 27° · $$$ Ideal Cape Town in March 25° · $$ Great Cape Town in April 23° · $$ Great Cape Town in May 20° · $ Fair Cape Town in June 18° · $ Quiet Cape Town in July 17° · $ Quiet Cape Town in August 18° · $ Fair Cape Town in September 19° · $ Fair Cape Town in October 21° · $$ Great Cape Town in November 23° · $$ Great Cape Town in December 25° · $$$ Ideal

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Cape Town?

What is the cheapest time to visit Cape Town?

June — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 71%.

What is the weather like in Cape Town?

Average highs sit around 27°C with lows near 7°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.

Things to do in Cape Town