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Weather & Water

Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and wet winters. The numbers show when to visit and why the dam levels matter.

515 mm

Annual rainfall

17.4°C

Average temperature

3,100 hrs

Sunshine per year

Mediterranean

Climate type

  Cape Town's climate is its defining asset. A Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers (December to February, 25–30°C) and mild, wet winters (June to August, 8–18°C). The city averages 3,100 hours of sunshine per year. Rainfall is concentrated in winter, with June and July each receiving over 80 mm. The South-Easter wind (the "Cape Doctor") blows strongly in summer, clearing pollution but testing patience.

Why dam levels matter

Cape Town's six major dams supply the city. After the 2017-2018 drought nearly brought "Day Zero", dam levels are watched closely. The current combined level sits at 73.0%.

73.0%

Combined dam level

-0.7%

vs last week

-14.4%

vs last year

Individual dam levels

Berg River

94.3%

Steenbras Lower

47.3%

Steenbras Upper

98.3%

Theewaterskloof

72.7%

Voëlvlei

55.0%

Wemmershoek

79.4%

Green = healthy (70%+). Gold = adequate (50-70%). Red = low (<50%).

Data updated: 2 November 2026

Key takeaway. Theewaterskloof holds over half the total capacity. When it drops, the city feels it. Combined levels below 50% trigger stricter conservation measures.

Rainfall: 49% falls in three months

Cape Town's rainfall is sharply seasonal. June, July, and August deliver nearly half the annual total. Summer months are near-dry, which is why dam reserves built up in winter have to last.

Monthly rainfall tells the whole story

January

15 mm

February

17 mm

March

20 mm

April

41 mm

May

69 mm

June

93 mm

July

82 mm

August

77 mm

September

40 mm

October

30 mm

November

14 mm

December

17 mm

Red = peak winter rainfall. Gold = transitional months. Blue = dry summer.

Key takeaway. Winter (June to August) delivers 49% of the annual total. Summer months are near-dry, which is why dam levels matter so much by late summer.

Data updated: 2026-04-11

Temperatures: warm but never tropical

Summer highs reach 28°C but rarely more. Winter lows sit around 7-8°C. The absence of humidity makes both extremes comfortable. February and March offer the best balance of warmth, light wind, and low prices.

Average daily high by month

January

28°C

February

28°C

March

27°C

April

23°C

May

20°C

June

18°C

July

17°C

August

18°C

September

19°C

October

22°C

November

24°C

December

26°C

Red = hot summer peaks. Gold = pleasant shoulder months. Blue = mild winter.

Key takeaway. February to March is the sweet spot: warm days (27–28°C), lighter winds, fewer crowds, and accommodation prices drop after the December peak.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

Late summer to early autumn (February to April). Warm weather, calmer winds, fewer tourists, and lower prices. December and January are peak season with crowds and high prices.

Does it rain a lot in Cape Town?

515 mm per year, concentrated in winter (June to August). Summer months average under 20 mm. Pack a rain jacket for winter visits, but don't expect London-style drizzle year-round.

What is the South-Easter wind?

Known locally as the "Cape Doctor", this strong south-easterly wind blows from October to March. It clears pollution and keeps the air fresh, but can make beach days uncomfortable. Sheltered spots like Camps Bay are less affected.

Should I worry about water shortages?

The 2017–2018 drought brought Cape Town close to "Day Zero". Dam infrastructure has since been supplemented, but water remains precious. Check current dam levels on this page and respect local conservation efforts.

Climate Data

• South African Weather Service (SAWS), "Climate Statistics for Cape Town" (2024)
• World Meteorological Organisation, "Cape Town Climate Normals 1991–2020" (2023)

Water Supply

• City of Cape Town, "Weekly Dam Levels Dashboard" (updated weekly)