Cape Town
Capital of South Africa
Cape Town is a city in South Africa and serves as one of the country's capitals. With a population of about 3.8 million, it attracts visitors to its natural landmarks like Table Mountain National Park and historic locations such as the Castle of Good Hope.
What to see
The city features several significant landmarks. Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO site, dominates the landscape. Visitors can explore the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the Castle of Good Hope. For outdoor and leisure activities, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers green space, while the V&A Waterfront serves as a focal point for the harbor area.
When to go
The driest and warmest months are January and February, with daily highs around 22 °C and minimal rainfall. Temperatures remain mild throughout the year, though conditions change during the wetter months. From May through August, rainfall increases significantly, peaking in July with about 164 mm of rain over 12 days. Visitors preferring drier weather may find the period from November to March most suitable for travel.
Getting there
Cape Town International Airport is located 18 km from the city. It is the primary entry point for travelers arriving by air.
Top sights in Cape Town
Weather by month
The warmest month is February, with an average high of 22 °C. The wettest is July, with about 164 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 |
| Average low, °C | 17 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Rainfall, mm | 27 | 23 | 30 | 76 | 117 | 149 | 164 | 131 | 90 | 46 | 35 | 30 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Cape Town (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Artscape Theatre Centre
- District Six Museum
- Groot Constantia
- Houses of Parliament, Cape Town
- Iziko South African National Gallery
- Labia Theatre
- Nobel Square
- Rhodes Memorial
- Slave Lodge, Cape Town
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa