If you’re planning a summer trip to Cape Town, you’ll want to know what weather to expect. You’ll get warm, dry days with average highs around 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F), and nights cool off to a comfortable 16°C to 18°C (61°F to 64°F).
This mix is great for exploring beaches, vineyards, or hiking up mountain trails. You won’t have to worry about extreme heat or heavy rain ruining your plans.
Most summer days bring clear skies. Rain hardly shows up, especially compared to the wetter winter months.
The steady sunshine and long daylight hours give you loads of time for outdoor adventures. Winds often pick up—especially in January—but honestly, they usually feel like a relief in the afternoon warmth.
If you understand Cape Town’s summer weather, you’ll plan your days better. The temperature, rainfall, wind, and daylight all work together to make summer a great season for relaxing by the coast or exploring the city’s natural spots.
Overview of Cape Town’s Summer Climate
Cape Town’s summers bring warm, dry weather and lots of sunshine. Rain barely makes an appearance.
Temperatures usually stay pleasant for being outdoors, thanks to coastal winds and cool ocean currents. These daily conditions really shape your experience here.
Summer Months and Seasonal Patterns
Summer in Cape Town runs from December to March. Daily highs usually hit 25°C to 28°C (77°F–82°F), while nights drop to about 15°C–17°C (59°F–63°F).
Sometimes, heatwaves roll in and inland winds push temps above 35°C (95°F) for a day or two.
Rain barely shows up in these months. February is the driest, with just 8 mm of rainfall, and January and December see about 10–12 mm each.
Most days stay clear, with sunshine lasting 10–11 hours per day. You’ll have plenty of daylight for whatever you want to do.
Humidity sits in a moderate range, often between 60–70%. That keeps the heat from feeling too intense, especially compared to tropical places.
The Cape Doctor, a strong southeasterly wind, often sweeps through the city in summer. It clears the air but can feel brisk if you’re hanging out by the coast.
Even when the air feels warm, the sea stays cool. Surface temperatures average 19°C (66°F) in January and February. Some people love the refreshment, but it’s a bit chilly for a long swim.
Climate Classification and Geographic Influences
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate (Csb under Köppen classification). That means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The city’s spot on the southwest tip of Africa plays a big role in shaping its weather.
The Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the southeast both influence temperature and rainfall. Cold Atlantic currents keep summer air temperatures from getting too high and chill the sea.
Local winds shape your experience here. The Berg wind blows from inland mountains and can suddenly raise temperatures.
The Cape Doctor brings strong breezes off the ocean that cool things down and clear the haze.
Table Mountain changes things up too. Its height creates microclimates, so one part of the city can be sunny while another gets cloud cover.
The mountain often wears its famous “tablecloth” cloud layer, which signals shifts in wind and moisture.
All these factors work together to make Cape Town summers warm but rarely oppressive. Sunshine, wind, and the ocean keep things in balance.
Average Summer Temperatures in Cape Town
Cape Town’s summer brings warm, dry days and cooler nights. There’s steady sunshine and barely any rain.
Temperatures change by time of day and month, so you’ll get a clear idea of what to expect for your plans.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During summer, daytime highs usually land between 24°C and 27°C (75°F to 81°F). These temps are perfect for the beach, hiking, or sightseeing without feeling overheated.
At night, things cool off to 16°C to 18°C (61°F to 64°F). Evenings feel great for outdoor dining or walking along the waterfront.
Humidity stays moderate, and the Atlantic breeze helps balance out the warmth. Most days bring clear skies and long stretches of sunshine.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Summer in Cape Town runs from December through February. Each month has its own vibe:
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 24°C (75°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Low |
| January | 26°C (79°F) | 17°C (63°F) | Very low |
| February | 26°C (79°F) | 17°C (63°F) | Lowest |
December starts things off with mild warmth and longer days.
January and February crank up the heat and dryness, with up to 10–11 hours of sunshine a day. Rain hardly ever interrupts your plans.
Hottest Summer Months
The hottest stretch hits in late January through February. Average highs reach 26°C (79°F), but inland areas can go a bit higher.
Nights stay mild, with lows around 17°C (63°F). You won’t need heavy layers.
Sea temperatures warm up to about 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). That’s cooler than tropical waters, but it’s still nice for swimming and surfing.
These months really deliver the best combo of warmth, sunshine, and outdoor comfort.
Humidity Levels During Summer
Cape Town’s summer brings moderate to high humidity, and that can change how the air feels. Even though temperatures stay comfy compared to other coastal cities, the moisture plays a role in daily comfort and how you plan your outings.
Typical Humidity Ranges
In summer, you’ll usually see relative humidity between 71% and 76%. January is the least humid, at about 71%, while February and March bump up to 74–76%.
This isn’t extreme, but you’ll notice it. Daytime highs of 25–26°C can feel warmer than the numbers suggest.
Nights stay humid too, with minimums around 17–18°C. The air doesn’t cool off as much as it does in drier places.
During winter, humidity climbs above 80%, so summer is less muggy by comparison. Still, the consistent moisture means you won’t get that dry inland heat here.
