The month in detail
What to expect in September
Spring marks the start of the good season in Cape Town. Temperatures rise (17°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain risk remains low (16% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. January (9.3/10) is significantly better if possible.
September ranks 9 out of 12 months in Cape Town. Compared to August: 7 pts fewer rainy days, +0.9h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in September
UV index
6 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
dry air
10°
Sea
15°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
11.8h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 38
Compare
Is September the right month?
The best month in Cape Town is January (9.3/10), 1.9 pt higher than September.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Cape Town
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Cape Town
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · South Africa
🗣️LanguageZulu
💶CurrencySouth African Rand (R)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 25°C
❄️Coolest monthJuly · 16°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJune · 28%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in September
If September doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Cape Town ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
South AfricaTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.3 → 4.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
33.92°S · 18.42°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cape Town?
January is the best month with 25.0°C highs, 17.0°C lows, 11.4h of sunshine and 7.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Cape Town get in January?
Cape Town averages 11.4 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in Cape Town?
June is the most unfavourable month with June has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Cape Town in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 17.0°C, while afternoon highs average 25.0°C.
Is Cape Town good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Cape Town scores 8.8/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 9.0/10.
When should you avoid Cape Town?
June is the most difficult month to visit Cape Town, with June has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Cape Town in September?
In September, the sea averages 15°C in Cape Town: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Cape Town in September?
The average UV index reaches 6 in September in Cape Town (high), with about 11.8h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.