Paarl, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Paarl, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Paarl, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Paarl, South Africa

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

What to wear/what to pack for Paarl, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in this region dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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 get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you are traveling to Paarl in February, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • 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. Make sure to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

Traveling to Paarl in March, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you are traveling to Paarl in April, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you are traveling to Paarl in May, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl 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

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to get the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

Traveling to Paarl in June, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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 Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you get the right kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

Traveling to Paarl in July, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

Traveling to Paarl in August, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters available 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 sufficient for most countries.

  • 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

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September for Paarl is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect 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.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in Paarl is warm. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Paarl may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices 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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you intend to go to the lovely Strooidak Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Paarl, South Africa

Paarl is a small town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The town is known for its wineries, natural beauty and historic architecture. There are many tourist attractions in Paarl that make it an excellent destination for travelers. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Paarl, South Africa.

1. Paarl Rock

One of the most famous landmarks in Paarl is the Paarl Rock. This gigantic granite rock towers 1400 feet above the town and is visible from miles away. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock for breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding valley.

2. Paarl Wine Route

The Paarl Wine Route is one of the oldest wine routes in South Africa. It is home to some of the best wineries in the country, such as Nederburg, Fairview and Backsberg. The wine route offers visitors an opportunity to taste world-renowned wines, enjoy the stunning scenery and learn about the region's wine-making history.

3. Taal Monument

The Taal Monument is a unique monument that celebrates the Afrikaans language. The monument was unveiled in 1975 to commemorate the centenary of Afrikaans becoming an official language in South Africa. The monument is shaped like a mountain and is decorated with various symbols that represent the Afrikaans language.

4. Butterfly World

Butterfly World is a unique attraction that offers visitors a chance to see hundreds of butterflies from all over the world. It is an interactive experience where visitors can walk among the butterflies and learn about their life cycle, behavior and habitat.

5. Spice Route

The Spice Route is a popular destination for foodies and artisans. It is a collection of businesses that include wine tasting, chocolate making, beer brewing, artisanal bread baking, and many more. Visitors can stroll through the charming village and sample local products, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

6. Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve

The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve that covers over 8,000 hectares. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore the landscape and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. The reserve boasts of unique wildlife and plant species that can only be found in this region.

Conclusion

Paarl is a remarkable tourist destination in South Africa with something to offer to everyone. From natural beauty to historic architecture, and excellent food and wine, there is a lot to see and do in Paarl. The list of tourist attractions mentioned above is just the tip of the iceberg. Visitors can explore the town and find many more hidden gems that make it a unique and exciting place to visit.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Stans, Switzerland, Lake Maggiore, Italy, Auch, France, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Mille Lacs, Minnesota, United States of America, Besalú, Spain, Yellapur, India, Central Montenegro, Montenegro, Aconcagua, Argentina, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, and Lohgad, India.