Cape Town Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Cape Town’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in South Africa.
Monthly Temperature Averages
Seasonal changes in Cape Town bring a little variety without extreme temperature swings. Average maximum daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 25°C in February. In July, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a moderate 17°C. At night, minimum temperatures can drop even lower, averaging around 10°C.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Cape Town by month:
The minimum temperature is commonly observed between 4 AM and 6 AM, with the maximum occurring around 3 PM, when the sun’s strength is at its peak. February, the city’s warmest month, sees 297 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
July, the city’s coldest month, sees about 110 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 12 days. It records 193 hours of sunshine of sunshine.
Annual Temperatures in South Africa Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across South Africa. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Cape Town Temperatures Compared World Wide
Cape Town’s average annual maximum temperature is 21°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, stands out with its warm Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 23°C.
In contrast, in Zermatt, Switzerland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 4°C, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Chicago, USA, has a significant seasonal range, with an average annual temperature of 15°C.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual temperature is 21°C, expect warmer summers and milder winters.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
In Cape Town, during the coolest month, July, you will experience 81% humidity, which is considered very high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 17°C. In the warmest month, February, the humidity is 72% combined with an average maximum temperature of 25°C, which creates a high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Effects of Temperature on Weather and Climate
Temperature variations influence precipitation patterns in Amsterdam:
Rainfall: Warm air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rain during warmer months. However, precipitation is generally moderate year-round.
Snow: Occasional snowfall occurs in winter, though it rarely lasts very long.
For more detailed information about Cape Town’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Cape Town climate page.
Current temperature in Cape Town
