Cape Town in October: The Best Guide for Weather & More!

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 49 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! 

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, which is the time of year when the city starts warming up. 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. 

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 in October: 

• 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.

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 houseboats 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!

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. 

Catch a Sunset

There are so many spots to watch the sun go down over Cape Town! My favourites are Signal Hill bunkers, Kloof Corner hike, Sunset Point and Clifton Beach. 

Find even more incredible spots to catch a sunset in Cape Town here.

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. I’d definitely recommend visiting if you’re in Cape Town in October!

Read my full guide to Stellenbosch Wineries here! 

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.

Set on a South Africa safari?

I’d check out Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in Oudtshoorn for a few safari options. There aren’t any big cats or game here but you’ll have a chance to see hippos, rhinos, giraffes, springbok, zebra and more!

Another great option in the area is Botlierskop Game Reserve a short drive from Mossel Bay. Here you’ll have a chance to see giraffes, honey badgers, monkeys, hippos, waterbuck, white rhinos, lions and more!

Shark Cage Diving

When you visit Cape Town in October you’ll have the opportunity to go shark cage diving. There are many places you can do this in and around Cape Town, with prices varying from R2,200 – 3,500.

June – December is the best time to go shark cage diving in Cape Town.

While this is a great price for a unique experience, I would personally think twice before booking shark cage diving.

A lot of shark cage diving tour companies are just trying to make the most amount of money from their business and don’t care about what happens to the sharks. Of course, not all companies are this way, however, the vast majority of them do a few things that can negatively impact the sharks such as :

• Chumming or baiting the water – This is when sharks are attracted to the boat with food and they then start to associate the sound of boats with food and will specifically travel to where they know there will be food.
• Not limiting tour numbers each day – If there are many boats going out each day on these tours, taking as many tourists as possible, it can become a problem. This can lead to the overpopulation of boats and pollution in the areas where sharks swim.

Whale Watching 

Whale watching is another popular activity to do near Cape Town in October. It’s common to find whale-watching tours from Cape Town or Hermanus (about a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town). July to November is typically the best time to see whales in South Africa.

Southern Right Whales were the most exploited whale species in South Africa years ago. After near extinction, there are now a large number of them that you can see from land in Hermanus. You might also see Humpack Whales or Bryde’s Whales.

If you’re concerned about seeing whales ethically in South Africa, the best way to do so is from land. You can also go out on a non-motorized vehicle such as a kayak to try and see them from a closer vantage point.

What to Wear in Cape Town in October 

The weather in Cape Town in October is usually quite nice during the days, however, you’ll need layers to keep warm in the evenings. 

It’s also a good idea to have warmer clothes and a windbreaker if you’re planning to hike in and around Cape Town in October. 

The wind on top of the mountains is no joke, even in the summer months, so make sure you come equipped! 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the buildings aren’t well insulated and are built to keep heat out for the hot summer months so sometimes it can feel cooler inside than outside. 

As a Canadian who’s used to central heating, I remember feeling quite old inside in May (fall season) when it was 18 or 19°C outside because it was even colder inside the house I was living in! 

When’s the Best Time to Visit Cape Town?

Cape Town is worth visiting in any season, however, I think the shoulder season is one of the best times to visit! 

The shoulder season is a few months before and after summer (September, October and March, April), when the weather is still pretty good and warm. The benefit of travelling during this time is that you don’t get the crowds of tourists that are usually around the peak summer months. 

Travelling in Cape Town during the time also becomes a lot more affordable, because prices jump up in peak season for just about everything! So if you’re hoping to visit Cape Town on a budget, a trip there at some point during the shoulder season is a great way to do it! 

Cape Town in November

I’d say that November is also part of the shoulder season, right on the cusp of peak season. When I first arrived in Cape Town, I got there at the very start of November and saw how much busier it was everywhere in December. 

The price of my hostel also increased per night as soon as December hit. So November could be another good month to consider visiting! 

November can still be quite windy but the temperatures are usually pretty warm, sitting at around 22-25°C during the days, with lows of 12-14°C. Since it can get cool at nighttime, it’s best to have some layers with you, especially on windy days. 

When’s the Cheapest Time to Visit Cape Town?

As you can probably imagine, the cheapest time to visit Cape Town is during the low season. This is their winter season and pretty much anytime between the months of May/June – and September/October. 

This tends to be the cheapest time to visit because flights to Cape Town are cheaper and accommodation will cost a lot less per night. 

You might even find some good deals on tours and get special rates for hiring cars during South Africa’s winter because their economy relies pretty heavily on tourism. 

So if you’re looking for the most economical way to see Cape Town, try booking a trip during their winter or shoulder seasons! 

Other African Experiences

During your trip to Cape Town in October, you might want to see other parts of Africa.

There are a few amazing experiences you have in different parts of East Africa that I’d recommend!

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It’s one of the world’s largest waterfalls and Africa’s largest waterfall, with a combined width of 1,708 m (5,604 ft) and height of 108 m (355 ft).

I haven’t seen Victoria Falls with my own eyes yet but have a trip planned here later in 2025!

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda 

There are only a few places in the world where you can see silverback gorillas, the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.

I went to see the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda in 2022 and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

At the time, Bwindi had 459 gorillas, half of which were habituated for tourism and research and the rest were wild. The total population of mountain gorillas in the world at that time was 1,062 and a portion of the permit you pay to see the gorillas goes back into efforts to repopulate a species that is close to extinction.

So if Africa travel is high on your list, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do! There are many amazing places in East Africa where you can go on safaris as well, hike and more.

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 holiday, especially because you avoid the crowds that come during the high season and can enjoy mild weather!

I’ll be back shortly with another blog but in the meantime, check out my travels on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Cheers,

Amy xx