Winter in Cape Town?

The Cape winter has the locals running for cover – quite literally. Our annual quota of rainfall becomes due and the need turns into a “Why now”? Yes, we all complain, but the truth of the matter is that, without the rain, the Cape wouldn’t enjoy the fine wines it currently produces. So be thankful every time you enjoy a full-bodied Pinotage on a cold and wet night.

Winter in Cape Town means that most Capetonians will usually dig their winter clothes out of the cupboards and mothballs towards the end of May. And that means warm furry boots, woollen jackets, scarves, hats and gloves.

Tourists are easily spotted around the city because, while many of the locals will layer up when temperatures reach 17 degrees Celsius or less, most Europeans or Americans will think it is lovely weather and start to shed their clothes, especially when there is only a mild breeze and the sun is out.

Should you find yourself visiting our beautiful city, our advice would be to take a lightweight wind breaker and dress in layers. A fleecy coat will always come in handy, as will a light scarf or bandana for the windy walks along the coast or on the mountain.

Another word of advice: A warm sweater and pyjamas will come in handy as the houses here get quite cold in winter. There is no central heating system such as you find overseas. Most of the guest houses and bigger hotels however have combined air-conditioning and heating systems and occasionally you will find under-floor heating, but many dwellings still rely on gas or electric heaters in the rooms during the cold winter season.

Rain showers often only last a couple of hours, but be warned that there are some rainy cold fronts which could last for a couple of days with cold north-westerly winds which can feel quite cold. In extreme cases, winter in Cape Town can mean snow in the northern regions, which puts a definite chill in the air. Most years you will also see a light dusting of snow on the Cape mountain ranges, which makes winter in Cape Town look very European.

So be prepared, stay warm, and stay indoors like the locals in Cape Town this winter.