Cape Town Climate

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Travel websites baldly describe our Cape Town climate as 'Mediterranean'.

What if you don't know know much about the Mediterranean, never mind what its weather resembles? Hmm?

I say give the people the details!

When is it hottest, coldest, wettest? And how hot, cold or wet is that, exactly? What world cities have a climate like Cape Town?

Cape Town Climate - Which World Cities Are Similar To Us?

In the northern hemisphere, Cape Town is a pretty close match to Los Angeles or Barcelona. Bear in mind though that the seasons are reversed between north and south, so when Europe and North America are enjoying summer it's our winter here, and vice versa.

Within the southern hemisphere our climate is probably closest to Santiago in Chile (snap, honestly) or Perth in Western Australia (though not as wet).

And yes, those cities all bring to mind spectacular scenery, glorious beaches and outdoor lifestyles because that is what the Mediterranean climate zone is perfectly suited for :-).

Cape Town Climate - When is it Hottest, Coldest, Wettest?

Cape Town is hottest from December to March (inclusive).

It's coldest in July and August (though June can also get pretty nippy towards the end, and the chill drags into the first two weeks of September).

And it is wettest in June, July and August.

Cape Town Climate - How Hot / Cold / Wet is That?

The chart on the left shows all the facts and figures of rainfall and temperature at different times of the year. One thing is not mentioned: WIND. Cape Town is a city of strong seasonal winds and the prevailing summer wind is the most talked about.

The Southeaster or Cape Doctor is responsible for the famous tablecloth of cloud that spills over Table Mountain in a dramatic fashion. It can also make a nusiance of itself if you are planning outdoor activities, leading to closure of the Table Mountain cableway and a nasty sanblasting on beaches that face the wrong direction. Be sure to consult my weather tips page for ways to outwit it!

Cape Town Climate - Cool Wet Winters

STOP! Before you decide "I will never travel during the Cape Town winter" take note of a couple of points.

Firstly, our weather changes rapidly. We seldom have a long, uninterrupted spell of any kind of weather in winter. Every storm has its 'shoulders', days of comparative calm before and after which are generally bright with sunshine a fair part of the day. Beyond this, we have incredibly calm sunny days too.

Secondly, there are reasons to visit Cape Town which are only valid in the cooler months.

Whale watching - from May to November but best from August on.

Great white sharks - most spectacular in July and August.

Fynbos plants (proteas mostly) - flower from autumn through winter

West Coast and Namaqualand wild flowers - best from August to October.

Cape Town Climate - When to Visit

Most South African tourists visit Capetown during the long Christmas school holidays, or the April holidays. Northern hemisphere families, with the long school vacation falling during our Cape Town winter, find themselves with Hobson's choice. They either squeeze in a short visit during the bustle of Christmas, or take a chance on our August/September weather.

To my mind a longer, more leisurely visit beats the quick dash every time. Particularly if you are planning to include destinations outside of Cape Town - the Garden Route, Route 62 or West Coast you will have a great deal of excellent weather with relatively few days marred by poor weather.

Two further points in favour of a winter trip - lower airfares and cheaper accommodation.

Bon voyage!