Last Updated on May 1, 2026 by Hannah Stephenson
When most people think of Cape Town, they think of sunshine and beaches, so visiting in winter might not sound like the obvious choice.
However… I actually think Cape Town in winter is underrated!
I’ve spent several winters here since moving in 2021. While the weather isn’t perfect, there’s still a lot to love about the city during the cooler months. In fact, depending on what you’re looking for, it might even be a better time to visit.
Plus, winter is the best time of year to go on a safari in South Africa. So if you’re wondering whether to add Cape Town onto your itinerary, the answer is yes!
In this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of visiting Cape Town in winter to help you decide whether or not it’s worth it.
(Spoiler alert: Cape Town is always worth it).
Is Cape Town Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes! Cape Town in winter is 100% worth visiting. While you won’t get ideal beach weather, you’ll benefit from lower hotel prices and fewer crowds, which can make your trip a lot more enjoyable.
What Is Winter Like in Cape Town?
To be honest, I kind of love it!
Winter in Cape Town runs from June to August. In true Cape Town style, temperatures can vary a lot. One day might be a chilly 10°C, while the next it could be a balmy 20°C.
On average, you’re looking at:
- June: 11-18°C
- July: 10-17°C
- August: 11-18°C
So yes, it’s cooler and you’ll get some rainy days, but it’s definitely not freezing. As a Brit, I wouldn’t even call it that cold! Just bring a jacket, and you’ll be absolutely fine.
Pros of Visiting Cape Town During Winter
Of course, Cape Town in winter isn’t prime time for beach days and strutting about in shorts. But there are some major advantages to visiting Cape Town during winter as far as I’m concerned!
Better for Hiking
There are some stunning hikes in Cape Town, but personally I find it really difficult to enjoy a hike when I’m sweating like a pig.
As long as there hasn’t been a lot of rain, it’s much nicer to hike in Cape Town during the winter because the temperature is so much more comfortable. Plus, the hiking trails are much quieter!
The trails up to Kloof Corner and Lion’s Head don’t get too muddy during the winter, so those are good ones to tackle. I’ve also done the Newlands Ravine in the middle of winter and the ground was nice and firm.
Fewer Tourists
Cape Town can get pretty busy during the summer, and I swear it gets more popular every year! This can mean long ticket queues for Table Mountain, a long wait to find a table at the Oranjezicht Market, and the need to book tours and accommodation further in advance.
However, Cape Town is a lot quieter during the winter so you don’t have to share the city with as many others! It feels a lot more chilled.
Cheaper Prices
Accommodation prices in Cape Town are cheaper during the winter because demand is lower. For more on where to stay, check out this guide!
You can also save quite a bit of money on eating out during winter. Lots of cafes and restaurants introduce weekly specials during the winter to get butts on chairs, so take advantage.
There’s also less demand for Uber rides and rental cars, which can also make a difference to your budget.
Red Wine Weather
Okay, obviously you can enjoy red wine at any time of the year during Cape Town, but it really is more enjoyable in the winter.
Going wine tasting when it’s too hot often just makes you wish you were at the beach instead, but in the winter there’s really nothing better than visiting a beautiful wine farm and sampling all of their best reds. And the same goes for drinking red in restaurants, or even at home!
Indoor Activities
Cape Town is a fantastic outdoor destination, but there’s also plenty to enjoy inside. The city is home to some incredible bars, cafes, and restaurants, as well as shopping and museums. In fact, I’ve got a full guide on how to spend a rainy day in Cape Town!
Whale Watching
Winter is the best time to see whales in Cape Town!
Humpback whales migrate here between June and October to mate and give birth to their young, and there are a ton of places to see them from.
You can see whales from Camps Bay or Clifton, or you can venture further south along the Cape Peninsula and see them around Simon’s Town or Muizenberg. We saw whales when we went to visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach in July, which was an amazing surprise!
Hermanus, a coastal town about 2 hours southeast of Cape Town, is widely considered to be the best place to see whales in the Western Cape. The Hermanus Whale Festival takes place here every year, usually at the end of September.
