Winter in Cape Town, spanning from June to August, offers a unique charm and a plethora of activities that make it a worthwhile destination. While the weather might be cooler and wetter, there are numerous advantages to visiting during this time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your winter trip to Cape Town.
Top Winter Activities in Cape Town
1. Whale Watching
Winter is whale season in Cape Town, with thousands of whales migrating from Antarctica to the coasts between June and November. Take advantage of this spectacular natural event!
For an enhanced experience, consider visiting Hermanus, a beach town about 2.5 hours from Cape Town, known as the whale-watching capital of the world. You can easily do a day trip to Hermanus on this tour, which includes a 2-hour whale cruise, wine tasting, and a visit to a penguin colony on your way back to Cape Town.
If you’re short on time, a marine safari that leaves from the V&A Waterfront is a great option. Even during the summer, it’s possible to see whales, so imagine how many you’d see during the winter.
2. Culinary Adventures on a Food Tour
One of the best ways to get to know a new place is through its food scene, and Cape Town, with its diverse culinary offerings, is no exception. A guided food tour teaches you about Cape Town’s history and character through its cuisine.
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3. Ascend Table Mountain via Cable Car
While hiking Table Mountain is an option, the cable car is a better choice during winter. Cape Town’s weather is famously changeable, and the cable car offers a faster and more convenient way to reach the summit. The big advantage of taking the cable car during winter is the significantly shorter queues.
Return tickets cost R430 for adults online or R490 at the ticket office. The ride up takes just 2 minutes, offering spectacular views.
4. Explore the City by Bike
Cycling around Cape Town is a great way to see the sights, especially when the weather is cooler. A bike tour typically begins in Mouille Point and goes through the scenic Green Point Park to historic Greenmarket Square, then heads to colorful Bo Kaap before finishing up in the V&A Waterfront.
Booking this tour on your first day in Cape Town can provide a great overview of the city, provided the forecast looks decent.
5. Discover Bo Kaap with a Local
Colorful Bo Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most famous neighborhoods, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a local guide. These guides often grew up in Bo Kaap and share insights into the area’s history that you won’t find in guidebooks.
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Visiting Bo Kaap in the winter means fewer tourists, smaller tour groups, and more personalized attention from your guide.
6. Wine Tasting on the Franschhoek Wine Tram
HOP-ON HOP-OFF EXPERIENCE
This is a full-day, hop-on hop-off experience, allowing you to visit up to five wineries. Consider taking your time and visiting three or four to fully savor each stop.
7. Dine at the Time Out Market
Cape Town’s Time Out Market, located at the V&A Waterfront, features many of the city’s best-loved eateries under one roof. Enjoy a variety of culinary delights, from burgers to noodles, paired with local wines.
8. Visit Boulders Beach
Visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach is a fantastic year-round activity in Cape Town. This small group tour picks you up in the city, takes you along Chapman’s Peak, and gives you 2 hours to enjoy seeing those adorable little African penguins.
Read also: Planning Your Trip to Cape Town
Entry fees are R215 for international visitors and R50 for locals.
9. Savor the Winter Menu at La Colombe
La Colombe in Constantia is one of Cape Town’s most prestigious restaurants. Dining here is a must for foodies, and visiting during the winter can save you money with special winter menu deals.
10. Explore Cape Town’s Best Museums
Winter is an ideal time to explore Cape Town’s museums, offering an enriching indoor experience. Here are some of the best museums to visit:
- District 6 Museum: Tells the story of the forced removal of over 60,000 inhabitants from their homes under the Apartheid regime. The museum is open from 9 am - 4 pm daily, except for Sunday when it’s closed.
- Zeitz MOCAA: Situated in the distinctive Silo building, this huge museum is dedicated to African art. With over 100 exhibits spread across 9 floors, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of African art and identity. The attraction is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 6pm.
- Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum: Another way to dive deep into the area’s history and heritage.
11. Visit the Oranjezicht Market
The Oranjezicht Market is a weekend farmer’s market at the V&A Waterfront offering a range of local artisan goods and food from around the globe. In winter, it’s much quieter, allowing you to turn up whenever and bag a table without too much trouble.
12. Indulge in Afternoon Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel
The Mount Nelson is the grand dame of Cape Town hotels, and their afternoon tea is iconic. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy this experience, warming up with a choice of over 60 premium teas in their elegant dining room. The Mount Nelson offers classic, vegan, and gluten-free menus, all costing R595 per person, with a champagne upgrade available for an extra R400. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
13. Walk Lion’s Head Contour Loop
Instead of hiking to the top of Lion’s Head, which can be slippery in winter, take the Contour Loop trail around the outside. This trail can get muddy in sections, so wearing trail shoes is recommended. To find the Contour Loop, head to the trailhead along Signal Hill Road and take the path on the right.