Impact on Comfort and Outdoor Activities
Humidity changes how you feel when you’re out and about. When the air holds more moisture, your body sweats but doesn’t cool as efficiently, so you may feel warmer than the actual temperature.
This really stands out during midday hikes, beach trips, or city walks.
Most travelers manage just fine, but it’s smart to do active stuff in the morning or late afternoon. Lightweight clothes, regular hydration, and taking breaks in the shade help a lot.
If you love water sports like surfing or kayaking, the humidity can actually work in your favor. It keeps the air from feeling too dry, and with the sea breeze, it balances out the summer sun.
Precipitation and Rainfall Trends
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, so you’ll get dry summers and wetter winters. Rain doesn’t fall evenly throughout the year, and the number of rainy days matters just as much as the total amount.
Average Rainfall by Month
Summer in Cape Town—December to February—is usually dry. February is the driest, with about 19 mm of rainfall on average.
Winter is a whole different story. In June, the peak month brings about 126 mm of rain.
Here’s how rainfall changes throughout the year:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| January | ~20–25 |
| February | ~19 |
| March | ~25–30 |
| April | ~40–50 |
| May | ~80–90 |
| June | ~120–130 |
| July | ~100–110 |
| August | ~90–100 |
| September | ~60–70 |
| October | ~40–50 |
| November | ~25–30 |
| December | ~20–25 |
You’ll notice a sharp seasonal contrast. Expect long dry spells in summer, and more frequent, heavier showers in winter.
Frequency of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days follows the pattern of total rainfall. In February, you might only get about 4 days with measurable rain.
By June, that jumps to about 13 rainy days.
Cape Town clocks around 100 rainy days per year, but most cluster in winter. Summer often passes with weeks of dry, sunny weather.
Rain in summer is usually brief and light, while winter showers can be steady and last for hours.
Wind Conditions in Cape Town’s Summer
Summer in Cape Town brings steady winds that shape daily life along the coast. These winds influence how comfortable it feels outside, water activities, and even your beach or city plans.
Average Wind Speeds
In summer, winds pick up more than in the cooler months. You’ll see average wind speeds between 5–6 m/s (about 18–22 km/h or 11–14 mph).
That’s enough to make trees sway and sometimes send umbrellas flying.
January is usually the windiest month, with breezes staying strong and consistent. By late summer, like in March, things calm down a bit, but winds are still part of the daily scene.
For beach lovers, stronger winds can kick up sand—especially at places like Bloubergstrand. On the bright side, these winds make for epic kite surfing and windsurfing conditions.
| Month | Average Wind Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~5.5 m/s | Breezy, steady afternoons |
| January | ~6 m/s | Peak windy month |
| February | ~5.5 m/s | Still strong, slightly less intense |
| March | ~5 m/s | Calmer but still noticeable |
Prevailing Wind Directions
The main summer wind is the southeaster, or the Cape Doctor. It blows from the southeast and hangs around from December through February.
This wind rushes through Table Bay and across the Cape Peninsula. It clears the skies but can kick up dust in some spots.
You’ll feel the southeaster most in the afternoons, after calm mornings. Camps Bay can feel sheltered, but Table View and Blouberg get the full blast.
Now and then, northwesterly winds show up, usually with passing weather systems. They bring warmer, drier air, but don’t stick around long.
If you’re planning your day, just expect the southeaster to be part of your summer routine. It cools things down, clears the sky, and keeps pollution away, but it might make outdoor dining or beach lounging a bit less relaxing sometimes.
Sunshine, UV Index, and Daylight Hours
Cape Town’s summer gives you long daylight hours, strong sunlight, and a high UV index.
You’ll have plenty of bright days, but the sun can be intense, so don’t forget your sunscreen.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Cape Town gets some of its brightest, sunniest days during summer. In January, you’ll usually see about 11 hours of sun per day. February drops just a bit, averaging around 10.5 hours.
December doesn’t disappoint either, offering more than 10 hours of sunshine on most days. That’s a lot of daylight to play with.
With all this sun, you can spend extra time on outdoor activities like hiking, heading to the beach, or just wandering around the city. The sun comes up early and sticks around late, so you’ve got a wide window for adventure or just relaxing outside.
If you like numbers, Cape Town racks up over 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. That’s actually more than what you’d get in a lot of Mediterranean spots.
Summers here rarely bring overcast skies, especially when you compare them to the gloomier winter months.
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine (hrs) | Total Monthly Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~10.3 | ~320 |
| January | ~11.3 | ~338 |
| February | ~10.5 | ~295 |
UV Index and Sun Protection
Cape Town’s summer brings plenty of sunshine—along with a high UV index that often hits 8 to 10 around midday. At those levels, your skin can start to burn in under 20 minutes if you’re not careful.
You’ll want to use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), throw on a wide-brimmed hat, and cover up if you’re outside for a while. Sunglasses with UV protection make a big difference too, especially near water or sand, since sunlight bounces everywhere.
The UV index usually peaks between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Try to plan outdoor stuff for early morning or late afternoon if you can. That way, you dodge the harshest sun but still get to enjoy those long summer days.
Even if it feels cool or there’s a breeze, UV rays stay strong. It’s worth taking these precautions so you can actually enjoy Cape Town’s summer without worrying about sunburn.