Thinking about a trip to Cape Town in autumn? Get ready for shifting skies, cooler evenings, and a pretty noticeable uptick in rain. Daytime highs start in the mid-20s °C in early March and slide down to the upper teens °C by late May, while nights can dip into the single digits. That’s the classic transition from dry summer into wetter winter.
Cloud cover builds as the weeks go by, and rain chances go up, especially near May. The sun sets earlier every week, shrinking your daylight hours. Winds lose some of their summer bite, but their direction changes as fall moves along.
If you know these weather patterns, you’ll plan your hikes, wine tastings, and packing list so much better. Want clear skies for Table Mountain? Or maybe you’re after cozy evenings sampling Cape Town’s food scene. Either way, checking the average fall weather helps you time your trip just right.
Overview of Fall Weather in Cape Town
Fall in Cape Town brings a steady cooling trend, more rain, and shorter days. Temperatures stay mild compared to many places, but you’ll notice more clouds and showers as winter gets closer.
Typical Temperature Range
Expect daily highs to drop from about 76°F (24°C) in early March to around 65°F (18°C) by late May. Nights go from roughly 62°F (17°C) down to 50°F (10°C).
It rarely gets colder than 43°F (6°C) or hotter than 83°F (28°C), so you won’t see wild temperature swings. The air feels cooler and fresher than summer, especially after sunset.
This gentle shift makes fall great for outdoor plans. Bring a light jacket for evenings, but most days are just right for sightseeing, hiking, or checking out the coast.
Rainfall Patterns
Rain picks up quickly through the fall as Cape Town heads toward its winter rainy season. In early March, the chance of a wet day sits at about 5%, but by late May it jumps to 25%.
Average monthly rainfall starts around 0.4 inches (10 mm) and climbs to about 2.6 inches (66 mm) at the end. You won’t get constant rain, but expect more cloudy, damp days as May arrives.
Most showers are short bursts, not all-day soakings. Toss a compact umbrella or rain jacket in your bag so you’re ready for anything.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Daylight shrinks fast in fall. In early March, you get nearly 12 hours and 48 minutes of daylight, but by late May it’s closer to 10 hours.
Sunrise creeps later, from about 6:34 AM in March to 7:42 AM by late May. Sunsets move up too, from around 7:22 PM in March to 5:45 PM at the end of the season.
With less daylight and more clouds, those long, sunny afternoons become rarer. Still, you’ll catch plenty of clear skies in early fall.
Monthly Breakdown of Fall Weather
Cape Town’s fall brings cooler temps, shorter days, and more rain. The weather clearly shifts from warm and dry at the start to cool and wet as winter nears.
March Weather Highlights
March still feels like summer, but you’ll spot the first hints of change. Highs hit about 27 °C (81 °F), and lows drop to around 15 °C (59 °F), so evenings are cooler.
Rain stays low, averaging 17 mm over 3 days, so most days are dry. You’ll have about 9.5 hours of sunshine per day—plenty for adventures.
Humidity sits near 69%, which can make afternoons a bit muggy. Winds calm down from their summer peak, averaging around 19 kph, so it’s nicer for strolls.
The sea averages 18–19 °C—cool, but you can brave a short swim. If you’re into hiking, March is one of the best months. The air is warm, but not stifling.
April Weather Highlights
By April, things mellow out. Highs average 25 °C (77 °F), and lows drop to about 12 °C (54 °F). Nights definitely feel chillier, so a light jacket comes in handy.
Rain picks up to about 45 mm over 6 days. Sunshine dips to 8 hours per day, and daylight shortens to just over 11 hours.
Humidity nudges up to 72%, and the air feels a bit damper. Winds slow to 16 kph, making the city feel gentler than in summer.
The sea cools off to 17 °C—pretty chilly for swimming. April’s a solid month for wine tours or museums, since the weather’s pleasant but a little less predictable.
May Weather Highlights
May brings a real shift. Highs drop to 22 °C (72 °F), and lows fall near 10 °C (50 °F). Evenings and mornings feel crisp, and winter is definitely on the way.
Rain hits a peak at about 85 mm across 9 days, so you’ll see more wet spells. Sunshine drops to 6.5 hours per day, and daylight falls to about 10 hours.
Humidity climbs to 77%, and the air feels damp, especially after rain. Winds ease to 14 kph, but the odd storm still brings gusts.
The sea cools to 16 °C—not exactly inviting for a swim. May’s a good time for indoor activities or scenic drives, where dramatic skies give Cape Town a whole new vibe.
Temperature Trends and Variations
Fall in Cape Town shifts from warm late-summer days to cooler early-winter ones. Daytime highs and nighttime lows both drop, but the change is pretty gentle, keeping things comfortable (though a bit unpredictable) as May rolls in.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs usually range from 76°F (24°C) in March down to 65°F (18°C) in May. You won’t often see highs above 83°F (28°C), and by late May, days feel much cooler. This shift signals the move from dry, sunny summers to wetter winters.
Nighttime lows fall faster. In March, nights average around 62°F (17°C), but by late May, they’re closer to 50°F (10°C). It rarely drops below 43°F (6°C), but you’ll want to prep for chilly evenings if you’re out late.
The difference between day and night temps isn’t huge, so the cooling feels gradual. That’s part of why fall is such a comfy season for outdoor fun in Cape Town.
