Stellenbosch, 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 Stellenbosch, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Stellenbosch, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Stellenbosch, South Africa

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you are traveling to Stellenbosch in January, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 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 Stellenbosch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 choose the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you visit Stellenbosch during February, you are likely to notice that it is extremely warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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.

  • 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.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

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. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck 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. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in this region is extremely warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate 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 Stellenbosch 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

Traveling to Stellenbosch in April, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures 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.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option 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

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

Traveling to Stellenbosch in May, you will notice that it is mild, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures 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.

  • 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 Stellenbosch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, Stellenbosch can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and occasionally 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 Stellenbosch, 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

    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.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stellenbosch 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 these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

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

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 peace of mind, 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 Stellenbosch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August for Stellenbosch is crisp, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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 Stellenbosch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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 pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you visit Stellenbosch during September, you might find that it is mild, 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 40s 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:

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 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 Stellenbosch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October here is mild and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, 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 Stellenbosch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in this region is warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. 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.

  • 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 Stellenbosch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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

  • 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. Be sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to Stellenbosch in December, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Stellenbosch Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Stellenbosch, South Africa

Stellenbosch is one of South Africa's most iconic tourist destinations, known for its stunning landscapes, renowned vineyards, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the Western Cape Province, Stellenbosch is a beautiful historic town set against the backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, offering a wide array of attractions for visitors to explore.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Stellenbosch, South Africa:

1. Wine Tasting Tours: Stellenbosch is the heart of South Africa's wine country, with over 170 wine estates dotted throughout the area. The town is famed for producing some of the world's best wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Chenin Blanc. Visitors can explore the many vineyards and wineries in the area, where they can indulge in wine tastings and learn about the complex winemaking process.

2. The Stellenbosch Village Museum: The museum showcases the town's rich cultural heritage and history through a collection of four historic houses that each represent a particular period in the town's history. The houses consist of authentic period furniture, art, and objects that date back to the early 1700s.

3. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve: The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a natural wonderland that is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The reserve is home to numerous walking trails, which take visitors through indigenous forests, stunning waterfalls and mountain streams.

4. The Stellenbosch Botanical Garden: The botanical garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the town, showcasing a diverse range of native and exotic plant species. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens, with highlights including a Japanese garden, herb garden and tropical greenhouse.

5. Oude Libertas Amphitheatre: The amphitheatre is a popular venue for live performances, with its stunning natural setting, offering a unique and intimate concert experience. The amphitheatre is often used for classical music concerts, theatre productions and opera performances.

6. The Rupert Museum: The museum is a showcase of contemporary South African art, featuring works by some of the country's most prominent artists. The museum houses a collection of over 350 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.

7. The Stellenbosch Wine Route: The wine route takes visitors on a journey through the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of the Stellenbosch valley. The route offers a unique mix of wine tasting experiences, from boutique wineries to large commercial estates, each with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Stellenbosch is a town that offers a wealth of attractions and activities, from exploring the local vineyards to hiking in the surrounding nature reserves, visitors are sure to find something that they will love. The town is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting South Africa, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture and world-class wine.

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: Miramichi River Valley, New Brunswick, Canada, Trysil, Norway, Benguela, Angola, Ommen, Netherlands, Central Kerala, India, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Geilo, Norway, Bellevue, Washington, United States of America, Svetlogorsk, Russia, Thies, Senegal, and Antequera, Spain.