Cape Town Weather Guide
Cape Town runs on a Mediterranean climate with the seasons flipped from the Northern Hemisphere — wet winters, dry summers, and a wind pattern that shapes daily plans more than the temperature does.
How the seasons work
Cape Town sits at the southern tip of Africa, where the climate is governed by the Atlantic Ocean and a rotating pattern of high and low pressure systems. In practice, that means summer (roughly November–March) is warm and dry, while winter (June–August) brings the region's rain in the form of Atlantic cold fronts. This is the reverse of what many international visitors expect, so it's worth checking the season before you pack — see our best time to visit guide for the month-by-month breakdown.
Average temperatures
| Season | Months | Typical daytime high | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 26–28°C (79–82°F) | Low |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 22–25°C (72–77°F) | Rising |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 17–18°C (63–64°F) | High |
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 20–23°C (68–73°F) | Falling |
These are averages, not guarantees — Cape Town weather is genuinely changeable, and a single day can move through several conditions.
The wind
More than temperature, wind defines a Cape Town day. The south-easter (nicknamed the “Cape Doctor” for the way it clears smog and pollen from the city) blows most persistently in summer and can be strong enough to close the Table Mountain cableway, kick up sand on beaches like Bloubergstrand, and make the difference between a pleasant Camps Bay lunch and a windswept one. The Atlantic Seaboard (Camps Bay, Clifton) and False Bay side (Muizenberg, Fish Hoek) are affected differently depending on wind direction, so if one coast is blustery, the other side of the peninsula is often calm — our Atlantic Seaboard guide and beaches guide cover which spots suit which conditions.
What to pack
- Layers, always. Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, even in summer.
- A proper rain jacket for winter — umbrellas struggle in the wind; a hooded, wind-resistant jacket works far better.
- Sun protection for summer — the sun is strong even when it doesn't feel scorching, and the ozone layer is notably thinner over southern Africa.
- Comfortable, grippy shoes for Table Mountain, Cape Point and the coastal paths, whatever season you visit.
- A light windbreaker for boat trips to Robben Island or along the coast — it's noticeably cooler on the water.
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town?
Most of Cape Town's annual rainfall arrives in winter (June–August), often as short, intense cold fronts rather than constant drizzle. Summer is typically dry.
Is Cape Town hot in summer?
It's warm rather than tropical-hot — daytime highs typically sit in the high 20s°C, moderated by sea breezes and the south-easter wind.