Whether you are looking to escape the northern hemisphere’s harsh winter, or merely looking for an epic getaway filled with thrill and adventure – Cape Town is sure to fulfil your every desire!

Cape Town has something for everyone 

You’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout Cape Town’s summer months (late October-early April). There are so many more reasons to visit this eclectic city. Cape Town comes alive and blossoms with beauty and infectious energy offering a world of opportunity and excitement for visitors looking to get a taste of Cape Town’s adventurous side. With a plethora of things to do, see and experience, there is something for everyone – not just the ‘mad hatters’ who are eager to get up close and personal with Great White Sharks, or run off the edge of a cliff!

Whether you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping or simply kick back and relax, looking for the city’s creative flair and culinary excellence or natural surroundings, you will be spoilt for choice. Active travellers and nature lovers enjoy the many beautiful hiking trails surrounded by untouched landscapes. Although Cape Town is a bustling cosmopolitan destination, the city is set among the beautiful mountains, so it’s never a challenge finding the perfect spot to breath in the fresh summer air. Some of the most relaxing corners of Cape Town amidst the tranquility of nature, include: Table Mountain, Newlands Forest, Franschhoek Wine Valley and Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Cape Town summer travel advice

If you’re an avid traveller, you may know that each place has their secrets, and Cape Town is no different. So brace yourself for a game-changing adventure that’ll make your summer trip to Cape Town that much more memorable. The secret? It’s as simple as visiting during February. While Cape Town is incredible all summer long (and even in the winter too), February is undoubtedly an epic month, for four very specific reasons. Keen to hear what those are?

Our top four reasons why you should visit Cape Town in February:

1. The weather in Cape Town is phenomenal

As mentioned, Cape Town’s summer begins in late October and ends early April, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 28°C. Rainfall is low during the summer months, however summer is know for stronger winds from the south-easter. While sometimes disruptive, these winds are a blessing to windsurfers and kite-surfers who take full advantage in this season! Wind speeds escalate over the months of November to January and can sometimes result in change of outdoor activity plans.

Although February sees a significant drop in wind speed, leaving you with fantastic, warm weather averaging 25°C to 32°C throughout the month. While February is known to be one of the warmest months in the Cape, hot days are often non-consecutive, giving you a little breather between the high temperatures. February is therefore the best time for those who are interested in outdoor activities and excursions, as well as for those who enjoy comfortably warm temperatures without heavy winds.

2. There are less crowds

December and January are known to be the busiest months in Cape Town. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy their end of year break in the sunshine. They laze on the many breathtaking beaches and reveling in the festive spirit. Beaches and tourist attractions over this time are usually very busy, as are the roads and public areas. Rates for tourist activities and accomodation are also known to increase over the festive period.However from mid-January Cape Town becomes a whole lot quieter as visitors begin to return home. While you won’t have the entire place to yourself, you will at least avoid the crowds and traffic. 

3. There are a plethora of thrilling activities on offer

No matter what your interests, Cape Town is sure to have something that’s right up your alley. This is one of the main reasons why Cape Town is a much-loved destination. Although we think you’ll also enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty, friendly people and delicious cuisine. For those who get a kick out of adventure travel, adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers thoroughly enjoy Cape Town’s adventurous offerings.

These include paragliding, abseiling, shark cage diving, windsurfing, wakeboarding, sandboarding (Atlantis Dunes) and skydiving to name a few. And as we said before, because it’s less busy during February you have a better chance of securing a booking and enjoying the activity away from large crowds. These activities are also usually weather permitting, which means visiting during February gives you a chance to fully enjoy them.

4. You can enjoy Cape Town’s most popular events

February is abuzz with fantastic outdoor events ideal for the foodies, the romantics, the wine lovers, art and theater enthusiasts and music maestro’s. It’s known to be the month of fun and entertainment so you don’t want to miss out on the month’s finest social events.

February Events in Cape Town

The Cape is known for its many award winning summer events and activities which range from outdoor music concerts, to food and wine expos, adventure excursions and so much more. In fact, with so many options, you may need to prioritise the activities and events you’re most interested in because you really don’t need to attend every wine show! …. Actually, you do.

February dates and events to diarise: Check every year for specific dates but these events are usually on in February. 

Food and Drinks lovers

The Cape Town Coffee Festival

Franschhoek Summer Wines Festival

Stellenbosch Wine Festival

Fizz and Fudge Pairing at Stellenbosch Hills

For the Romantics:

Oct-April: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (watch your favourite classics under the stars)

Nov-Feb: Table Mountain Cableway Sunset Special

Live Music:

Nov-April: Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts (watch SA’s favourite local musicians take the stage, while you’re picnicing on the lush gardens surrounded by breathtaking flora)

Up the Creek Music Festival at Breede River Dam in Swellendam

Ultra Music Fest

Heart Cape Town Music Festival 

Saggy Stone Beer and Music Festival

Cape Town Folk ‘n Acoustic Music Festival

Sports/Active:

Zando Cape Town 10s Rugby Tournament

Nelson Mandela 27 for Freedom Run

Look out for musicals and comedy nights at the Artscape Theatre, Theatre on Bay and other iconic destinations in the city.

Do yourself a favor and visit the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. What’s even better, is seeing the whole of South Africa! African Overland Tours offers budget tours to South Africa which not only give you the opportunity to see and experience Cape Town, but many other breathtaking corners of South Africa too. Take a journey with us from Cape Town to South Africa’s most beautiful neighbouring countries. You’ll get to experience authentic African encounters and feast your eyes on more than a few natural wonders home to Africa alone! You cannot visit Africa without experiencing a wildlife safari, or at least one of the natural attractions such as the Victoria Falls!

We have a few different tour options which depart from Cape Town, so be sure to take a look and pick the journey that best suits your African travel desires.