Year-round weather and climate in Cape Town, South Africa
Average temperatures in Cape Town run from an average low of 9°C48°F in August up to an average high of 26°C79°F in January. January is the driest month at 3 rainy days; August the wettest at 12. Here is the annual climate data, so you know what you are packing for.
Good to know
- Population
- 4.8M
- Currency
- ZAR
- Language
- Afrikaans / English
- Time zone
- Johannesburg
Best time to visit
The most pleasant weather falls in January, February, and March, offering a perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Rain character
Tropical Downpours: Expect intense bursts of rain during wetter months. Pack quick-drying footwear and a compact umbrella.
Day-to-night swing
Evening Chill: Temperatures drop by a noticeable 9°C16°F when the sun goes down. A light sweater or jacket is usually all you need for evening plans.
Seasonality Profile
Mediterranean: Hot, bone-dry summers giving way to mild, occasionally wet winters.
Evening vibe
Outdoor Haven: With over half the year supporting mild evenings, open-air dining and rooftop bars are the norm. Pack smart-casual, breathable evening wear.
Sightseeing stamina
All-Day Strolling: Weather is generally forgiving for long walking days. Comfortable sneakers are your most important packing item.
Average temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall
Average monthly weather in Cape Town, based on recent historical data. Essential insights on temperature swings, expected rainfall, and daily sunshine.
Bars span the average daily low to high. Jan is typically driest at 3 days (16mm); Aug the wettest at 12 days (109mm).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sunshine hours | Rainy days | Total rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C / 78°F | 17°C / 63°F | 13h | 3 | 16mm |
| Feb | 26°C / 78°F | 17°C / 63°F | 12h | 3 | 13mm |
| Mar | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | 11h | 5 | 45mm |
| Apr | 22°C / 71°F | 14°C / 57°F | 10h | 5 | 35mm |
| May | 19°C / 67°F | 12°C / 53°F | 9h | 8 | 77mm |
| Jun | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | 8h | 11 | 144mm |
| Jul | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 49°F | 8h | 11 | 137mm |
| Aug | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 49°F | 9h | 12 | 109mm |
| Sep | 17°C / 63°F | 11°C / 51°F | 10h | 8 | 56mm |
| Oct | 21°C / 71°F | 13°C / 56°F | 12h | 6 | 26mm |
| Nov | 23°C / 73°F | 14°C / 58°F | 12h | 7 | 27mm |
| Dec | 24°C / 74°F | 16°C / 61°F | 13h | 5 | 31mm |
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the sunniest time of year to visit Cape Town?
The most sunshine in Cape Town comes around January, averaging 13 hours a month. If you're heading there then, pack your sunglasses and sunscreen.
What clothes should I pack for Cape Town?
Your packing list depends entirely on when you travel. Temperatures in Cape Town swing from an average low of 9°C48°F in August up to 26°C79°F in January. The Packola app builds a tailored packing list for you based on the live weather forecast for your exact travel dates.
Do I need to pack an umbrella for Cape Town?
Cape Town gets rain on about 84 days out of the year. The wettest month is August. If you're traveling during the rainy season, you'll definitely want to pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
Pack smarter.
Averages get you close, but the week you travel is what matters. Get the live forecast, a smart packing list, and discover the best local spots and activities in Cape Town with Packola.
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