Cape Town is one of the most sought after tourist destinations on in the world. It has just won the World Tourism Awards accolade as the best city to visit on the African continent. This is the seventh time the “Mother City’ (as it is known locally) has received this recognition. However, this is not the only award that Cape Town has received during 2019. It was named Tripadvisor’s Top Destination and placed in the top 10 of Travel and Leisure‘s ‘World’s Best Cities’. Clearly this is a travel destination with a lot to offer visitors.
However, those who want to visit this vibrant and fascinating city often wonder which is the best season for their trip to the Southernmost city on the African continent? The answer is simple – there isn’t a best season for a visit – it simply depends on what you want to get out of your trip.
Cape Town’s climate has a large part to play in the decision of when to visit. The city boasts a Mediterranean style climate – which means that it boasts long, hot summer season (which falls between November and February) and cool rainy winters. However, don’t let the idea of a little rain deter you from enjoying the wonders of the Cape’s largest city during winter – there is still plenty to keep the visitor enthralled.
Let’s take a closer look at what each season in the Mother City brings to the tourist table.
Firstly, summer in Cape Town is a time to both get outdoors and to enjoy long balmy evenings of good food, good company and great entertainment.
Summer in Cape Town is time to hit the beach. Cape Town sits on a peninsula – and that peninsula has two very different oceans running along each coast. The East coast greets the warm and inviting waves that are provided by the Indian Ocean, while the West coast is lapped by the frigid waters of the Atlantic. There is simply so much choice for the vitor. Miles of pristine sands and sparkling waters await. The beaches on the Atlantic side of the peninsula including the world-famous Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are among the most beautiful in the world – and the East coast is perfect for families who want the younger ones to experience some great tidal pools and warm waters.
After a day at the beach, head towards some of the exceptional dining spots along the Atlantic seaboard and watch the sun go down in an explosion of color as you sip on your cocktail and prepare to order your dinner from any one of the world-class beachside reaturants that can be found in places like Camps Bay.
Winter in Cape Town is also a delight. The already attractive exchange rates available to visitors mean that the cost of an incredible meal represents excellent value for money – and in winter those prices go down even further. The same goes for those who want to explore the possibilities of some retail therapy at one of the city’s great malls. You will pick up designer and other goods for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere in the world. Visit a great pub (there are many to choose from) and sip on an excellent Cape red wine – while basking in the warmth of a crackling fireplace (the legendary Forresters Arms in Newlands is highly recommended).
There is so much to do in Cape Town no matter the time of year. Visit vineyards where award-winning wines have their origins, travel to the top of the iconic Table Mountain by cable car, go hiking or biking or simply bask in the welcome of the Rainbow Nation. It’s a trip you will never forget.