Cape Town Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Cape Town.
Climate overview of Cape Town
In summer months (December to March) it is warm, sunny and dry in Cape Town. For many, this is the ideal time to visit the Cape. Also because the heat is combined with relative low precipitation, this means the humidity is not too high.
Cape Town Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Cape Town — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Cape Town
In Cape Town, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 25°C (77°F) in February to a moderate 17°C (63°F) in July.
Nighttime temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) in February to 10°C (50°F) in July.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Cape Town
On average, Cape Town receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 686 mm (27 in). The seasons in Cape Town bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, June, receives high rainfall, with an average of 126 mm (5 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 13 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, February, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 19 mm (0.7 in) over 4 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Cape Town Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Cape Town
In Cape Town, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 11.3 hours in January. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. June sees a soft sun for only 5.8 hours per average day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Water Temperature in Cape Town
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 14°C (57°F) in August to 20°C (68°F) in February.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Cape Town by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Cape Town.
The city experiences its highest humidity in May, reaching 81%. In January, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 71%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Cape Town
The average wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s (6 knots) to 6 m/s (12 knots). It is lower in May and June and higher in January. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Cape Town
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Cape Town
What is the best time to visit Cape Town?
January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December typically offer the most optimal weather in Cape Town. In contrast, July tends to have less optimal conditions. Cape Town has a distinct dry season from November to March.
What temperatures can I expect in Cape Town?
Daytime highs range from 17°C (63°F) in July to 25°C (77°F) in February. Nighttime lows range from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F).
How much rain does Cape Town get?
Annual rainfall is around 686 mm (27 in). June is the wettest month with 126 mm (5 in), while February is the driest with 19 mm (0.7 in).
How sunny is Cape Town?
Cape Town receives around 3,094 hours of sunshine per year. January is the sunniest month with 338 hours, while June is the cloudiest with just 175 hours. Overall, Cape Town enjoys abundant sunshine.
Cape Town 3-Day Forecast
Cape Town 3-Day Forecast
Cape Town on the map
Cape Town is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in June — average daytime high across popular destinations.
Durban
24°C (75°F) Pretoria
21°C (70°F) Gqeberha21°C (70°F) Johannesburg20°C (68°F) Knysna19°C (66°F) Cape Town
18°C (64°F) Hermanus
18°C (64°F) Stellenbosch18°C (64°F) 
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