Sun worshippers and beachgoers seeking a popular summer destination for their holiday flock to Cape Town’s shores to explore the endless beaches and postcard perfect mountain vistas. The endless summer days in Cape Town definitely provide the ideal setting for a summer vacation, but the winter season often produces charmingly warm and sunny days. There are stormy days, but they’re generally short-lived and interrupted with strikingly blissful intrusions of sun. The Mother City is a year-round destination and visiting Cape Town in winter means fewer crowds, cheaper prices, crisper sunsets, and less chance of having to contend with the blustery southeaster.
Here are our top 4 reasons to visit Cape Town in Winter:
Wine Farms with Fireplaces
There is nothing better than spending a cold, yet still winter’s day on a wine farm in Cape Town. Immerse yourself in the contrasting colours of carpets of vineyards on the slopes of the mountains, and sip a glass of quaffable wine while you look out over the rain-soaked, glistening landscape. There are a number of wineries offering huge indoor fireplaces with hearty crackling fires, comfortable couches and cosy bar areas. Head towards Constantia, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Durbanville to find that cosy winter wine hideaway. La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek and Babylonstoren our personal favourites for winter wining and dining.
World-class Surfing Waves
Cape Town is a go-to destination for avid beach goers and water sports fanatics. The Mother City has both the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic Ocean, which means different wave types on each coast. Generally speaking, the ocean is a far cry from the warm waters of the Med. Waves on the Atlantic Seaboard tend to be icy and powerful – perfect for the more experienced surfer. During the winter season, Llandudno offers some of the cleanest and slickest barrels you’ll ever see, making it ideal for hardcore surfers. Dungeons offer one of the most challenging big waves in the world and are an eerie, sharky spot. Challenging on all levels!
For the more relaxed surfer, longboarder or cruiser, we recommend Muizenberg. This section of the Indian Ocean is best for beginners and caters for a mixed crowd. There are surf shops, cafes and bars located on the beach front. Winter season sees the North-west wind rolling in which provide ideal conditions for small, fun waves.
Participator or wave observer, there’s always a winter wave for you in Cape Town.
Fewer Crowds, Better Prices
Like most tourist hotspots, when the summer crowds arrive in their droves, the prices tend to escalate. Despite your foreign currency, it can also be a costly affair to constantly splurge on South Africa’s world-renown gourmet cuisine. Roads become congested and the chilled Cape Town life that many have come to know and love becomes frenetic.
During the winter season, the top restaurants scattered around the country offer winter specials. This can include anything from 2-for-1 meals to discounted drinks, and half-price dinners. You get to experience the Michelin star side of Cape Town for a fraction of the cost.
Fewer crowds also mean fewer queues. Museums, shopping malls, and wine farms offer a more intimate experience, personalised experience. Chat to locals and to get to know your surrounds without rushing to remove yourself from the mass of people.
Festive Sporting Events
South Africans are rugby fanatics and winter is the height of rugby season. Catch an international game at the Newlands Rugby stadium, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at a local restaurant or pub afterwards.
Further afield is the Knysna Oyster Festival, an annual lifestyle event ideal for families, party goers and sports fanatics. There are live bands, shows, and plenty of oysters and champagne! A major highlight of the festival is the Knysna full and half-marathon that takes place around the Knysna forest region. For years, Capetonians have left the Mother City to attend the June/July Oyster Festival.
We hope to see you exploring Cape Town during its cosy and scenic winter season! For your Cape Town accommodation options, please see our list of recommended places to stay.
