Recently I have had many clients asking me: “When is the best time of year to visit Cape Town?” Traditionally, one might have answered “December, or January” which is when most people have time off work, and ultimately, when Cape Town has some of it’s finer weather, and is abuzz with events and activities. But, these days, I would probably not be so quick to recommend the December/Jan period, as we are getting busier and busier every year, and hotels & accommodations are cashing in on this fact. Also, aside from it being considerably more expensive over this time of year, it is also a very busy period, with plenty of people, and plenty of traffic…
If you are to visit over this period, try and avoid Christmas & New Year, and rather opt for early December, or early Jan, as establishments may often have a gap to fill, and you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate.
Personally my favourite time of the year to be in Cape Town, is February & March. During this period, the crowds have slowed, and the weather is often perfect. Most visitors are international, and attractions are less busy, as most of our up-country friends have returned home. November, February, March, and even early to mid April are fantastic times to visit Cape Town, as you will be sure to catch great weather, and not have to compete with the maddening crowds when booking Cape Town hotels, accommodation, restaurants, tours & other activities.
Cape Town is a fantastic destination to visit at any time of the year, with beauty & culture, and many memories to be made. But, remember, if you do visit over “peak” period, you are sure to pay a premium.
Comments
admin said,
Hi Anne, Cape Town is great in December, however, late December to mid Jan are the busiest time of year, as schools are on break, and the whole country seems to descend on Cape Town. Lots of buzz and excitement, but also lots of traffic, and everything is generally more expensive. Cape Town can also be quite windy during December, whereas the later months are generally calmer. Drop us a mail, and we will offer some suggestions regarding accommodation etc. James
admin said,
Hi Rea,
August in Cape Town is still Winter with temperature ranging between 7 – 20 degrees celcius. You will still be able to visit Table Mountain & Robben Island, as we have plenty of clear days. For sightseeing, this time of year is fine, just bring an extra jersey. If you are looking to spend time on the beach, then I would recommend coming from mid October to mid April. We have some great accommodation specials running in August, for more information, please contact us via our contact page. James
Diane said,
We currently have a safari trip planned to Kruger, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, including a short visit to Cape Town. We recently met some folks from Cape Town who suggested we move the trip to late Aug to early September. They said the wildflowers would be blooming, the animal viewing would still be good, and Cape Town would be much nicer. What do you recommend?
admin said,
Spring in Cape Town is quite Sublime, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is warming up. 1 September is the first day of spring, so yes, I would definitely try and come later rather than sooner. If you need any further assistance with anything, feel free to contact us, and we will be glad to assist!
admin said,
As a further note to the above, we are currently having some of the best weather that I can ever remember, in July! The beach is full of people, children are smiling, and there is a wonderful buzz in the air. We have a number of guests capitalizing on the fantastic accommodation & restaurant specials, and loving every minute. Not too shabby for the middle of Winter I say 
Lisa Robinson said,
Am thinking of visiting S.Africa – Capetown area mainly – for 2+ wks but am concerned, mainly, re HEAT! Longing to take a break from a UK Winter but not wanting extreme heat at all – infact can’t cope with that. When would you say are the best times to go re this issue – also we’re not keen on hoards of crowds! Any cmments would be welcome.
Thank you!
James said,
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your enquiry. In December/Jan it does get quite hot, as you know, but never unbearable, due to the fact that we don’t have any humidity. That said, you might consider visiting late Feb/March or even early April, when its still nice and warm, but not quite as intense as late December/early Jan. (The prices also start to come down a little towards April)
We aren’t mad about crowds either, and are especially adverse to traffic! Anytime after Feb you should be fine, just please don’t come in late December, or early Jan, because its really busy then.
If you want to come later in the year, then late October and early November are also great!
Let us help you further? Send us an email to [email protected] and we will make sure you are looked after!
James
James said,
Hi Bookie, to be honest, the weather is a little hit and miss at that time of the year. However, you will be guaranteed some clear crisp days, with a possibility of some rain in between. Have a look here www.cometocapetown.com/why-cape-town/visitor-info/weather-in-cape-town/ for more info. James
James said,
Hi Lee, I guess it depends on what you are looking for. June & July are mid winter, so if you are looking for guaranteed good weather, and beach days, then I would say no, rather come in Summer (November – March) However, if you are looking for festivals, whales, wine, and cheaper rates then the winter time is fine. James
Louise hetherton said,
Hi we are hoping to visit South Africa on our honeymoon want to do
-cape town
-garden route
– a safari
We would be traveling there on the 1st week of may for 2-3 weeks would you recommend us to do this trip in may
What is the best month to combine all of above???
Would also love to do whale watching and diving with sharks!
Thanks
James said,
Hi Louise,
May is Autumn in Cape Town, and the weather will be a lot more moderate, and unpredictable than the Summer months.
That said, the Garden Route is beautiful at that time of year.
To be safe, I would say choose March or April, but if dates & budget are a concern, then May should be ok.
James
James said,
Hi Jim,
yes April is a great month to visit Cape Town. For Game Safari, we promote a few opportunities in our Tours section but if there is something specific you are looking for, please contact us for more info…
James said,
Hi Melissa, September is Spring time in Cape Town, so the climate is moderate. See here for more://www.cometocapetown.com/why-cape-town/visitor-info/weather-in-cape-town/september-weather/
anne monk said,
April 4, 2011 @ 7:18 pm ·
am thinking about a trip to cape town and surrounding area some safari stuff too including victoria falls for december….is that horrible time as it is not mentioned above…please advise