Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a place where a flat-topped mountain, two oceans and a long coastline meet in a single view. Table Mountain rises straight from the city centre, the Atlantic shore has white beaches and cliff-top drives, and the False Bay side has penguins, fishing villages and the dramatic Cape of Good Hope.
The city is also rich in history, from Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held, to the colourful Bo-Kaap and the lively V&A Waterfront. Its restaurants rank among the best in Africa, its wine estates are minutes away, and its gardens at Kirstenbosch are among the loveliest in the world.
We recommend at least three or four nights, with time for the mountain, the peninsula, the Winelands and a day trip to Hermanus or Franschhoek if you can.
Cape Town has wildlife of its own: African penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape fur seals at Hout Bay, baboons and ostriches at Cape Point, and southern right whales in False Bay from June to November. Table Mountain has dassies (rock hyraxes), the endangered Cape mountain zebra at Cape of Good Hope, and rich fynbos with more plant species than the British Isles.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Table Mountain forms a flat-topped backdrop to the city, with Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak at its sides. The Atlantic coast has dramatic cliffs and white beaches, and the Peninsula ends in the rugged cliffs of Cape Point.
Activities here
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer days are 24°C to 28°C, with the strong south-east wind known as the Cape Doctor, and winter days around 17°C to 19°C with rain and cold fronts.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | 16 | 15 |
| Feb | 27 | 16 | 17 |
| Mar | 25 | 15 | 20 |
| Apr | 23 | 12 | 41 |
| May | 20 | 10 | 69 |
| Jun | 18 | 8 | 93 |
| Jul | 18 | 7 | 82 |
| Aug | 18 | 8 | 77 |
| Sep | 19 | 9 | 40 |
| Oct | 22 | 11 | 30 |
| Nov | 24 | 13 | 20 |
| Dec | 26 | 15 | 17 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
November to March is dry, sunny and warm, with long days and beach weather. The south-easter blows often and can cancel the cable car for a day.
May to August is wet and cool, with storms off the Atlantic, but there are clear days between fronts. It is the quiet season, with whale watching and good rates.
November to March is the best time for beaches, the mountain and outdoor dining. March and April are lovely, with warm, calm days, and September and October bring spring flowers and whales.
Best time to visit Nov to Mar
Cape Town International Airport is about 20 kilometres from the city centre, with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East and Johannesburg. Domestic flights link the city with Durban, Port Elizabeth, Kruger and Windhoek. Road trips to the Winelands, the Garden Route and the West Coast are easy.
Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport. A cable car ticket for Table Mountain is booked in advance.
Cape Town has excellent hospitals and no malaria. The sun is strong in summer, and the wind can be sharp. Mountain weather changes quickly, so take layers and water on hikes.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for families
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaSafaris from
US$1,504 per person
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