Considering a trip to Cape Town in October? Cape Town is known as the Mother City of South Africa and is one of my favourite destinations (of 38 I’ve been to at the time of writing this post)! After spending 6 months in Cape Town, I have a LOT to say about this gorgeous city!
Why Visit Cape Town, South Africa?
Cape Town is located at the southern tip of the Western Cape of South Africa. It’s known for its stunning beaches and mountains that surround the city, as well as its rich history. Here are a few reasons you should consider booking a trip to Cape Town:
- Natural beauty – It will be a challenge to find a more beautiful city! With Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill all within the city, you’ll have endless views of the coastline, mountains and city below. Cape Town also has incredible beaches such as Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno, just a short drive from the hustle and bustle.
- Adventure – Cape Town offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, camping, surfing and paragliding. You can also take a trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years or check out some of the nearby game reserves for wildlife safaris.
- Culture – Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from African, European and Asian cultures. You can explore the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, known for its bright homes and Muslim community or visit the District Six Museum to learn about the city’s past and the forced removals that took place during apartheid. South Africa also has 11 official languages (English being one of them) so you’re bound to learn a lot while you’re there.
Cape Town’s Weather in October
If you’re planning to visit Cape Town in October, you can expect mild temperatures, clear skies and a low chance of rain. October is considered a shoulder season, as it falls between the peak season of December to February and the quieter winter months of June to August.
The average temperature in Cape Town during October is around 18°C, making it one of the warmer months in the city. The maximum temperature at this time of year is 23°C, while the coldest months in Cape Town are usually June and July when it’s around 10-12°C.
The month of October is also known as one of the driest months in Cape Town, with an average of only 7 rainy days throughout the month. This is because it falls during the dry season which runs from October to March and it’s a great time to visit if you prefer warmer (but not too hot) or drier weather.
You can also expect a lot of sunshine during October, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day! The average wind speed of Cape Town in October is around 18 km/h, with the west coast experiencing slightly stronger winds. With that being said, it gets even windier in November so October is a happy medium.
It’s important to note that October falls within the summer months in the Southern hemisphere, although it’s still considered spring in Cape Town. The hottest month and driest month in Cape Town is usually February when the chilly Indian Ocean is also at its warmest.
Best Things to do in Cape Town in October
Since October isn’t the warmest month to visit Cape Town, some of your activities might be limited. However, don’t let that stop you from going because there are SO many activities to do, even when it’s not exactly perfect weather for the beach!
Attend the Cape Town International Kite Festival
This event takes place in Muizenberg, one of Cape Town’s most popular destinations and is Africa’s biggest kite festival. You can enjoy watching the colourful kites fill the sky while listening to live music and browsing the food stalls!
Garden Route Road Trip
Driving through Cape Town up to Port Elizabeth is one of the most popular road trips in South Africa. There are so many great stops you can make along the way such as Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay on your way to Port Elizabeth.
Hike to the Top of Table Mountain
October is a great time of year to hike Table Mountain, with longer days and good weather. There are a few different routes you can hike that take 2-3 hours on average. I’ve hiked up two different routes during the peak of summer and it was far too hot then! If you’re not up for a hike, you could always get a cable car to enjoy the stunning views from the top.
Kraalbaai House Boats
This is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway for two or a group trip from Cape Town with friends! There are a few secluded house boats along the bright blue water in the West Coast National Park. It’s about an hour’s drive from Cape Town and books up really far in advance during peak season so October might be one of the best months to try and snag a spot!
First Thursdays
First Thursdays is an event that takes place on the first Thursday of every month in Cape Town. The art galleries stay open late and many offer free drinks to attract more visitors. I’d typically start the night at House of Machines for a drink then browse the galleries along Church and Bree Street then grab dinner. If you’re planning to go out for dinner, make sure you have reservations, as it can get super busy!
Catch a Sunset
There are so many spots to watch the sun go down over Cape Town! Some of my favourites are Signal Hill bunkers, Kloof Corner hike, Sunset Point and Clifton beach.
A Trip to the Wineries
The Cape Winelands are home to some of the best wineries near Cape Town and are less than an hour away! You can take a tour of the wineries and sample some of the best wines in the country through a wine tasting.
Read my full guide to Stellenbosch Wineries here!
Explore the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is an iconic spot in Cape Town and is filled with tourists and locals. There are many shops, dining and entertainment options. It’s also where you can find one of the best views of Table Mountain!
Kiting in Blouberg
Blouberg Beach is known as a spot for kitesurfing. It’s only about a 20/30 minute drive from the center of Cape Town so it’s a great spot if you want to pick up a new hobby. You can book lessons and rent gear there.
Surfing in Muizenberg
Surfing is another great activity to do while you’re in Cape Town. The surf is usually best in the winter months, however, the conditions are usually still great in spring. It’s a beginner’s surf spot so if you’ve never surfed before it’s the perfect place to learn. Grab a board from one of the rental shops and take a lesson if you’ve never surfed before.
Beach Day
Although it’s not usually the best time to have a beach day, you can sometimes get unusually warm and sunny days that are perfect. Keep in mind that you have to watch out for the wind, as it can get a little crazy some days and you’ll get sand everywhere. You can never go wrong with a beach day at Clifton so that’s a great place to start! My favourite is Clifton 1st or 2nd.
Make sure you have a broad-spectrum SPF on hand, as the UV levels are still high in October.
Paraglide over Cape Town
Paragliding was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in Cape Town! You start from the top of Signal Hill or part way up Lion’s Head, depending on the conditions or the day. You get to see the city from a whole new perspective and it’s pretty affordable as well.
Check out my paragliding experience in-depth here!
Browse the Markets
Another thing I loved so much about Cape Town was all the markets! Oranjezicht City Farm Market is close to the V&A Waterfront and they host day and night markets, depending on the time of year. There are heaps of food and clothing vendors, making it easy to spend a few hours here on the weekend.
I was also a huge fan of the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday and it’s always such a fun vibe! There’s a DJ and people dancing it up while enjoying a wide variety of food and drinks.
Safaris
If you don’t have time to travel all the way to Kruger National Park but still want to see wildlife up close and personal, there are many different game reserves within an hour or two from Cape Town. They make for a great day or weekend trip from the city.
Off to Cape Town, South Africa
So as you can see, there is plenty to see and do in Cape Town in October. October is the perfect time to plan a trip, especially because you avoid the crowds that come during the high season and can enjoy seeing the city in full bloom!
I’ll be back shortly with another blog but in the meantime, check out my travels on Instagram and TikTok.
Cheers,
Amy xx
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