Cape Town Weather in August
With daytime temperatures of 17°C (63°F) and nighttime lows of 10°C (50°F), August in Cape Town brings moderate temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 98 mm (3.9 in) falls on average.
Rainfall in Cape Town in August
On average, there are about 13 days with rain during this month, averaging 98 mm (3.9 in). Rainfall intensity is on the higher side this month. Expect more substantial showers rather than light, passing rain.
Temperature in Cape Town in August
Cape Town in August gets highs of 17°C (63°F) during the day and drops to 10°C (50°F) at night. Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. Nights cool down to 10°C (50°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions. This month is known for its mildest temperatures of the year, yet it still offers a pleasantly warm days.
Sunshine in Cape Town in August
Enjoy a sunny month with about 212 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make Cape Town even more beautiful.
Wind Speed in Cape Town in August
In August, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.
Average water temperature in August
At 14°C (57°F), the water is cool but manageable for those who don't mind a bit of a shock getting in. Most people adjust after a few minutes.Should you favor a climate that's both dry and comfortably warm, January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December typically offer the most agreeable circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Cape Town's climate page.
Cape Town Temperature in August
Min Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Water Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Chance of Rain
43%
Precipitation
98 mm (3.9 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
80%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
212 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cape Town typically stay consistent throughout August, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 9°C (48°F).
Average temperatures in August
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in August
Historical weather for Cape Town in August
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cape Town spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cape Town historical weather extremes in August
Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Cape Town.
- Cape Town recorded its highest August temperature of 31°C (88°F) on August 17, 1985.
- The coldest August day was on August 26, 1976, with a maximum of 7°C (45°F).
- The coldest night in August in Cape Town was on August 5, 2003, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F).
- The wettest day in August Cape Town was on August 5, 2004 with 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in South Africa in August
Find out more about the weather in South Africa and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of South Africa in August →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Cape Town in August
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in August. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Expect water temperatures of around 14°C (57°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Cape Town in August
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Cape Town's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Cape Town climate overview or explore weather in South Africa.
