What is the weather like in Cape Town throughout the year?

Cape Town experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is February with average highs of 27°C. The coolest month is August.

What is the weather like in Cape Town in March?

Cape Town in March scores 64/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Good option with minor considerations.

Who should visit Cape Town in March?

March in Cape Town is ideal for: Families with children, Elderly travelers, Outdoor enthusiasts, Photographers, Cultural tourists.

Best Time to Visit Cape Town | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why March is the Best Time to Visit Cape Town

Is March a Good Time to Visit Cape Town?

👌Good option with minor considerations(64/100)

Short Answer

Don't expect beach weather in Cape Town's March: 15.2°C cold seas despite 26°C air temps. Coastal scenery remains beautiful, just pack warm layers.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Rough sea conditions

2.35m average wave height - Surfers Only

Peak tourist season

93% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Ideal temperature range

25.5°C - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Excellent dry conditions

Only 7% rain probability - ideal for outdoor activities

Cold sea - swimming challenging

15.2°C sea temperature - Polar Plunge

Good For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
Comfortable 25.5°C temperatures and low 7% rain risk
👴
Elderly travelers
Comfortable 25.5°C temperature range with manageable humidity
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Ideal hiking conditions: 25.5°C, 7% rain chance
📸
Photographers
10.6h sunshine, 67% clear skies for golden hour shots
🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites

Who Should Avoid

🏖️
Beach lovers
Sea temperature only 15.2°C - too cold for comfortable swimming
💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere

Warmest

February

27°C avg

Coolest

August

17°C avg

Driest

February

3% rain

Wettest

June

27% rain

Planning Your Trip to Cape Town, South Africa

Wondering when is the best time to visit Cape Town? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to Cape Town are March, April, October. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 25°C with only 7% chance of rain.

The Cape Town climate varies throughout the year. February is the hottest month with average highs of 27°C, while August is the coldest at 17°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in Cape Town, avoid June when rainfall peaks at 27% probability.

For the best Cape Town weather experience, we recommend visiting during February for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of March and April for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Cape Town Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for Cape Town

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit Cape Town: Travel Style Guide

Personalized Cape Town travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest weather with ideal sea temperatures for swimming

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Avoiding Crowds

Fewer tourists with acceptable weather conditions

June

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

FebruaryJanuaryDecember

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Cape Town Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit Cape Town?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit Cape Town are March, April, October. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (25°C avg) and low rainfall (7% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in Cape Town?

February is historically the warmest month in Cape Town with average highs of 27°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in August when temperatures average around 17°C.

When is the rainy season in Cape Town?

June typically sees the most rainfall in Cape Town with a 27% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in February when rain probability drops to just 3%.

How accurate is the Cape Town weather forecast?

Our Cape Town climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to Cape Town.

What should I pack for Cape Town?

Packing depends on when you visit. In February (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 27°C weather. In August (coolest month), bring layers for 17°C temperatures.

Is Cape Town good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in Cape Town are February (only 3% rain chance) and March for optimal weather conditions. Avoid June when rain probability peaks at 27%.