Cape Town Weather Guide: Seasons, Winds & Microclimates

Cape Town is defined by a Mediterranean climate, a rarity on the African continent. This creates a landscape of sharp contrasts where the weather is often dictated by the dramatic topography of Table Mountain and the meeting of two massive oceanic currents—the cold Benguela from the Atlantic and the warm Agulhas from the Indian Ocean.

The Seasonal Cycle

• Summer (December – February): This is the peak dry season. Days are long (up to 14 hours of sunlight) and warm, with average highs ranging from 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F). Rainfall is nearly non-existent, and the landscape transitions into shades of fynbos brown.
• Autumn (March – May): Many locals consider this the best time of year. As the intense summer heat subsides, days remain balmy (20°C–25°C) while the wind drops significantly. Late autumn brings the first crisp mornings and a touch of rain, turning the scorched earth green.
• Winter (June – August): Unlike the snowy winters of the northern hemisphere, Cape Town’s winter is cool and wet. This is when the city receives the bulk of its annual rainfall, driven by north-westerly cold fronts. Temperatures typically hover between 8°C (46°F) at night and 18°C (64°F) during the day. This is the season of "atmospheric rivers" and roaring fireplaces.
• Spring (September – November): This is a season of rapid transformation. As the rain tapers off, the region erupts in wildflowers. Temperatures climb back toward the low 20s, though the wind begins to pick up pace again.

The "Cape Doctor" and the Tablecloth

One of the city's most famous phenomena is the South-Easter, affectionately known by locals as the "Cape Doctor." This powerful wind blows most frequently from spring to late summer. It is called the "Doctor" because it is believed to blow pollution and smog out of the City Bowl, leaving behind exceptionally clear skies.

When the South-Easter hits the slopes of Table Mountain, it forces moist air upward, where it condenses into a thick white cloud layer that spills over the plateau. This is known as the "Tablecloth." While the mountain is draped in cloud, the city below often remains perfectly sunny, though the wind can reach gale-force speeds in urban funnels.

Dramatic Microclimates

In Cape Town, the phrase "four seasons in one day" is a literal reality. The mountain range creates significant variations in weather across short distances:

• The City Bowl & Atlantic Seaboard: Areas like Camps Bay and Clifton are often shielded from the South-Easter by the mountain, remaining calm while the rest of the city feels like a wind tunnel.
• The Southern Suburbs: Suburbs like Newlands and Kirstenbosch sit on the windward side of the mountain and receive nearly twice as much rainfall as the city center. It is not uncommon for it to be pouring rain at the Botanical Gardens while the sun shines at the V&A Waterfront.
• False Bay: Because the water in False Bay is influenced by the Indian Ocean, it can be up to 5°C warmer than the Atlantic side, though it is more exposed to the prevailing summer winds.

Historical Context and Modern Realities

Cape Town has a documented climate history dating back to the 1700s, showing a legacy of extreme variability. In recent years, this has manifested in severe droughts—most notably the "Day Zero" crisis of 2017-2018. Locals have adapted with a deep collective awareness of water conservation. You will find that Capetonians track dam levels with the same fervor that other cities track sports scores.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

Despite the moderate temperatures on paper, the weather in Cape Town is physically intense. The UV index is exceptionally high in summer; the sun "bites" more than its temperature suggests. Conversely, winter humidity makes the 10°C air feel much sharper than a dry 10°C elsewhere. The wind is the primary arbiter of comfort—a 25°C day can feel cold if the South-Easter is pumping, while a 15°C winter day in the sun, out of the wind, can feel like a perfect spring afternoon.