The Mother City is filled with beauty, wonder and adventure, and this is no different during winter in Cape Town. Boasting an endless variety of things to do, see and experience, your Cape Town winter is bound to be filled with tons of excitement and scenic beauty.
The best thing is, the whole family can join in on the Cape Town winter wonderland fun. Whether you’re young or young at heart, here are some amazing things to do to enjoy winter in Cape Town.
Things to Do to Enjoy Winter in Cape Town
1. Go on a hike
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Cape Town’s winter season boasts a mild Mediterranean climate that’s perfect for adventuring and exploring. And what better way to discover all the beauty the Mother City has to offer than to enjoy a sunrise, mid-day, sunset or moonlight hike? Because it doesn’t quite matter what time of day you decide to explore one of Cape Town’s stunning natural wonders or exciting hiking trails, it promises to be well worth it. The milder, cooler temperatures also means you get to experience a lot more of what Cape Town’s hiking scene has to offer.
2. Go whale watching
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In Cape Town, winter season is whale season, thereby making whale watching one of the most amazing things to do to enjoy winter in Cape Town. Whale watching in Cape Town has become one of the most sought-after experiences for locals and travellers alike. Every year during the months of July to September, also known as the peak calving season for whales, people travel from all around the world to see these majestic ocean giants in all their glory. And whether you choose to witness them from the shoreline, the perfect ocean view sunset spot or up close and personal in a jam-packed, boat-based whale watching ocean adventure, it promises to be a bucket-list worthy experience you won’t soon forget. If you’re looking to take advantage of the full Cape Town whale watching experience, you should definitely give our Whale Route Full Day Tour or Boast Based Whale Watching Full Day Tour a try.
3. Surf the Cape Town waves
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While this might not seem like the most obvious winter activity, in Cape Town anytime is surfing time. Surf’s up, sun-kissed and sandy feet is the Cape Town way of life, and we like to keep the beach vibes and good surfing times alive right throughout the year. The bigger waves, wind conditions and warmer ocean temperatures during the months of June – September makes Cape Town the ultimate surfing mecca for surfers around the world. But that doesn’t mean you need to be a pro surfing hotshot to enjoy the cool Cape Town waves. It’s also the perfect time to learn how to surf! Plus, this is one fun-filled ocean adventure the whole family can join in on.
4. Enjoy an Aerial cable way ride up Table Mountain
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One of the most amazing things to do during winter in Cape Town is to explore the variety of iconic landmarks and magnificent natural wonders it has to offer. And the world-renowned gentle giant of the Cape Town skyline, Table Mountain, certainly deserves to be at the very top of your list. There is nothing quite like seeing one of the Greatest Natural Wonders of the World up close, and the view from the top is bound to leave you speechless. Going on an Aerial Cable Way ride up Table Mountain has therefore become one of the most sought-after experiences for anyone travelling to Cape Town. And the fewer people and shorter ques during Cape Town’s winter season means you get to explore all the beauty Table Mountain has to offer, all without the large crowds of people surrounding you. Plus, winter in Cape Town is also known as green season, which means you’re in for one spectacular view from above.
5. Watch a live jazz performance
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Exploring the Mother City’s thriving jazz scene during winter in Cape Town certainly deserves to be on every music-lover’s to-do list. And even if you don’t consider yourself to be a head-over-heels jazz enthusiast at heart, you might just be converted after experiencing a live jazz performance in the Mother City. The Crypts, The Piano Bar, Winchester Mansions and Kaleidoscape Café are just some of the live jazz performances that will undoubtedly add some jazzy magic to your winter in Cape Town.
6. Go on a Red Bus City Sightseeing Tour around Cape Town
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Going on a Red Bus adventure around the Mother City is one cool Cape Town experience that will never lose its charm. The iconic Cape Town Red Bus Tour provides you with the perfect hop-on-hop-off adventure to see and experiences as much of the Mother City as your heart desires. Stopping at some of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, attractions and hotspots, it’s the perfect way to tick some incredible sights and adventures off your bucket-list. It’s also a fun activity that can be enjoyed by every member of the family.
7. See the Big 5 at Inverdoorn
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Besides being able to witness the majestic ocean beings of Cape Town’s Marine Big 5, seeing the real Big 5 in action is by far one of the most amazing things to do in Cape Town during winter. Inverdoorn is widely known as the most beautiful premium Big 5 safari destination in the Western Cape. Home to the beloved Big 5, the African buffalo, lion, black rhino, elephant and elusive leopard, as well as the Cape Cheetah, an abundance of other wildlife and an equally prolific bird life, Inverdoorn really is the perfect African escape. With the largest selection of wild game in the region, boasting over 1, 200 wild animals, it’s no surprise that people travel from all corners of the globe to witness the wild side of the Cape in the very best way. Our Cape Town Full Day Safari promises to give you one Cape Big 5 experience you won’t soon forget.
