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JUNE

Cape Town is a lively and vibrant city located along the southern tip of South Africa. While the surrounding area is known for gorgeous natural escapes and sights, the city itself is filled with great eateries, art galleries, and other interesting activities; the colder, winter weather of June can be a great time to explore what Cape Town itself has to offer.

Throughout June, the temperature in Cape Town falls lower and lower. Just like in nearby Camps Bay, June is the middle of winter in Cape Town, South Africa. The month of June, along with July and August are the coldest and wettest times of year to visit Cape Town, and visitors should be prepared for both of these winter elements.

Temperature

In June, Cape Town is unlikely to experience temperatures above 18°C (64°F), which is the average high temperature for the month. Meanwhile, the evening and early morning temperatures are considerably lower, with temperatures starting to drop at sunset. The average low temperature falls to 7°C (45°F), and the overnight temperature is quite cold.

The average temperature for the month is a crisp 13°C (55°F). Visitors will want to bring plenty of warm clothing, particularly if you have plans to take on the walks and hikes near Cape Town.

Rainfall

It is almost certain that visitors will experience some rain during a stay in June. The resort receives an average 90mm of precipitation, and only July experiences more rain on average at an expected 100 mm. Also, Cape Town averages 14 rainy days in June. The rainy weather continues throughout the winter, with both July and August having an average 14 rainy days, as well. With this in mind, make sure you come prepared and pack some warm and waterproof clothing.

Given the colder air temperatures and rain, June is not a great time for beachgoers and sun seekers in Cape Town.

Sea Temperature

Additionally, the sea temperature is also very cold. The average sea temperature in June is 17°C (63°F), a noticeable difference from the summer high temperature in January of 20°C (68°F). However, June is fantastic time for whale watching, as described below.

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JULY

Many visitors to Cape Town do not expect July to be the coldest and rainiest time of the year in this large South African city because the northern hemisphere is experiencing the height of summer. However, July in South Africa is frequently rainy and often cold. In fact, July receives the most rainfall of any month in the year. Most visitors in July smartly plan for indoor activities such as time at Cape Town's many galleries and museums.

Rainfall

On average Cape Town receives 100 mm of precipitation in the month of July. July days are often cloudy or overcast, and there are an average 14 rainy days throughout the month. It is almost certain visitors will experience some precipitation while visiting the resort in July.

While it only snows on a very rare occasion at the resort, less than an hour away it snows nearly every year. Beginning in June and continuing through July the more mountainous towns of Ceres, Worchester and Tulbagh, located just west of Cape Town, receive plenty of white powder. However, throughout July there will often be speculation of icy rain, hail and snow in Cape Town itself, so visitors should come prepared for the small possibility of winter weather.

Sunshine Hours

The shorter winter days and likelihood of clouds and rain also mean less daily sunlight. On average, there are 6 hours of daily sunlight during July. Visitors should capitalise on these hours to ride the cableway or take in the view of Cape Town's beautiful beaches from above.

Temperature

July is also one of the coldest times of the year in Cape Town, South Africa. Whilst you are there, expect that the average temperature will be a crisp 13°C (55°F), and most days the morning and early evening temperature will hover around this point. The average high temperature for the month reaches 18°C (64°F) during the warmest points in the afternoon, which is perfect for exploring Cape Town.

Once the sun sets, the temperature begins to drop. The average low temperature is 7°C (45°F), and along with August is the coldest expected temperatures of the year in Cape Town.

Sea Temperature

The ocean is similarly cold during July. The average sea temperature reaches its lowest point at 16°C (61°F), and the cooler water temperatures will continue throughout August and September, before the spring weather of October finally begins to heat up again.

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AUGUST

Due to Cape Town's location in the southern hemisphere, August falls within the winter season in Cape Town, South Africa, just like it does in the nearby South African resort of Stellenbosch. Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and there is plenty for visitors to do even in the colder months, like August. However, August is one of the coolest and dampest of the year, and visitors should be prepared for rain and cold evenings when visiting the resort during this month.

Temperature

While there is definitely a change in seasons from the summer months of December and January to the winter months of June, July and August, the average temperature in Cape Town remains relatively mild all year long. Unlike other destinations, the average temperature never drops below freezing, even in July and August. In fact, during a stay in Cape Town in August, you can expect the average temperature to be 13°C (55°F). This balmy temperature is great for exploring Cape Town.

