Cape Town is already a popular tourist destination that attracts travelers with its vibrant cultures, sandy beaches and rich flora and fauna. Why Cape Town in summer is an exciting time to plan a trip to South Africa. In summer it really is a wonderland. People come out of their homes and head to the beaches, attend the many summer festivals, and quench their thirst for adrenaline with a number of adventures. If you’re in Cape Town, here’s how to make the best of your visit.
Cape Town weather in summer
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Summer in Cape Town lasts from December to April. So, when half the world is in hibernation mode during winter, Cape Town locals enjoy getting out and enjoying the sunshine. The temperature remains between 17 to 27 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to go to the beach and enjoy other summer activities available to you in South Africa’s capital.
Cape Town in summer: things to do
Here are the top things you should do in Cape Town in summer to have the best time of your visit. Make sure you don’t miss a thing for an enchanting vacation experience.
1. Surfing
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Cape Town is all about sunny beaches and rolling surf. If you enjoy surfing, head to Muizenberg as that is the best surfing spot in the city. Get on your surfboard and ride those dangerous waves. The water is nice and the waves are inviting. If you don’t know surfing but want to learn, you can join the surfing school here. You will get to take lessons from professionals. Be careful because sometimes you can also see Great White Sharks in these waters. Check the flags before you go surfing.
Best Location: muizenberg
Best time to do: June to August
Must read: 10 hidden Cape Town beaches every adventure lover must visit to dive, surf and relax!
2. Picnic
Who doesn’t enjoy a summer picnic? Just pack your favorite lunch, take a book and a sheet, and set out under a tree. Luckily, Cape Town has many picnic spots and hence, picnic culture where people head to the vineyards to enjoy the goodness of the sun and the mesmerizing views of the vineyards and the sea. Enjoy nature when in Cape Town. Enhance the whole experience with a white Sauvignon Blanc. Having a picnic is one of the best things to do in Cape Town in summer.
Best Location: Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Best time to do: 8 am to 5 pm
Read suggestions: Hostels in Cape Town: 7 Budget Places to Stay in South Africa
3. Summer Music Festival
All music lovers in the house, please stand up and attend South Africa’s most spectacular summer music festival. Dance to the beats of rock, hip-hop, folk, electronica and everything in between. The people of Cape Town love music. So, you will definitely have a good time at the festival. Make sure you buy tickets for your trip to South Africa in advance as they will definitely sell out easily.
Best Location: Artscape Opera House
Best time to do: November to January
Read suggestions: 15 Buzzing Farmers Markets in Cape Town for a Fascinating Shopping Experience
4. Cape Town Summer Market
One of the things you should definitely do in Cape Town in summer is browsing the exciting markets. These flea markets take place on weekends where you can buy a variety of items such as fresh organic goods, clothes, and more. The Old Biscuit Mill in Albert Road is one of the most famous markets that every tourist should visit in their free time. Feel free to also explore artisan markets and food markets. They are equally fun.
Best Location: Kirstenbosch Stone Cottage, corner Kirstenbosch Drive and Rhodes Avenue
Best time to do: November to April
Read suggestions: 7 most haunted places in Cape Town that will definitely take away your sleep
5. Hiking
Summer in Cape Town is all about getting outside. You might have hiked during the day, but hiking in the moonlight in Cape Town will definitely be a unique experience for you. Lion’s Head is located next to the famous Tabel Mountain and is a favorite peak of Cape Town locals to hike on moonlit nights. Just get up there before sunset so you can enjoy the experience of descending with the full moon shining above you.
Best Location: Lion’s Head Hiking Trail, Signal Hill Road, Signal Hill
Best time to do: Weekdays for popular walking routes
Read suggestions: 10 lively restaurants in Cape Town for your true foodies
6. Sea Point Promenade
If you’re in Cape Town in summer and you can’t get enough of the walk up to Sea Point Promenade, you really won’t be doing your holiday justice. The promenade stretches from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay and is a popular strolling spot for runners, dog walkers and families. You will also find many restaurants, bars and art galleries that you can visit. If you want to swim, you can go to the waters at Rocklands Beach or Sea Point Public Schools.
Best Location: He
Best time to do: He
7. High Tea
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If it wasn’t for the high tea, we would still be stopping for some cola for a refreshing experience. Choose from a wide range of teas like your favorite regular tea or bubbly tea as all are served here. If you choose a hotel like Mount Nelson, get ready to spend your evening with lush gardens and tea – that too at a very reasonable price!
Best Location: Mount Nelson Hotel
Best time to do: Afternoon
Read suggestions: 10 romantic cafes in Cape Town that every couple must visit
8. Vintage Wine
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Also known for being home to a large number of wineries, Cape Town is a place where you can sip some wine and relax with your friends. You can also explore some of the best wine routes in Cape Town or board the popular Franschhoek Wine Tram for a spontaneous tour. If you are a wine lover, then it is definitely something that you cannot afford to miss at this place for a fun experience.
Best Location: Stellenbosch Wine Route
Best time to do: He
9. Fish and Chips
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With so many things to do around Cape Town, you’ll be feeling hungrier than ever. What could be better than hopping on the train to Kalk Bay and wandering around the main street before enjoying some famous fish and chips like the locals do. You can choose to relax in a café with a relaxed atmosphere or opt for one of the fancy restaurants in this area.
Best Location: Kalki, Cape Town
Best time to do: working days
read ahead: Everything you need to know about Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
If you hate winter, this is a perfect excuse to travel to South Africa and enjoy Cape Town in summer. This place has so many exciting things for you to do that there can be no better way to spend your winters than this if you live on the other side of the world.
FAQs about Cape Town
Q. Is August a good time to visit Cape Town?
One. August is a good time to visit Cape Town as it is less crowded and is also a good time to enjoy a food safari in the country.
Q. What is winter like in Cape Town?
One. The average temperature during the winter season in this country is 17 degrees and the minimum temperature is 8 degrees around June, July and August.
Q. What should I pack for Cape Town in summer?
One. You should pack light and cool clothes for summer in Cape Town. Include a bathing suit, sun hat, and a good hiking gear. If it starts getting a little cold in the evening, do not forget to wear a light jacket and long trousers.
Q. Which is the coldest month in Cape Town?
One. June is the coldest month in Cape Town with an average temperature of 13 °C.
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