We all know that South Africa’s Cape Town is an ideal destination for a summer vacation, but what many do not know is that the Mother City is also an exciting place to visit in winter. Between May and September, Cape Town offers plenty of different activities to choose from and numerous indoor and outdoor events. Here are just some of the reasons why you should pack your bags and visit Cape Town this winter.
1 Best Time for Whale-Watching
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If you are planning to visit the Cape between July and September, you will have an opportunity to spot whales from different places around Cape Town. Places like Hermanus and Simon’s Town are definitely prime locations for whale-watching, while False Bay is also considered being an excellent watching hub. There are also many ways to watch whales including aerial viewings, from the coastline, or in a boat.
2 It’s the Wild Flower Season
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Head out to Cape Town this winter from August to September to enjoy the wildflower season when thousands of lovely wildflowers begin to bloom for spring. Located just a short drive from the Mother City, the West Coast National Park is probably the best place in the area to witness the amazing array of colors. Besides flowers, the West Coast National Park offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities.
3 Ideal Conditions for Surfing
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Adventurous vacationers will be happy to hear that the winter season in Cape Town offers ideal conditions for surfing. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, there are dozens of great spots in and around Cape Town worth checking out. The good news is that the storms during the winter season create giant swells which are perfect for surfing. Some of the best destinations for surfing include Long Beach, Glen Beach, Noordhoek Beach, and Scarborough Beach.
4 The Weather is Ideal for Hiking
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Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa for hiking and the winter season with its mild weather offers perfect conditions for this outdoor activity. Table Mountain boasts dozens of amazing hiking trails ranging from easy tracks to more difficult routes. Some of these hiking trails take you to the top of Table Mountain and you can enjoy spectacular views of the city once you reach the top.
5 Better Deals and Fewer Crowds
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The summer season in Cape Town usually means busy streets, crowded beaches, long queues for the Table Mountain Cableway, and lack of free parking spots. These are just some of the reasons why many travellers prefer to visit Cape Town in winter. You will definitely find more value for your money in hotels, restaurants, and on flight fares. Low season also means fewer tourists and no lines in front of many amazing attractions in the Mother City.
6 Shark Cage Diving in Winter is Better
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Boost your adrenaline and go shark cage diving in Cape Town this winter. The best time for this underwater activity Cape Town is in winter when the sharks are quite active and the visibility in the ocean is excellent. One of the best places for shark cage diving is at Gansbaai, which is located just a 2-hour drive from South Africa’s Mother City. Pick one of the tour operators and go on an unforgettable journey that includes diving equipment, wetsuits, light snacks and drinks on the boat, and of course the cage from which you can see the sharks.
7 Wine Tasting in Winter
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What better way to spend a cold winter day in the Cape than visiting a couple of its excellent wineries and estates. Most of these estates boast tasting rooms and offer snack platters to their guests. In case you are free for the whole day, there are several companies that offer tours of the Winelands. Make sure to try the popular hot mulled wine at one of the wine estates.
Planning to visit Cape Town during winter? You can check out our guide to things to do in Cape Town before the end of Winter or the Ultimate things to do in Cape Town. You can also have a look the top winter adventures in Cape Town. If you’re also looking for a perfect place to stay during winter, we can help. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation. Otherwise, we hope that you enjoy our list of top winter adventures in Cape Town this winter.
