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So what is the average rainfall for Cape Town?

Of course "average" is really the ‘one size fits no-one’ of data items, but I guess deep-down I'm a facts-and-figures kind of person...

(It's my father's fault - he has always owned a rain gauge!) and it sure helps with making decisions.

If you're planning a holiday it's pretty important to know when the highest rainfall is expected, right?

RIGHT!

What does the squiggly 'average rainfall for Cape Town' line really mean?

The graph points up the Mediterranean nature of the Cape Town climate - dry summers and wet winters.

The rain itself comes in great, dramatic storms caused by cold fronts sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the cold air in Table Bay cutting its way under the warmer air like a wedge. Climatology lessons from your doorstep!

Between cold fronts we have bright, clear days full of sunshine. There's a plenty of variety in the weather day-to-day so there's no risk of long, grey drizzly winters for us.

We have even spent days swimming at the beach in August!

Swimming in midwinter is not as mad as it sounds... the Atlantic Ocean water here is warmer in winter than in summer! The currents shift with the prevailing wind and leave the warmer water along the shore. Llandudno water is icy in summer, but in winter it's our favourite spot!

Should you visit us in winter, given the average rainfall for Cape town is highest then?

Obviously if you're looking for a beach holiday, the answer is no!

In reality I see visitors here all year round, and I used to wonder what lures people from a Northern Hemisphere summer to visit us here in winter...

The fact is that Cape Town is so much more than a beach destination.

If you just want to 'veg out' on the beach, I think there are more suitable destinations (how about Durban, or Mauritius or even the Caribbean?)

Of course if you choose to come just for the beach, we'd love to have you but then you should come in summer!

Some aspects of Cape Town are better in the so-called ‘off season’

Here are just a few...

Of course winter safaris are great - not so hot and better chances to see the animals - and all the cultural experiences are still here too - Robben Island, township tours (now that's an eye-opener in winter), museums, galleries...

Not to mention boat trips, shark watching... you get the picture.

Don't be put off by the numbers

My "average rainfall for Cape Town" graph can be intimidating but the numbers are not always what matters!

Some things just plain can't be done in summer.

That's nature!

So don't let a bit of rain put you off.