Best time to visit Cape Town

Beach Season in Cape Town

The dry season is generally regarded as the best season if you fancy a swim and a beach leisure

Best time: November–March

Beach Season

The dry season in the Western Cape tends to be extremely hot and crowded by tourists. Safari at this time of the year is the best, since animals flock to the limited water sources, and it's easier to see them. This is also a good time to go for a swim since the ocean is not that stormy. However, you might consider to choose the first or last months of dry season, since late spring and early autumn are more comfortable and offer more scenic natural views.

Llandudno Beach, Boulders Beach, Beta Beach, Glen Beach, Oudekraal Beach, Long Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Queen’s Beach, Fish Hoek Beach, or Melkbosstrand Beach are just a few from the list of Cape Town's amazing beaches. Choose one of them to spend your unforgettable vacation.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Cape Town for beach activities?

You can visit Cape Town for beach activities from November to March, which is the dry season. This season offers sunny and warm weather, and calmer ocean waters. Avoid mid-December to mid-January, as it gets crowded and expensive during this peak tourist season. Show more

Where are the best beaches located in Cape Town?

Several pristine beaches in Cape Town offer breathtaking views, crystal-clear water, and unique flora and fauna. These beaches include Beta, Boulders, Fish Hoek, Glen, Llandudno, Long, Melkbosstrand, Muizenberg, Oudekraal, and Queen's. Show more

What are some recommended activities to do during the dry season in Cape Town?

In addition to beach activities, dry season in Cape Town presents trekking Table Mountain, visiting the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, vineyard wine tasting, shopping in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, or sightseeing at Robben Island. Show more

When is the ideal time for animal viewing in Cape Town?

Animal viewing in Cape Town is best done during November to March, the dry season. During this period, limited water sources attract animals, making them more visible. Go between June and November for whale watching, especially southern right whales who come close to shore for mating, and August and September for humpback whales. Show more

What are the advantages of visiting Cape Town during the early or late dry season?

For a more pleasant but still scenic experience in Cape Town, visit during the early or late dry season, around November or March. During this time, the crowd thins out, attractions can easily be enjoyed, prices may be better, and you have a chance to avoid peak season and enjoy Cape Town's beauty. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin