Best Time To Go
October through April. Summer is December through March on this side of the globe, but the months leading up to and following it also boast mild weather and smaller crowds. The fall (April to June) is an ideal time to visit Cape Town to experience the wine harvest in the surrounding vineyards, while spring (September to November) is notable for views of the flowers and purple jacaranda trees in full bloom across the city. Cape Town’s winters tend to be windy and rainy, especially in June through August.
Transportation
The MyCiti bus network connects wide stretches of Cape Town, with fares starting at 12.60 rand one way and going up based on distance traveled. But most Capetonians now swear by Uber as their go-to means of transportation—it’s cheap and safe.
Weather
February is the hottest month in Cape Town, with an average high of 80ºF (27ºC). July is the coolest, with still-pleasant highs around 62ºF (17ºC), but beware the torrential winter rains.
Know Before You Go
Prices skyrocket in December, with affordable hotel rooms becoming next to impossible to find in the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. But outside that window, accommodations and food are incredibly reasonably priced, and if you’re willing to layer up and brave the sporadic downpours of winter, you’ll find unbelievable off-season rates and dining specials at top restaurants.
Language
English is spoken everywhere; other local languages include Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho.