30YearWeather
Cape Town
When to avoid visiting Cape Town, South Africa
Seasonal Comparison

Least Favorable Months in Cape Town

Based on 30 years of NASA satellite data, Cape Town enjoys relatively good weather year-round. However, if you're comparing months, August, May, June are the least favorable — though still perfectly visitable.

August60/100May61/100June61/100

Good news: Cape Town has no truly bad months!

With a score of 60/100, even August(the "worst" month) is still a reasonable time to visit. These months are simply the least favorable compared to other months in Cape Town, not objectively bad. Many travelers enjoy visiting during these periods and benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds.

Why August is the Least Favorable (But Still Okay) Time to Visit Cape Town

Is August a Good Time to Visit Cape Town?

👌Good option with minor considerations
Short Answer

Cape Town in August features 14.1°C seas - too cold for swimming but stunning for coastal walks. Air temperatures average 17°C with 23% rain probability.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Very high humidity

80% average humidity

Rough sea conditions

3.38m average wave height - Surfers Only

Peak tourist season

85% of annual peak - expect crowds and high prices

Cold sea - swimming challenging

14.1°C sea temperature - Polar Plunge

Health precautions needed

Be aware of: Leptospirosis, Melioidosis, Schistosomiasis

Good For

  • 🥾
    Outdoor enthusiasts

    Ideal hiking conditions: 17°C, 23% rain chance

  • 📸
    Photographers

    8.9h sunshine, 53% clear skies for golden hour shots

  • 🏛️
    Cultural tourists

    Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites

  • 💑
    Honeymoon couples

    Wedding score 88/100 with romantic weather conditions

  • 💼
    Business travelers

    Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather

Who Should Avoid

  • 🏖️
    Beach lovers

    Sea temperature only 14.1°C - too cold for comfortable swimming

  • 💰
    Budget travelers

    Peak season means premium prices everywhere

  • 👴
    Elderly travelers

    80% humidity creates difficult conditions

930 observations30-year historical data
Confidence: 99%

Key Challenges During These Months

Challenging Conditions

Weather conditions may limit outdoor activities and sightseeing options

Months to Avoid: Detailed Breakdown

Worst60

August

Very high humidity, Rough sea conditions

View details
2nd Worst61

May

Very high humidity, Rough sea conditions

View details
3rd Worst61

June

Very high humidity, Rough sea conditions

View details

Looking for the Best Time Instead?

Discover the optimal months to visit Cape Town with ideal weather conditions, fewer crowds, and better prices.

Best Time to Visit Cape Town

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I avoid visiting Cape Town?

Based on 30 years of data, the most challenging months are August, May, June. Primary concerns include: very high humidity, rough sea conditions.

What is the worst month to visit Cape Town?

August is typically the most challenging month, scoring only 60/100 in our travel conditions analysis.

Can I still visit during these months?

Yes, many travelers still visit during challenging months. Come prepared with appropriate gear, flexible bookings, and backup plans. Lower prices and fewer tourists can offset the weather challenges.

Are hotels cheaper during these months?

Often yes. Low season typically means reduced hotel rates, easier reservations, and fewer crowds at popular attractions. Some travelers prefer this trade-off.