When to go on a Cape Town holiday

Cape Town is a year-round destination: it has a temperate Mediterranean climate with a distinctly Northern Hemisphere range of seasons, though of course, south of the Equator, the seasons are inverted.

Cape Town's hot, windy and dry summer season is from November to March while the autumn months of April to May see some of Cape Town's best weather: warm days and cool nights with little wind and rain.

The cool winter months of June to August are when Cape Town gets most of its rain - along with the occasional storm. Spring is from early September to early November and sees warmer, calmer weather with some lingering rain.

Note that Cape Town's combination of mountains, oceans and wildly varying wind directions means that the weather can be unpredictable and can change rapidly. This is vital to remember if you're planning a quick walk up Table Mountain let alone a full-on hike.

Average Temperatures

Summer: 15°C - 27°C (59°F - 80.6°F)

Note that temperatures regularly reach the high 30's in summer and the (in)famous south-easterly wind can really blow at this time.

Winter: 7°C - 18°C degrees (44.6°F - 64.4°F)

Note that powerful cold fronts can deliver days of seriously foul weather between June and August.

When to go to Cape Town for a beach holiday

Cape Town's beaches can be enjoyed all year round but if you want to lie around and bake then visit Cape Town in summer - December to February. It's hot, sunny and the crowded beaches develop a thumping energy.

When to go to Cape Town for whale watching

Chances are you'll see whales off the Cape Town coast any time between June and November but peak whale watching season is September - head for nearby Hermanus and the Whale Coast.

When to go to Cape Town for hiking

You can hike the mountains of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula any time of year but we'd recommend the cooler, less windy autumn months of April to May or the August to November spring months when much of the flora is in full bloom.

When to go to Cape Town for the party season

A year-round party city, Cape Town really lets her hair down over the Christmas and New Year period. Hot and sunny with lots of parties and events, you'll need to book early - there are lots of visitors!

When to go to Cape Town for the flower season

There's something flowering at any time of year in the remarkable Cape flora but for a full floral show visit Cape Town in spring - there's tons to marvel at on the mountains and at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens but the real floral extravaganza takes place a few hours north of Cape Town on the West Coast and in Namaqualand. Timing is difficult to pinpoint but usually falls between August and September.