Cape Town, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Traveling to Cape Town, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Cape Town, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Cape Town, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in Cape Town, South Africa, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Cape Town, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cape Town, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Cape Town, South Africa by month

January

If you visit Cape Town during January, you may 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Easy folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs almost 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you visit Cape Town during February, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature 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 once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Super portable foldable travel stroller

    This stroller weighs almost 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March is warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller weighs only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April for Cape Town is balmy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to find the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Cape Town is balmy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Ultraportable travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to choose the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

In June, Cape Town is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and once in a while jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cape Town, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Super portable foldable travel stroller

    This stroller weighs almost 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to get the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Cape Town is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Easy folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

In August, Cape Town is crisp, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and sometimes jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cape Town, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller weighs almost 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

In September, Cape Town is relatively cool, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and once in a while jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cape Town, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Easy folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Cape Town is mild and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you vacation in Cape Town during November, you are likely to find that it is mild 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 regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Easy folding travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December here is a perfect temperature and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Super portable foldable travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to find the necessary type. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

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.

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