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When to go · Cape Town

Cape Town in August

Mixed month. Rain and wind; some cableway closures.

Key facts

Verdict
Mixed
Temperature
18°C (64°F) / 8°C (46°F)
average high / low
Rain days
12
Crowds
Medium
South Africa overall
Prices
Medium
South Africa overall

Verdict

MixedVoykit month rating for Cape Town

Rain and wind; some cableway closures.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

Is another month better than August?

August is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in August

Long-term averages
  • Cape TownHighs around 18 °C (64 °F), lows around 8 °C (46 °F), rain on about 12 days
  • Western Cape, South Africa · Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederbergrainy

    Mediterranean: dry, windy summers (the south-easter can close the cableway), wet cold fronts June–August. Whales off Hermanus about June–November.

Winter season

Cold fronts and rain alternating with clear, calm days; whale season begins.

Watch: Pack a proper rain layer; check the cableway status daily.

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • Whale season

    False Bay, Atlantic coast, Hermanus

    Land-based whale watching; peaks Aug–Sep.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · South Africa overall
Medium
Prices · South Africa overall
Medium

South Africa overall: Namaqualand flowers start late in the month; Kruger excellent.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Cape Town, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Aug: Mixed

    Feb: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Aug: 18 °C (64 °F)

    Feb: 27 °C (81 °F)

  • Night low

    Aug: 8 °C (46 °F)

    Feb: 16 °C (61 °F)

  • Rain days

    Aug: 12

    Feb: 3 (better)

  • Crowds

    Aug: Medium

    Feb: Medium

  • Prices

    Aug: Medium

    Feb: High

  • Festivals listed

    Aug: 1

    Feb: 2

August: Rain and wind; some cableway closures.

February: Hot and dry; the cableway can close in wind.

Cape Town: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A warm layer for the evenings
  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across South Africa in August →