8. Experience Cape Town’s artistic side with First Thursdays
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On the first Thursday of every month Cape Town’s inner-city streets come alive with eager art enthusiasts exploring the Mother City’s vibrant and thrilling artistic scene. With dozens of art galleries and cultural events showcasing the wealth of talent Cape Town has to offer, it’s a night filled with incredible artistic pursuits and tons of fun. It’s completely free and there is no structured tour, so you’re free to roam the city streets and explore as many art galleries as you’d like. Cape Town’s inner-city restaurants, bars and hangouts are also buzzing on First Thursdays, thereby allowing you to enjoy a truly thrilling night out on the town.
9. Go winter wine tasting
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Home to the largest wine producing region in the world, the Western Cape boasts an abundance of incredible Wine Routes and exceptional wine. All of which can be enjoyed by you during Cape Town’s winter season. It’s therefore no surprise that enjoying an authentic wine tasting experience has become one of the most sought-after activities for anyone visiting Cape Town year-round. There’s no time quite like Cape Town wine time, so how can you possibly afford to miss out? If you’re looking for the full Cape Winelands experience our Cape Winelands Full Day Tour is jam-packed with authentic Winelands experiences, exceptional wine and stunning vineyard views.
10. Enjoy a day out at the Bay Harbour Market
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There is nothing quite like enjoying an authentic market day in Cape Town. The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay will undoubtedly fill your winter day out exploring the Mother City with tons of fun. Known as Cape Town’s most vibrant market, it’s known for its laid-back everyone-is-welcome vibe, wide selection of arts and crafts and delicious food stalls. And not to mention its live performances that will keep you entertained and loving life right throughout the weekend. And the best is, every member of the family is invited to join in on the Bay Harbour Market fun!
11. Visit Cape Point
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Winter in Cape Town is also known as green season and symbolizes the time of year when the Mother City’s natural surroundings come alive. A visit to the renowned Cape Point, one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders, will therefore be filled with glorious panoramic views of greenery that stretches as far as the eye can see. Spending a day exploring Cape Point’s lush surroundings, unique fauna and flora, range of hiking and walking trails as well as its abundant variety of beautiful beaches promises to be both exciting and memorable in every way.
12. Take a sunset drive along Chapman’s Peak
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Located on the Atlantic Coast between the charming fishing village of Hout Bay and Noordhoek, the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive is known as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Boasting one of the most magnificent views in the Mother City, a visit to ‘Chappies’, as its affectionately known by Cape Town locals, is an absolute must for anyone visiting Cape Town. But, if you’re looking to experience something extra special, a sunset Chapman’s Peak Drive promises to sweep you off your feet and capture your sunset-loving heart all at the same time.
13. Enjoy a craft beer tasting
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Besides enjoying an authentic Cape Town wine tasting, going on the ultimate craft beer tasting adventure is one fun winter activity that will have every beer lover coming back for more. In addition to local craft beer fan-favourites, there is always something new and exciting on the Cape Town craft beer horizon. Hopping from brewery to brewery and tasting all the incredible craft beers on offer therefore certainly deserves to be at the top of every beer enthusiast’s Cape Town to-do list.
14. Visit Simonstown & its colony of African Penguins
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Winter in Cape Town in no way means you need to limit your activities to the indoors. In fact, Cape Town’s mild Mediterranean winter climate invites you to explore the beautiful outdoors and visit some of its beloved coastal towns. A visit to the charming Simonstown promises to be filled with tons of fun for the whole family. Located along the vibrant False Bay coastline, Simonstown is home to a treasure chest of gems that are just waiting to be discovered by you. The vibrant Jubilee Square, the South African Naval Museum, the Warrior Toy Museum, Scratch Patch & Mineral World and Admiral’s Waterfall are just some of the places to visit on your Simonstown adventure. Not to mention the fact that Simonstown is also home to some of the best local fish and chips spots as well as Boulders Beach and it’s thriving colony of African Penguins.
15. See a show at the Fugard Theatre
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Winter in Cape Town is the best time to enjoy some of the Mother City’ artistic pursuits. And a visit to the iconic Fugard Theatre deserves to be at the top of every theatre lover’s Cape Town to-do list. Named after the legendary South African playwright Athol Fugard, the Fugard is one of Cape Town’s most beloved and celebrated theatres. It is also where you’ll catch the biggest shows on the circuit, usually with a uniquely South African flavour.
