When to go to Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town may depend on what you hope to do during your visit. Long warm sunny days are enjoyed from October to April which makes this the best time to go for general touring and outdoor activities.
Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town may depend on what you hope to do during your visit. Long warm sunny days are enjoyed from October to April which makes this the best time to go for general touring and outdoor activities.
Peak Season: December and January
Shoulder season: February to May / October to November
Low Season: June to September
Best time for general touring and outdoor activities: October to May
Best time for whale watching: July to September
Best time for hiking: shoulder seasons
Advantages of going in peak season
- Lots of warm sunny days with late sunsets
- Great for outdoor activities
- Music, art, sport, and beach festivals abound
Disadvantages of going in peak season
- Availability may be limited and prices higher than other times of the year so make sure you book well in advance
- Expect long queues and traffic at popular tourist attractions
- Hiking too late in the day can get unpleasant due to the heat
Advantages of going out of peak season
- Better prices and fewer queues for tourist activities
- This is a good time for whale watching, wine tours, and shark cage diving
Disadvantages of going out of peak season
- The weather is very unpredictable with the possibility of high rainfall, stormy winds, or blissful sunshine. Most likely you will have all three…before lunchtime. Activities may be weather dependant so you will have to be flexible with your schedule.
- The days are cold with late sunrises and early sunsets