When is the best time to Visit Cape Town?

The stunning scenery, rich culture, and diverse attractions of Cape Town know no bounds- but when’s the best time to visit? 

One of Cape Towns overriding highlights and draws is the climate- particularly for Europeans, due to the reverse seasons. From October until May you can expect a minimum of 20 degrees, clear blue skies and shining sun. 

October is spring time, so like Europe there will be some colder days and some warmer, the same can be said for the back end of April leading in to May- as Autumn takes stage, there will still be days touching 25+ degrees, but as the nights draw in there will also be more rain and windier conditions to. 

If you’re after sun and a consistent climate, then November-April is your prime time to visit Cape Town. The sun will be shining and the days long, with lighter skies from 5:30am. 

Of course this lends itself perfectly to the endless number of activities and outdoor fun to be had in Cape Town- because hiking, kayaking, running, cycling, wine tasting, sight seeing, you name it; is always better in the sun right?! Oh and don’t forget the many famed beaches on offer too; Clifton, Llandudno, Bakoven, Saunders, Camps Bay, Muizenberg and the list goes on, if soft sand and days spent at the beach is for you, then November to April is perfect. 

However, it’s not all plain sailing as just like you- everybody else fancies a slice of winter sun! Cape Town’s busiest period is between mid December and mid January- roughly the 15th of each month. Foreign holiday makers, combined with school holidays and South Africans descending on Cape Town for their Christmas break means everything is exaggerated during this month. 

Traffic, prices, accommodation availability, restaurant bookings and in general- space. 

This isn’t to say you won’t have a good time, because you undoubtedly will; the country is alive and full of Christmas spirit- you just have to be prepared! 

But that’s where we can help; with enough notice Conquer Cape Town can provide a list of top restaurant and bar recommendations as well as booking, that sometimes require 3 months notice to book during peak season!! The same can be said for accommodation and particular hotels- if the peak season is your travel time to Cape Town, we can help make it as smooth and easy as possible as you can easily come unstuck without guidance. 

If you can head to Cape Town a littler earlier than December 15th? Or a littler later than January 15th? This would be our personal recommendation.

So other than the Christmas rush, November to April is fine and dandy? Pretty much. 

The weather will be consistent, you’ll have better chance with availability at certain restaurants, hotels and wine farms. (Although some like Tintswalo and La Colombe maintain a 3 month waiting list near enough all year round) 

Of course there will still be increased interest at the hot spots, but in comparison to peak season, it will be a breeze. 

From November 1st to December 15th and January 15th to April 1st, you can’t go far wrong with all that Cape Town has to offer. 

What about winter? Well firstly, the term winter is a loose term- temperatures don’t really drop below 14/15 degrees, but there is an increase in wind and rain, particularly on the coast and surrounding Table Mountain. But unlike the UK for example, where the sun disappears for 6 months- you will still have sunny days and even weeks in Cape Town, with crystal blue skies, providing a fresh and picturesque outlook. 

But all the activities and experiences? Of course they can still be done! In fact, a lot of things are cheaper throughout the winter- particularly restaurants and accommodation. The most preventative thing in a Cape Town winter, is the wind- as it can stop the Table Mountain Cable Car from operating or boat trips setting sail. But aside from the wind, as long as you pack a waterproof and a few layers- Cape Town is just as beautiful in the winter. 

Everybody loves beer gardens and sitting outside in the sunshine, but cosying up in-front of a fire has a similar charm to it. All the wine estates and swanky Cape Town bars/restaurants are just as wonderful in the winter months, as they change according to the seasons and surroundings. 

Perhaps the biggest highlight of a South African winter is the animal viewing. One of the best spots in the world; Hermanus offer a number of priceless opportunities to see whales and go whale watching. From June until November, the whales migrate to this hotspot and can be seen daily both from ashore and by boat. 

Cape Town and safari? You can’t leave South Africa without going in search of the Big 5 and the winter months are actually renowned for better game viewing… and cheaper prices! 

Why? Because it’s cooler, the animals are more active in the day and thus move around more frequently, which in turn provides a better chance of catching a glimpse of certain animals! In the blazing summer, hunting takes place in the evening as the heat becomes too exhausting in the day for most predators. 

So when’s the best time to visit Cape Town? Realistically you will struggle immensely to have a bad time, whenever you touch down in South Africa- but it just depends what your preference is!