The weather in
Cape Town

Cape Town weather

Weather in Cape Town

See the forecast for Cape Town in one clear overview. From temperature and wind to the chance of rain: plan a walk along the waterfront or a day on Table Mountain with up-to-date information.

Today and the next 14 days

The forecast for Cape Town is updated daily. Check the temperature, wind and chance of rain hour by hour, and use the 14-day outlook to plan ahead and spot which days look best for being outside.

Practical weather notes for Cape Town

Cape Town's weather is heavily shaped by Table Mountain and the surrounding coastline, and the famous 'tablecloth' of cloud that forms over the mountain often signals strong wind even when the city below stays clear. The strong summer south-easterly wind, locally called the Cape Doctor, is worth checking for before any outdoor plans.

Seasons in Cape Town

Southern Hemisphere seasons apply: December to February is warm, dry summer, while June to August is the cooler, wetter winter — the reverse of most of Europe's rainfall pattern. Spring and autumn tend to be calmer, more comfortable transition seasons.

Frequently asked questions

How often is the forecast updated?
The live weather data refreshes several times a day, so you're always seeing the latest forecast for Cape Town.

Is the 14-day forecast reliable?
The first few days are usually the most accurate. Further ahead, the forecast mainly shows a trend rather than the exact weather at a specific hour.

What should I check before heading outside?
Look at the combination of rain, wind and feels-like temperature. A short trip can handle a passing shower, but a longer walk or bike ride benefits from a more stable stretch of weather.

climate

Climate in Cape Town by month

Planning a trip to Cape Town? Below are the average daily high and low temperatures and the rainfall for each month, plus the sea temperature. For the coming days, see the forecast above.

Source: ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, 2015-2024; sea temperature: Open-Meteo Marine, 2023-2025. Model averages for a grid cell, not official station records.

Best time to visit Cape Town

The warmest month in Cape Town is January, with an average high of 25.9°C (79°F). The coolest is July, at 16.5°C (62°F). The wettest month is June, with about 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain. Highs of 25°C (77°F) or more are typical from January and February. For sightseeing and walking, with highs between 18 and 27°C (64 to 81°F), September to May are the most comfortable. The sea is warmest in March, at 15.2°C (59°F), and coolest in July, at 13.9°C (57°F). It doesn't reach 21°C (70°F) in any month.

Climate FAQ

What is the warmest month in Cape Town?
January, with an average high of 25.9°C (79°F) and an average low of 17.5°C (64°F) (averages for 2015-2024).

What is the wettest month in Cape Town?
June, with about 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain. The driest month is February.

When can you swim in the sea in Cape Town?
The sea stays below 21°C (70°F) on average; it is warmest in March, at 15.2°C (59°F).