16. Explore the Canopy Walkway at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
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Kirstenbosch Gardens is one of Cape Town’s most beloved natural gems and an absolute pleasure to explore on a lovely winter’s day in Cape Town. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is the world’s first garden to be included within a natural World Heritage Site. But besides its glorious display of Mother Nature and unique fauna and flora, Kirstenbosch Gardens is also home to an amazing Treetop Canopy Walkway, also known as the ‘Boomslang’. This cool canopy walkway allows you to take a walk above the treetops of Kirstenbosch and witness its unapologetic natural beauty from a whole new perspective. It really is every bit as incredible and exciting as it sounds! It’s therefore no surprise that the walkway is one of the Mother City’s most popular attractions and was named the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOSA) at Design Indaba Expo 2015.
17. Visit the Two Ocean’s Aquarium
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Visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the most amazing things to do to enjoy winter in Cape Town for both the young and young at heart. Home to more than 8 000 marine animals representing over 250 species, the Two Ocean Aquarium truly allows you to witness South Africa’s thriving marine life in one of the most incredible ways. It also boasts a variety of amazing exhibits like the Predator, Kelp Forest and Penguin Exhibit, as well as a range of exciting marine life displays and showcases to be enjoyed by every member of the family.
18. Take a drive along Cape Town’s west coast
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Cape Town’s west coast is home to some of the Capes most charming coastal towns each offering something unique and exciting to explore. Besides beautiful beaches, stunning nature reserves, captivating fishing villages and unique hidden gems, Cape Town’s west coast also boasts some of the best seafood in the Mother City. Bloubergstrand, Langebaan, Paternoster, Jacobsbaai and Saldanha Bay are just some of the west coast gems waiting to be explored by you on your winter visit to Cape Town.
19. Enjoy a game of HintHunt at the Old Biscuit Mill
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HintHunt is fun and interactive and has taken Cape Town by storm with everyone eager to get in on the action. Thereby making it a fun-filled activity to enjoy during winter in Cape Town, especially on a chillier day out. HintHunt is a game played in groups of three to five people where you get an hour to work out puzzles and mysteries in order to release yourselves from a room. So, if you’re up for something a little different that gets your mind working in all the right ways, HintHunt is the perfect choice!
20. Enjoy a cup of Coffee at TRUTH
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Voted the world’s best coffee shop by The Daily Telegraph for a second year in a row, TRUTH Coffee Roasting Café is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s coolest coffee spots. Few things come close to the pure joy derived from enjoying a warm cup of coffee on a cool Cape Town winter day. But a cup of TRUTH coffee promises to add something special to your Cape Town coffee journey. But besides a delicious cup of coffee, prepare to be equally stunned by its unique and captivating interiors. TRUTH’s award-winning Steampunk-themed interiors and vintage Probat coffee roaster with all its modern electronics, will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot inside a Sherlock Holmes-era laboratory. Thereby adding some extra excitement to your authentic Cape Town coffee experience.
21. Visit the Cape Town Science Centre
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Boasting over 250 interactive exhibitions showing off the marvels of all things science related as well as tons of fun activities for the kids to enjoy, a visit to the Science Centre is the perfect Cape Town winter activity for the kiddies. However, although it’s mainly aimed at encouraging the learning of science, technology, mathematics and engineering in kids, it’s an incredibly fun place for adults too. Thereby making it the perfect family day out in Cape Town.
22. Enjoy a glass of red next to a warm fireplace
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Is there anything quite as appealing as enjoying an exceptional glass of red wine next to a warm fireplace? Sounds pretty magical right? And whether you choose to savour a glass of red at one of Cape Town’s renowned Wine Estates, trendy eateries, world class restaurants or from the comfort of your own home, it promises to add a bit of Cape Town magic to your winter day.
23. Explore Cape Town’s top art galleries
Exploring Cape Town’s artistic side is every bit as exciting as it is thrilling. Arguably the creative capital of South Africa, Cape Town’s vibrant creative energy and open-minded approach to all things artistic has transformed it into the ultimate mecca for artists and creatives from around the world. Boasting an incredible wealth of galleries showcasing a variety of genres by artists from across the continent, there really is something for everyone to admire and enjoy. Some of Cape Town’s top art galleries to visit during winter includes Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Michael Stevenson Gallery, Eclectica Contemporary, SMAC Gallery, Gallery MOMO, Iziko South African National Gallery, Christopher Moller, WorldArt, The Cape Gallery, Whatiftheworld.
With so many amazing things to do to enjoy winter in Cape Town, the only thing you’ll have trouble with is deciding what to do first. But regardless of what cool experience, beautiful natural wonder or hidden Mother City gem tops your Cape Town winter to-do list, it promises to make your visit to Cape Town extra special and memorable. What are you waiting for? Go explore, discover and experience to your heart’s content and make your winter in Cape Town one to remember!
