Winter in Cape Town is a great time to visit. The weather is cooler, which makes it perfect for exploring outdoors or escaping to one of the many beaches. The city comes alive during winter as people flock from all over the country to enjoy some R&R in South Africa’s first-world city.
The temperature hovers around 15°C throughout winter, with temperatures dropping as low as 6°C at night and rising to 22°C during the day. The winds are stronger than usual, so pack a warm jacket if you plan on venturing out into the elements during your trip.
Wine tours
Winter is a great time to visit wine farms in the Western Cape. There are many beautiful places to explore and there are options for everyone from casual strolling to more active cycling. The mild weather is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, as you can easily make your way around farms without worrying about getting too hot or sweaty.
Cable car up Table Mountain
The cable car is the most popular way to get up Table Mountain. It’s a must-do for visitors and locals alike, but you can’t go without buying a ticket at the base station. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, there’s also the option of hiking up on your own—but be warned: this takes all day!
Hike Table Mountain
Winter is a great time to visit wine farms in the Western Cape. There are many beautiful places to explore and there are options for everyone from casual strolling to more active cycling. The mild weather is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, as you can easily make your way around farms without worrying about getting too hot or sweaty.
Museum tours
If you’re not sure where to start, a museum tour is a great way to get an overview of Cape Town’s history. There are many museums in the city that offer free tours at certain times of the week, so it’s worth checking the websites before setting out. You can also find some interesting things if you go to a few different ones. Visting the District Six Museum will give lots of information about how life used to be for people living in this area before apartheid ended in 1990.
Whale watching
Whale watching in South Africa is a great activity to do in the winter. Whale watching season runs from June to November (South African winter), and it’s best to go with an experienced tour operator who knows how to find whales and where they are most likely to be found. The best places for whale watching along the entire coastline include Hermanus, Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
You can book your trip online or through travel agencies in Cape Town and elsewhere. Booking well in advance is recommended as tours fill up quickly!
Wear comfortable clothing that you can layer on top of each other if you need more warmth or take off if it gets too hot (you’ll get wet). Bring water, sunscreen and a hat with a brim to protect yourself from the sun’s rays reflecting off the ocean surface.
Camps Bay and Clifton Beach
Each of these beaches is known for its stunning scenery, but the winter months are when you can really appreciate them. The beachfront restaurants and cafes are quieter than usual, and you’ll have more time to take in the views.
Camps Bay Beach: A popular spot with locals and tourists alike (especially on weekends), this beach is also renowned for its soft sand and beautiful people-watching opportunities.
Clifton Beaches: This area offers two different beaches—Clifton 1st Beach and Clifton 2nd Beach—both with their own unique characteristics. Stroll along the promenade at high tide to see where they meet up at low tide, or visit during high tide to watch surfers brave the waves off of Clifton 2nd Beach!