Average Water Temperatures and Climate in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, is renowned for its harbor, natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Located on the shore of Table Bay, the City Bowl area of Cape Town is the oldest urban area in the Western Cape, with a rich cultural heritage.

Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, moderately wet winters and dry, warm summers. The city's coastal water ranges from cold to mild, with significant temperature differences between the Atlantic Seaboard and False Bay.

Cape Town's iconic landscape featuring Table Mountain.

Average Temperatures

In Cape Town, the average temperature of the coldest month (July) is 13 °C, while that of the warmest month (February) is 22.4 °C. Here's a detailed breakdown of average temperatures throughout the year:

Aerial view of Cape Town City Bowl and Table Mountain from the east.

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Cape Town - Average Temperatures (1991-2020)

Here are the average temperatures:

MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)
January16.52822.2
February16.428.422.4
March14.92721
April1224.718.4
May10.121.715.9
June7.819.113.5
July7.218.713
August7.719.113.4
September9.220.514.9
October11.323.317.3
November13.324.619
December15.426.721.1
Year11.823.517.6

In summer, temperatures are moderate due to the ocean's influence. However, a hot and dry wind called Berg can raise the temperature to around 35 °C. Conversely, a strong southern breeze known as the Cape Doctor often blows in summer, cooling and cleaning the air.

Precipitation

Precipitation in Cape Town amounts to 505 millimeters per year, which is an intermediate level. It varies from 8 millimeters in the driest month (February) to 85 millimeters in the wettest months (May, July).

Cape Town - Average Precipitation

MonthRain (mm)Days
January122
February82
March173
April456
May859
June809
July8510
August7010
September457
October305
November173
December112
Year50568

Sea Temperature

The sea temperature in Cape Town ranges from 15 °C in July and August to 19.5 °C in January and February. Here are the average sea temperatures:

Cape Town - Sea Temperature

MonthTemperatures (°C)
January19.5
February19.5
March18.5
April17.5
May16.5
June15.5
July15
August15
September15.5
October16
November17
December18.5
Year17

Current sea temperature in Cape Town is 17.5°C. Based on historical data, the warmest water on this day in the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Town was recorded in 2021 at 18.8°C, and the coldest was recorded in 2022 at 15.5°C. The swimming season in Cape Town lasts from December to February, when the water temperature does not drop below 20°C, making it suitable for swimming.

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Camps Bay Beach, a popular swimming spot in Cape Town.

Sunshine Hours

Cape Town enjoys around 3095 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day:

Cape Town - Sunshine Hours

MonthAverageTotal
January11340
February10.5295
March9.5295
April8235
May6.5205
June6175
July6195
August7210
September7.5225
October9280
November10.5310
December11335
Year8.53095

In general, January is a warm month with an average temperature of 22.2 °C. February, the warmest month of the year, has an average temperature of 22.4 °C.

Additional Weather Information

  • Wind: The windier part of the year lasts from October 9 to March 18, with the windiest month being January, averaging 13.7 miles per hour.
  • Cloud Cover: The clearer part of the year begins around November 25 and lasts until March 31.
  • Rainfall: The rainy period lasts from March 9 to December 4, with June being the wettest month.

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Conclusion

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