Cape Town

Western Cape Weather & Climate: South Africa

Climate by month across Western Cape, South Africa, average temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

Climate overview of Western Cape

When planning a visit to Western Cape in South Africa, it helps to know that temperatures typically range from 17°C (63°F) in August up to 25°C (77°F) during the peak of February. Our detailed climate overview is based on data from Cape Town, the region's most well-known city. For more detailed climate information about other cities in the area, please see the section beneath the map further down the page.

The weather in Western Cape during January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December is comfortably warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).

When it comes to rainfall, Western Cape sees significant variations throughout the year. June tends to be the wettest, receiving 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while February is much drier with just 18 mm (0.7 in). The driest conditions can be found during January and February, with rainfall staying below 19 mm (0.7 in).

For those seeking sunshine, January usually has the brightest skies, making it an excellent time for exploring the region.

The Western Cape is divided into three climate zones. Around Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula and the region around Stellenbosch it can rain a lot during winter (July and August) and it can be very cold.

The coastline at George, Knysna and Plettenberg - the Garden Route - has a much more average climate. Because of the rainforest there is more rainfall and the winter and summer average temperatures are not so far apart.

Inland you find mountain ranges that provide a transition in climate. Behind these mountains you find semi-desert areas.

Explore Western Cape by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Western Cape — and find the best time to visit. (based on Cape Town)

Popular cities by month

Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.

Cape Town Knysna Stellenbosch Hermanus Plettenberg Bay Bloubergstrand
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)

Climate map of Western Cape

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)
32°

Compare popular cities

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.

Cape Town 17°C (63°F) 25°C (77°F) 10°C (50°F) 18°C (64°F) 686 mm (27 in) 3,094 hours
Knysna 18°C (64°F) 24°C (75°F) 11°C (52°F) 18°C (64°F) 673 mm (26 in) 3,383 hours
Stellenbosch 17°C (63°F) 28°C (82°F) 7°C (45°F) 17°C (63°F) 790 mm (31 in) 3,094 hours
Hermanus 17°C (63°F) 25°C (77°F) 10°C (50°F) 18°C (64°F) 634 mm (25 in)
Plettenberg Bay 18°C (64°F) 24°C (75°F) 11°C (52°F) 18°C (64°F) 680 mm (27 in) 3,383 hours
Bloubergstrand 18°C (64°F) 27°C (81°F) 9°C (48°F) 18°C (64°F) 544 mm (21 in) 3,094 hours

Places in Western Cape, South Africa

Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.

Explore more

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.