Western Cape, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Western Cape, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Western Cape, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Western Cape
- Important essentials for Western Cape
- Activities for Western Cape
- Western Cape in January: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in February: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in March: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in April: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in May: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in June: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in July: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in August: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in September: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in October: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape in November: weather and what to pack
- Western Cape 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 Western Cape, South Africa
Based on the climate and weather in Western Cape, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Western Cape, South Africa
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Western Cape, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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 Western Cape may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. This one is sufficent for most places, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Western Cape, South Africa by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Western Cape during January, you will probably notice that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
February
If you vacation in Western Cape during February, you are likely to see that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
March
If you vacation in Western Cape during March, you may find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
April
If you visit Western Cape during April, you are likely to see that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
May
If you are traveling to Western Cape in May, you will notice that it is relatively cool and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
June
If you are traveling to Western Cape in June, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
July
If you visit Western Cape during July, you might find that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
August
If you go to Western Cape in August, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
September
If you visit Western Cape during September, you are likely to find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
October
Traveling to Western Cape in October, you will notice that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
November
If you vacation in Western Cape during November, you are likely to notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
December
December in Western Cape is warm and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Activities for Western Cape, South Africa
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Western Cape.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Nagorno-Karabakh, Nagorno-Karabakh, Naikoon Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada, Topsail Beach, North Carolina, United States of America, Topaga, Colombia, São Vicente, Cape Verde, Cuddapah, India, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ridgecrest, California, United States of America, Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada, Giresun, Turkey, and California, California, United States of America.