Cape Town, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Cape Town, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Cape Town, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cape Town
- Important essentials for Cape Town
- Activities for Cape Town
- Cape Town in January: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in February: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in March: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in April: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in May: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in June: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in July: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in August: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in September: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in October: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in November: weather and what to pack
- Cape Town in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Cape Town, South Africa
Based on the climate and weather in Cape Town, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cape Town, South Africa
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cape Town, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. This one works in most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cape Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Cape Town, South Africa by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
February
If you vacation in Cape Town during February, you are likely to see that it is warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
March
If you visit Cape Town during March, you might notice that it is warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
April
If you vacation in Cape Town during April, you might notice that it is balmy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
May
May in Cape Town is balmy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
June
June in Cape Town is cool and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
July
July in this region is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
August
August in Cape Town is crisp, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
September
If you vacation in Cape Town during September, you may find that it is cool, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
October
October in Cape Town is balmy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you vacation in Cape Town during November, you are likely to notice that it is balmy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
December
December in Cape Town is warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
Activities for Cape Town, South Africa
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Cape Town.
If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you see the Bo-Kaap Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Castle hopping? For Castle of Good Hope, take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
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