It’s Not as Windy
Cape Town can get hella windy during the summer. You’ll hear people talking about the Cape Doctor, a strong south-easterly wind that blows all of the pollution away, giving Cape Town much cleaner air than many other parts of South Africa.
Although Cape Doctor might be good news for your lungs, he can also give you a face full of sand, mess with your beach umbrella, or even cause your beach flip flops to blow away (yep, that really happened to a friend of mine…) In fact, a few summers ago, the wind blew an entire panel of glass out of my balcony door – it was THAT strong!
The Cape Doctor has his advantages, but it’s nice to get a respite from the wind during the winter, especially if you want to hike or have drinks outdoors. It can still be windy, but the winds are rarely as strong in the winter as they are during the summer.
Cons of Visiting Cape Town in Winter
Unpredictable Weather
Cape Town is actually famous for having four seasons in one day, but it’s especially all over the place in winter. The good news is that the rain is unlikely to be constant and you probably will get some sunshine, but you need to be flexible with your plans. I recommend scheduling weather-dependent activities (like Table Mountain or going paragliding) early on in your trip in case you need to rearrange them!
Not Ideal Beach Weather
I’ll be real with you: if your idea of a perfect Cape Town trip involves a lot of laying on the beach, then I wouldn’t recommend going during the winter. Even though you can get the odd warm day during winter, you’re unlikely to get proper beach weather.
Shorter Days
In Cape Town, the sun sets about two hours earlier in winter compared to the summertime. It normally gets dark at around 6 pm, which means you won’t get those long summer evenings. You can still catch a banging sunset on nice days, but you’ll have to do it earlier!
Quieter Atmosphere
This can be a pro or a con, depending on what you’re after! Winter in Cape Town is definitely quieter, as there are fewer tourists and locals don’t go out and about as much. This means less crowds and queues, but you don’t get that fun, buzzy energy that makes Cape Town so much fun during the summer.
Best Things to Do in Cape Town in Winter
Sunbathing is pretty much out, but there’s still plenty to do in Cape Town during the winter!
I’ve got an in-depth guide to my favourite Cape Town winter activities here, so for now I’ll give you a quick overview of the very best things to do.
Whale Watching
As I mentioned earlier, winter is whale season in Cape Town! You can sometimes spot them from the shore but to get up close, it’s best to book a whale watching cruise.
For this, I recommend visiting Hermanus, aka the whale watching capital of the world! You can stay overnight or easily do a day trip on this tour. It includes a 2-hour whale watching cruise and visit to the Stony Point penguin colony!
However, if you’re short on time, I recommend this marine safari instead because it leaves from the V&A Waterfront and only takes 90 minutes! I actually did this during the summer (read my full review here) and saw four whales despite it being entirely the wrong season for it, so during the winter you have a very high chance of success.
Wine Tasting
The great thing about wine tasting is that you can do it in all weathers! While it’s nice to sit out in the sun, most wineries also have gorgeous indoor tasting rooms where you can enjoy your vino while staying warm and dry.
I’ve got a full guide to wine tasting in Cape Town here, but my favourite way to do it is on the Franschhoek wine tram. I usually book this day trip from Cape Town!
Table Mountain
You can take the cable car up Table Mountain at any time of year, but the big bonus of doing it in winter is that the queues are so much shorter! You’re also less likely to get sunburnt at the top, which seems to happen to quite a lot of people in summer.
Just make sure to check the cable car status before you go, as it does close during strong winds or bad weather. On a clear day, though, the views are spectacular and you can easily spend an hour or so exploring at the top. If it’s cold, I like to grab a coffee or a beer at the restaurant.
Boulders Beach
Every time I have visited Boulders Beach during the summer, I’ve gotten sandblasted by the wind! However, in winter this is less likely to happen and there are fewer crowds to contend with. What’s not to love?
The Oranjezicht Market
I much prefer visiting the Oranjezicht Market in the winter because in the summer it can get so hot and crowded! It’s nice to go when you wander around easily and take your time browsing without constantly being jostled.
