Cape Town Weather in March
March is one of the excellent months to visit Cape Town, with daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) at night. Some rainfall is typical for this time of year.
Rainfall in Cape Town in March
Past climate data indicates that roughly 5 days will see rain, totalling around 20 mm (0.8 in) for the month. The odd shower may pass through, but it usually doesn't amount to much. A largely dry month overall.
Temperature in Cape Town in March
March in Cape Town is generally excellent, with days reaching 24°C (75°F) and nights settling around 16°C (61°F). This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. Nights drop to around 16°C (61°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.
Sunshine in Cape Town in March
The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 293 hours of sunshine. These sun-filled days are perfect for playing sports, visiting parks, or going for a bike ride.
Wind Speed in Cape Town in March
Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during March. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.
Average water temperature in March
With water at 18°C (64°F), swimming is comfortable for most people. It feels refreshing rather than cold, though it depends a bit on personal preference.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December typically offer the best weather for Cape Town.
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 March
Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Water Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Chance of Rain
16%
Precipitation
20 mm (0.8 in)
Rainy days
5 days
Humidity
74%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
293 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cape Town typically stay consistent throughout March, with daily highs averaging around 24°C (75°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 17°C (63°F).
Average temperatures in March
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 March
Historical weather for Cape Town in March
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 March
Our historical data for Cape Town spans 1977 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- The warmest day in March was on March 11, 2026, with a maximum of 41°C (106°F).
- On March 30, 1989, Cape Town saw its coldest March day with temperatures maxing out at 13°C (55°F).
- Cape Town registered its coldest March night on March 29, 2002, with temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F).
Best Places in South Africa in March
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 March →
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What to Wear in Cape Town in March
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in March. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Light rain is possible, so consider bringing a small umbrella or rain jacket. With water temperatures around 18°C (64°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Cape Town in March
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.
