Late winter · Weather & things to do
Cape Town in August
This is the coldest month in Cape Town: highs average 60°F (16°C) and lows 55°F (13°C), with about 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 85/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 60°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 55°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 3.0 in (76 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 41%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 85/100 · Great
What August feels like
Days are mild at around 60°F (16°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 55°F (13°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.0 in (76 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
It's breezy, with average winds near 11 mph (5.0 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and October – January.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from July (86 → 85/100).
- Our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends Oct – Apr, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 55°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Windproof shellaverage wind 11 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cape Town in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Neighbourgoods Market
Saturday food and design market inside the Old Biscuit Mill, with local producers and street food.
Why now August scores 85/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Boulders Beach
Sheltered coves near Simon's Town home to a colony of African penguins, viewed from boardwalks.
Why now Highs near 60°F and 3.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Zeitz MOCAA
Contemporary African art inside a converted grain silo, with a striking carved atrium.
Bo-Kaap
Hillside quarter of bright houses and mosques, the historic heart of the Cape Malay community.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Toll road cut into cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with pullouts over the Atlantic.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in August
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek in August~25 mi · highs 61°F, 4.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in August~265 mi · highs 68°F, 2.2 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cape Town in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Cape Town?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 85/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April & May and October – January. Expect highs of 60°F (16°C) and 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain. Our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends Oct – Apr, so August is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Cape Town in August?
Average highs are 60°F (16°C) and average lows 55°F (13°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in August?
Some: about 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 19.3 in (489 mm).
What should I pack for Cape Town in August?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 55°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely), windproof shell (average wind 11 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Cape Town in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.