14. Take a South African Cooking Class
A South African cooking class provides a hands-on experience in making dishes like sadza, sugar beans, and chicken stew. The class takes place at a traditional restaurant in Salt River, a less touristy part of town. You’ll also receive a PDF document containing all the recipes from the class, allowing you to recreate them at home.
15. Chapman’s Peak Scenic Drive
HOP-ON HOP-OFF EXPERIENCE
16. Aquila Safari
While not a true safari, the Aquila Safari is the closest you’ll get in Cape Town. Doing this tour in the winter can be more comfortable than during the summer heat. Despite being in winter, this tour can still be a comfortable experience. Try to choose a day when it’s not forecast to rain heavily, but the safari truck has a covered roof anyway.
From May to July, Aquila usually runs a winter promotion, so keep an eye on their social media pages for their latest deals!
17. Explore the Cape Winelands
A tour of the three main winelands regions-Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl-offers a comprehensive overview of the area. The tour includes visits to top wineries and lunch at the Franschhoek Cellar.
18. Cycle Around Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a beautiful university town surrounded by vineyards, just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. A half-day bike tour of Stellenbosch shows you the historic town, the university, and takes you out into the countryside for two different wine tastings. Book this tour for a dry day to fully enjoy the experience.
19. Go Paragliding
Paragliding in Cape Town is an experience you can enjoy all year round. Paragliding flights can often be cancelled due to high winds, so going in the winter doesn’t really affect your odds too much. Flying over Sea Point, with views of the ocean and Lion’s Head is spectacular.
20. Enjoy a Sunset Prom Walk
During the summer, the sun sets further along the coast, but in the winter, it sets almost perfectly in front of the prom, making the whole experience more dramatic.
Additional Activities to Consider
- Kitesurfing: Kitesurfing is a popular winter activity.
- Cape Point: Characterised by ancient rocks, towering cliffs, spectacular biodiversity and frothing ocean, this rugged stretch of land perfectly captures the Cape’s raw natural beauty.
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden: Whether you’re meandering along the Boomslang above or wandering through the gardens below, Kirstenbosch is teeming with unique flora and fauna this time of year. Price: South African Residents & SADC Nationals 18 years and older (with ID): R100 Children from 6 to 17 years: R40.
- Surfing Lessons: Head down to your local beach break for an epic surf lesson with a surf school.
- Mountain Biking: From trail riding to fat biking to four-cross (and everything in between), hit your favourite mountain bike course in and around the city. Discover the lower slopes of Table Mountain or the single track on Contermanskloof Farm.
- Subterranean Tour: Go in search of Cape Town’s 17th century buried secrets on this subterranean tour with Good Hope Adventures.
- Beach Buggy Lesson: If you’re looking to scratch that need for speed itch, then book a wind-powered beach buggy lesson.
- Wine Tram: The double-decker wine trams give passengers a charming way to enjoy the Franschhoek countryside during the cooler months.
Practical Information for Winter in Cape Town
When is Winter in Cape Town?
The winter months in Cape Town are from June to August.
How Cold Does it Get During Cape Town in Winter?
On average, the weather is “not that cold.”
How Often Does it Rain During Cape Town in Winter?
About half of the days are wet, and the other half are dry.
What are the Daylight Hours Like During Winter?
It usually gets light at around 7:30 am, and darkness falls around 6 pm. On the shortest day of the year, the sun rises at 7:50 am and sets at 5:45 pm.
Getting Around
Driving in Cape Town is easier during the winter, when there is less traffic on the roads. You can usually get really good rates on rental cars at this time of year, too.
What to Pack
Here’s a list of essential items to pack for your winter trip to Cape Town:
- Waterproof hiking boots: For hiking the scenic trails around the city.
- Sneakers: For exploring the city.
- Warm jacket and jersey: To keep the Cape Doctor at bay.
- Day bag: To carry everything you need for the day.
- T-shirts: For warmer days.
- Raincoat: The colder months in Cape Town are perfect for budget travellers. However, the winter months are when Cape Town gets most of its rain.
Where to Stay
Generally recommend Sea Point, Gardens, or De Waterkant.
Table: Winter Activities in Cape Town
| Activity | Description | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whale Watching | Observe migrating whales along the coast | June to November |
| Franschhoek Wine Tram | Hop-on hop-off wine tasting experience | All winter |
| Chapman's Peak Drive | Scenic coastal drive | Clear days |
| Museum Visits | Explore diverse museums like District 6 and Zeitz MOCAA | Any day |
| Boulders Beach | Visit African penguins | Year-round |
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