Compare Cape Town holidays

When to go to Cape Town

There’s never a bad time for a holiday to Cape Town – it just depends what you’re looking for. December to March are the warmest months to visit, when temperatures can sit in the high 20s (but keep in mind that the beaches can be busy over the peak season of December to mid-January).

If you’re keen to avoid the crowds but still hanker after warm weather, try October or November, which are particularly good months for a cheap break.

Winter (from May to August), can sometimes be wet but the moderate temperatures in the mid-teens and early 20s make it a great time for active holidaymakers, particularly those keen to walk in the Table Mountain National Park.

Cape Town offers some of the best whale-watching in the world, and a trip between the months of July and November gives you a chance to see the southern right whales migrating to nurse. If you’re a wildlife lover, or just keen to see witness this spectacular moment, this is the time to visit.

Where to stay in Cape Town

For families

Warm water beaches are located in the peaceful suburbs around False Bay, so if beach fun is part of the agenda, it’s one to consider. Muizenberg is also a great choice for families with older children; not only is it home to colourful beach huts you see on Cape Town postcards, it’s one of the best surf spots in the country.

Elsewhere, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is handy for having everything you might need within walking distance. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, along with a lit-up Ferris wheel, aquarium and a range of accommodation options, from ultra-luxurious hotels to modern self-catering apartments.

For travellers on a budget

Backpackers and younger travellers tend to gather near Long Street, where there are plenty of bars, inexpensive restaurants and hostels to choose from. It’s a great budget option in Cape Town, particularly for those who are happy to hop on public transport to the city’s beaches and main sights.

Otherwise, try the suburb of Greenpoint. It has good bus transport links around the city and inexpensive burger joints and bars. It’s also right next to the city’s stadium.

For food and drink

Kloof Street, which is effectively an extension of Long Street, is home to the city’s highest concentration of bars and restaurants. Whether you fancy sipping cocktails in candle-lit courtyards or mingling with the city’s hipsters with a pint of beer, you can do so here. There are also plenty of independent restaurants, with creative takes on BBQ, Indian and more.

Although not officially located in Cape Town – it’s approximately 30 miles east – food and wine lovers should consider Stellenbosch, home to excellent wine estates and sensational scenery.

For nightlife

Cape Town is a brilliant city for a ‘jol’ – local slang for a party. Bree Street and Long Street are two parallel roads handily located just a couple of blocks from each other. Long Street is a great choice for the backpacker crowd, with live music and plenty of ice-cold beer. Bree Street, on the other hand, is a swankier choice, with cocktail dens and bars where you can pair craft beer or wine with sharing boards.

Camps Bay, right on the coast, is also a favourite. The ritzy part of town is dotted with trendy cafes and cocktail bars.

For culture

Cape Town is a city that’s brimming with culture, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is where to experience a good portion of it. It’s not only home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, but it’s also the gateway to Robben Island.

The city centre is also a great choice. This is where you’ll find more museums and galleries, including the District Six Museum, the Iziko South African National Gallery and the Iziko South African Museum.