Cape Town, South Africa Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Cape Town
Weather in Cape Town is shaped by its Mediterranean climate - expect hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. January afternoons typically reach 79°F (26°C), while July highs hover near 62°F (16°C). Annual precipitation averages 23.6 inches (600 mm) over about 78 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: January - highs near 79°F (26°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 62°F (16°C)
- Record high: 100°F (38°C) · Record low: 38°F (3°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: June (11 rainy days) · Sunniest: January (13.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: Mediterranean - hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on January. Highs average 79°F (26°C) and overnight lows stay near 64°F (18°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 62°F (16°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 100°F (38°C) and dropped as low as 38°F (3°C).
Rain, sun and snow
June is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.9 inches (124 mm) of rain over 11 days, while February is the driest. January brings the most sunshine, averaging 13.3 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79° | 64° | 3 | 0.6 in | 13.3 h/day | 70% |
| February | 78° | 63° | 2 | 0.4 in | 12.2 h/day | 70% |
| March | 75° | 61° | 4 | 1.2 in | 10.9 h/day | 75% |
| April | 72° | 58° | 5 | 1.3 in | 9.9 h/day | 74% |
| May | 67° | 54° | 7 | 2.3 in | 8.7 h/day | 80% |
| June | 63° | 51° | 11 | 4.9 in | 8.0 h/day | 79% |
| July | 62° | 50° | 10 | 4.5 in | 8.4 h/day | 79% |
| August | 62° | 50° | 10 | 3.2 in | 9.0 h/day | 79% |
| September | 64° | 52° | 8 | 2.0 in | 10.0 h/day | 76% |
| October | 70° | 56° | 6 | 1.4 in | 11.9 h/day | 72% |
| November | 72° | 58° | 5 | 0.9 in | 12.5 h/day | 70% |
| December | 75° | 61° | 5 | 1.1 in | 13.1 h/day | 71% |
Cape Town month by month
Cape Town weather in January
January brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 3 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Cape Town.
Cape Town weather in February
February brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 2 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Cape Town.
Cape Town weather in March
March brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 4 wet days.
Cape Town weather in April
April brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 5 wet days.
Cape Town weather in May
May brings highs around 67°F (20°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 7 wet days.
Cape Town weather in June
June brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 11 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Cape Town.
Cape Town weather in July
July brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 10 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Cape Town.
Cape Town weather in August
August brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 10 wet days.
Cape Town weather in September
September brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 8 wet days.
Cape Town weather in October
October brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 6 wet days.
Cape Town weather in November
November brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 5 wet days.
Cape Town weather in December
December brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 5 wet days.
Seasons in Cape Town
Spring (September through November)
Spring in Cape Town is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 69°F (20°C) and nights around 55°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 19 days across the season.
Summer (December through February)
Summer in Cape Town brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 63°F (17°C); rain falls on about 11 days over the three months.
Fall (March through May)
Fall in Cape Town is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and nights around 58°F (14°C); rain falls on about 16 days over the three months.
Winter (June through August)
Winter in Cape Town is mild, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (17°C) and nights around 50°F (10°C); expect showers on roughly 32 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Cape Town?
Is Cape Town hot in summer?
Is Cape Town cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Cape Town get in a year?
Best time to visit Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town is generally January to May and September, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 73°F (23°C).
Pack for Cape Town with rain gear if you travel around June. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - January nights average 64°F (18°C).
Cape Town temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.