Notable Extremes and Records
Cape Town’s fall weather stays mostly mild, but you’ll see the odd spike or dip. Sometimes, highs push into the low 80s°F (around 28°C), especially in early March. These warm days usually show up when the skies are clear.
On the flip side, May nights can flirt with 43°F (6°C). You won’t see frost, but it’s a definite change from summer’s warmth.
Just for context, the hottest day of the year usually happens in late January, hitting around 76°F (24°C). The coldest day comes in mid-July, with highs near 62°F (17°C). Fall sits right in the middle, offering a balanced climate without wild swings.
Rainfall and Humidity During Fall
Cape Town’s fall months shift from dry summer days to wetter, cooler ones. Rainfall goes up as the season moves along, and humidity rises too, hinting that winter’s on the way.
Increasing Precipitation Through the Season
Rain becomes more noticeable as fall goes on. March usually stays fairly dry, with just a few light showers. By April, the rain picks up, and May brings a clear move into wetter weather.
Average precipitation in May is often double what you’ll see in March. For example:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~20–30 mm | 3–5 days |
| April | ~40–60 mm | 6–8 days |
| May | ~70–100 mm | 9–11 days |
This pattern matches Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate, where most rain falls in the cooler months. Early fall is better for dry weather, while late fall means you’ll need to be flexible with outdoor plans.
Humidity Levels and Seasonal Changes
Humidity rises during fall, too. Summer is usually dry, but as ocean weather systems roll in, the air gets moister. Mornings and evenings start to feel cooler and a bit damp, even before big rains show up.
Relative humidity averages around 60–65% in March and climbs to 70–75% by May. The change isn’t sudden, but you’ll feel the air get less dry as weeks pass.
With higher humidity and more rain, Cape Town turns greener by late fall. You’ll notice more clouds and less direct sun than in summer, but the air feels fresher and daytime temps stay comfy.
Cloud Cover, Sunshine, and Wind
As fall unfolds, Cape Town’s skies shift from mostly clear to more clouded by late May. Wind patterns mellow a bit, but you’ll still get regular breezes along the coast.
Cloudiness and Clear Days
Cloud cover builds as fall goes on. Early March brings clear or mostly clear skies about 80–85% of the time, making it one of the sunniest periods of the year. By late May, overcast or mostly cloudy days rise to around 40–45%.
So, your Cape Town fall weather experience really depends on timing. Visit in March for sunshine, but expect May to bring more unsettled skies and fewer bright days.
Daylight shrinks fast, too. From about 12 hours and 45 minutes in early March, days drop to just over 10 hours by late May. Sunsets move earlier, from around 7:20 PM in March to about 5:45 PM by the end of May.
These shifts can shape your plans. March is perfect for beaches or hiking, while May is better for museums, wine tasting, or indoor exploring as the skies turn grayer.
Average Wind Conditions
Wind shapes Cape Town’s weather, but fall brings a break from the wild summer gusts. Average wind speeds drop from about 13 mph in March to 11 mph in May. That means outdoor plans—like walking tours or waterfront lunches—feel more relaxed.
Wind direction changes, too. From early March through mid-May, breezes come mostly from the south, bringing cool ocean air. After mid-May, the wind often swings north, which can feel a touch warmer.
Afternoons still get breezy, since calm days are rare this close to the ocean. Winds peak around midday, then settle by evening. Locals usually plan outdoor stuff earlier in the day for this reason.
If you’re into kitesurfing, March has steadier winds, but May is less reliable. For most visitors, though, the gentler breezes later in the season make sightseeing a lot more pleasant.
Travel Tips for Visiting Cape Town in Fall
Fall in Cape Town means mild temps, fewer crowds, and a mix of sunny and rainy days. Pack for changeable weather, especially if you’re heading outdoors to explore the coast, vineyards, or local festivals.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
You’ll want clothes that work for both those unexpectedly warm afternoons and the cooler evenings. I always grab a light jacket or sweater—the temperature can really dip at night, especially if there’s an ocean breeze.
Go for layered outfits so you can switch things up as the day changes. It’s just easier that way.
Definitely bring comfortable walking shoes if you’re planning city tours or a hike up Table Mountain. Heading to vineyards or one of those coastal towns? Smart casual clothing usually does the trick.
Toss in a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket—fall sometimes brings short, steady showers and it’s just not worth getting caught in them.
The sun doesn’t really let up, so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Even on the cooler days, you’ll need them.
Thinking about swimming or surfing? The Atlantic gets pretty chilly in autumn, so if you want to stay out there for a while, pack a wetsuit.
When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, keep that light jacket close. After a long flight, the air outside can feel a lot cooler than you expect.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Fall feels like the perfect time to explore Cape Town without bumping into summer crowds everywhere. The weather stays pleasant, so you can hike Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, or wander the Cape Point trails with a lot more breathing room.
The wine regions—Stellenbosch and Franschhoek—buzz with activity during harvest. It’s honestly a fantastic time to go for tastings or stroll through the vineyards. If you’re up for a drive, Chapman’s Peak offers some really stunning views, and the cooler air makes it easy to linger.
March and April usually bring cultural events, from food festivals to live music and art shows. Wildlife lovers might want to try their luck with whale watching along the False Bay coast, though the real action happens a bit later in the year.
You might run into a rainy day or two, but most days still have plenty of sunshine for being outside. All in all, fall gives you a nice mix of nature and city experiences.