Like the other winter months of June and July, you can expect the average high temperature to reach 18°C (64°F). Similarly, every day the temperature drops after sunset, and during August the average low temperature is a cool 8°C (46°F). As well, Cape Town and surrounding sights like Table Mountain can be very windy during the winter months.

Sea Temperature

August is not a great time for beachgoers. The winter weather is still unpredictable and crisp, while the sea temperature remains cooler, as well. The average sea temperature of 16°C (61°F), means surfers will definitely want a wetsuit.

Rainfall

Visitors should also be prepared for rain during the month of August. Normally, there is significantly less rain in August than July, with only an average 70 mm of precipitation compared to July's 100 mm. But with an average 14 wet days throughout August, visitors are likely to experience some overcast and rainy days while on holiday.

Sunshine Hours

Visitors and locals alike will rejoice in the sunlight that does reach Cape Town in August. While days are finally growing longer, there is only an average 6 hours of sunlight per day.

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SEPTEMBER

During the months of September and October destinations in the southern hemisphere begin to experience spring weather. The days are becoming longer and the weather brighter and drier. Throughout September bright sunny days are common, unlike in the winter months of July and August, and as the weather improves, the South African costal towns, like Cape Town, really come to life again.

While Cape Town\'s weather is mild year round due to its Mediterranean climate, the weather gradually improves in September. From the start of the month to the end of the month, it is clear that winter has turned to spring, and more people are getting outside to enjoy it.

Temperature

During September, you can expect an average temperature of 14°C (57°F), up slightly from an average 13°C (55°F) in June, July and August. Likewise, the average high temperature is also a bit higher in September. Visitors can anticipate the average high temperature at the warmest point in the day to be 19°C (66°F). Throughout the other spring months, October and November, the air temperatures will continue to rise in Cape Town.

However, visitors will still want to be prepared with jackets and layers, as after sunset the temperature will drop. The average low temperature, occurring overnight, is a balmy 9°C (48°F). Visitors will also want to be aware of cooler water temperatures. The average sea temperature is a mere 16°C (61°F).

Rainfall

Unlike the wettest month of July, which has an average 100 mm of precipitation, September only experiences an average 50 mm of rain.  The upcoming months of October and November will receive even less precipitation. However, with an average of 12 rainy days throughout September, it is almost guaranteed that you will experience some rain during your stay.

Sunshine Hours

Despite some rain, many days in September are clear and sunny. There are an average 7 hours of daily sunlight, which shows that the days are becoming longer and brighter. This is a trend that will continue through the spring and summer in Cape Town.

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OCTOBER

Located along South Africa's southern coast, there are some incredible beaches close to Cape Town, however the colder weather that begins in May and June often keeps visitors from heading to the water throughout the winter months. In October, the air and sea temperature finally begins to rise and the wind is not as strong, so this month sees the first beach days.

Sea Temperature

The sea temperature reaches 17°C (63°F), up slightly from the average 16°C (61°F) in September.

The ocean waters will continue to warm throughout the late spring and summer, and along with the clear, sunny days Cape Town transforms from trendy city to beach destination by December.

Sunshine Hours

October falls squarely within the spring season in Cape Town, which means the resort is warmer and drier than the previous months, just like it is in the smaller, seaside town of Hermanus. October is also known for clearer skies and stronger sunlight than the months before it. During October there is an average 9 hours of daily sunlight, up significantly from the 7 hours in September.

Temperature

The average temperature in October is 16°C (61°F), and visitors can anticipate that the warmest time of day will be at an average high temperature of 21°C (70°F). These warm, yet mild, temperatures are perfect for exploring the galleries and eateries throughout Cape Town.

When the sun sets, the temperature in Cape Town also drops and the overnight temperature is a lot lower than during the day. Overnight the average low temperature is 11°C (52°F) at the resort, and visitors should prepare by packing a jacket or layers for the evening meal and after.

Rainfall

October sees very little rain in Cape Town. There are still an average 9 rainy days throughout the month, but many of these are characterised by overcast skies rather than a lot of precipitation. Cape Town only receives an average of 40 mm of rain for the entire month of October. This is less than half the amount that is received in the wettest month of July. Finally, visitors are able to head outdoors without the threat of rain every day.