Weather in Cape Town in August
There is a running joke in Cape Town that directly relates to the Crowded House classic ‘Four Seasons in One Day’. If you have been in the city for a few days, you may be nodding your head in agreement. As we head towards spring, the weather begins to change just as much as the landscape does. Spectacular sunny days, cold clear evenings, beautiful mild afternoons, rain showers and cloudy days can all be expected in August as the first new leaves start to appear on trees across the peninsula.
Cape Town Weather in August
What can you expect from the weather in Cape Town in August? Here are a few things to keep in mind…
General Overview
- Average daily maximum temperature: 18 degrees C (64 degrees F)
- Average daily minimum temperature: 8 degrees C (45 degrees F)
- Average monthly rainfall: 77mm (3 inches)
- Average days and nights: sunrise starts at about 07h00, and sunset begins at about 18h00.
Typical Climate Conditions
In typical Cape Town fashion, August weather is somewhat unpredictable. As winter comes to an end, there is no doubt that the weather is getting warmer. Days start to seem a bit longer and while evenings are still very chilly, the spectacular sunny days are a sure sign that spring is almost on its way.
But what many locals forget (even those who have lived in Cape Town from birth), the month before spring is known for its rainy days. There are a lot less rainy days than July however, and it is the rain showers that help the wildflowers come into bloom and the landscapes turn the rich verdant shades that make spring so beautiful. All the same, the best thing to note about August weather in Cape Town is that it is anything but consistent.
What to Pack for August Holidays
With a number of warm days to be enjoyed throughout August, along with quite a few wet days, windy days and cold days, it is best to be prepared when packing for your holiday this month. Make sure you have plenty of warm jackets (including waterproof ones with hoods), but bring along those t-shirts and mild weather clothing too.
Along with warmer weather, August also marks the start of the Flower Season in the Cape. As such, pollen counts are a bit higher than they are during winter. If you are prone to hay fever and allergies, you may also want to stock up on allergy medication. You can find just about anything you may need at any health store or pharmacy in Cape Town too of course.
As you will more than likely be wanting to spend as much time outdoors as you can this month, the usual packing essentials such as comfortable walking or hiking shoes and thick socks are also well recommended. As the Flower Season gets underway, there are plenty of nature reserves and outdoor highlights to be explored, making comfy shoes essential. The water may be a bit chilly for swimming at the beaches, but you might even be able to put your swimming gear to good use if you are planning a shark cage dive or scuba diving adventure this month.
For our final tip on August weather, look out for the strong winds that come and go – umbrellas will not be much good, but that warm hooded jacket we advised you to pack will certainly come in handy this August.