Safari
Winter is a great time to go on safari in South Africa, so it makes sense to pair Cape Town with a trip to the Kruger! In fact, that may well be why you’re looking at this blog post in the first place…
However, if you’re staying in Cape Town and don’t have time to head to Kruger or another major safari destination, Aquila is the easiest option. It’s a private game reserve about 2 hours from the city, and you can visit on a full-day tour.
I’ve done the Aquila Safari twice, and one of those times was in winter. I found the cooler weather much more comfortable than sitting in a safari truck in the blazing summer heat! They even gave us blankets during the game drive. It’s not a true wild safari, but it’s a fun and easy way to see animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions without leaving the Western Cape.
Spa Days
I love a spa day! Every time my bestie, Sophie, comes to visit me in Cape Town we make a point of treating ourselves. Most recently, we went to the Life Day Spa at the V&A Waterfront which was just wonderful – the staff there are so kind! Next year, we want to go tothe Garden Spa at Babylonstoren (we tried this year, but it books out way in advance so we were too late!)
What to Pack for Cape Town in Winter
I’ve got a full Cape Town packing list here with details about plugs, power banks, and the like, so in this section I’ll just focus on winter-specific items.
Basically, I’d say you should dress for winter in Cape Town like you should for autumn in the UK. You’ll need both lighter layers and warmer ones, some waterproofs, and definitely closed-toe shoes, but no need for gloves, hats, or thermals!
Cape Town winter essentials
👉 Waterproof layer – It will probably rain at some point, so a waterproof jacket is a must!
👉 Sunglasses – You’ll also probably get some bright days, so don’t leave your sunnies at home either.
👉 Jumpers – It can get pretty cool in Cape Town during winter, so warmer layers are a good idea.
👉 Lighter layers – Equally, it can be warm in the sun at times so t-shirts and lighter layers should also be in your suitcase.
👉 Jeans and trousers – Cape Town winter is definitely long-pants weather.
👉 Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll still be doing plenty of walking around and exploring. Waterproof shoes with good grip are a good idea if you’re a keen hiker!
Winter vs Summer in Cape Town
Cape Town in winter has a very different vibe compared to the summer months. There’s no right or wrong answer, it just depends what kind of experience you want.
Summer is sunny, busy, and perfect for beach days. The city has an infectious buzz in summer, but prices are higher and you’ll need to book tours and accommodation further in advance.
Winter is quieter and cheaper. The weather is less consistent and you probably won’t be spending much time on the beach, but if you want to enjoy Cape Town’s other attractions without the peak season crowds, it can be a great shout.
Personally, I would choose summer over winter, especially if it’s your first time in Cape Town and you want to experience the beautiful beaches. But if you prefer a calm atmosphere and cooler weather, winter can be a lovely time to visit, and a great way to save a bit of money in the process.
Final Verdict: Is Cape Town Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes – as long as you’re not fussed about beach time.
Cape Town is absolutely worth visiting in the winter. This time of year offers a nice reprieve from the crowds and the heat, and the cheaper accommodation prices are a nice bonus! And as a Brit, it really is not that cold, despite what some locals may say – after all, they’re much more used to heat than we are!
And if you’re already going to be in South Africa on safari, it’s 100% worth making the trip. However, if you’re planning a standalone trip and want beach days and that magic summer buzz, I’d recommend waiting until summer comes.
Thanks so much for reading this blog post! I really hope that it has helped you to decide whether or not visiting Cape Town in winter is worth it for you. And if you need more resources to help plan your trip, I’ve got them in spades – this blog is all about Cape Town! Why not start with the following?
- Cape Town Without a Car – Is It Easy & How to Get Around
- Is Cape Town Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Take After Living Here
- 20 Best Restaurants in Cape Town (No Snooty Spots, Just Great Food!)
- Where to Find the Best Views in Cape Town – A Local’s Guide
- 14 Best Tried-and-Tested Day Trips from Cape Town