Winter in Cape Town
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: US*Silver
Posts: 101
Winter in Cape Town
Anyone from Cape Town?
I'm heading down your way next month and I was wondering what to expect as far as winter weather. Anything I find online says "chilly and rainy, but also warm and sunny." Is it really this varied? I'm going to be in CT the last week of May.. and again for 2 days in June before heading back to the States. What should I expect?
Also, any tips for ensuring a safe vacation? I know windows up/doors locked.. but any other (local) advice?
Thanks / Dankie !
I'm heading down your way next month and I was wondering what to expect as far as winter weather. Anything I find online says "chilly and rainy, but also warm and sunny." Is it really this varied? I'm going to be in CT the last week of May.. and again for 2 days in June before heading back to the States. What should I expect?
Also, any tips for ensuring a safe vacation? I know windows up/doors locked.. but any other (local) advice?
Thanks / Dankie !
#2

Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Your information is correct - expect anything! (Except temperatures below about 6C.) Winter is the rainy season but obviously it doesn't rain non-stop. If you hit a sunny spell the weather could be glorious. Our weather is famously changeable (often within one day, as yesterday and today bear witness). As a result we are probably second only to the Brits in discussing weather as a topic of conversation.
The safety advice is pretty generic for any city in a country with large disparities of income. Don't make yourself a target. (E.g. don't wander around with a camera swinging from your neck.) If you do get good weather and get to walk on the mountains take special care and leave all valuables at home. Sadly there have been many muggings on the mountain lately. They are not aimed specifically at tourists (my accountant had his mountain bike stolen) but that is no consolation if you are the target.
The safety advice is pretty generic for any city in a country with large disparities of income. Don't make yourself a target. (E.g. don't wander around with a camera swinging from your neck.) If you do get good weather and get to walk on the mountains take special care and leave all valuables at home. Sadly there have been many muggings on the mountain lately. They are not aimed specifically at tourists (my accountant had his mountain bike stolen) but that is no consolation if you are the target.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: India
Programs: UA 1K/Million Miler, Starwood Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 103
Advice for visitor to CPT?
I will be in CPT from April 18-25 staying at the Commodore, for a business meeting. Have free time (on my own) on 18th and 24th, and was planning to take in Table Mountain and Robben Island. Any other suggestions?
Also, how should one pack for cape town? shorts / flip flops or less casual? How warm or cold should one expect the weather to be?
Any advice / suggestions welcome.
Also, how should one pack for cape town? shorts / flip flops or less casual? How warm or cold should one expect the weather to be?
Any advice / suggestions welcome.
#4

Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
I will be in CPT from April 18-25 staying at the Commodore, for a business meeting. Have free time (on my own) on 18th and 24th, and was planning to take in Table Mountain and Robben Island. Any other suggestions?
Also, how should one pack for cape town? shorts / flip flops or less casual? How warm or cold should one expect the weather to be?
Any advice / suggestions welcome.
Also, how should one pack for cape town? shorts / flip flops or less casual? How warm or cold should one expect the weather to be?
Any advice / suggestions welcome.
You can certainly get away with shorts and flip flops provided they are not too tatty or paired with a wifebeater. Cape Town does not relate to its beaches the way more tropical places do, so beach wear is almost never seen away from the beach. But decent shorts are very acceptable.

