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

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


  • 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).


  • 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.


  • Emergency motion sickness relief

Don't forget these

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

    Like these


  • 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:

Castle hopping? For Castle of Good Hope, take:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you can carry your stuff.

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