2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cape Town — March

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

March is an excellent time to visit Cape Town. Warm weather with highs of 25°C—great for outdoor activities. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. At 15°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

7.7
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

25°C

Avg Low

16°C

Rainy days

4days

Daylight

12.3h

Rainfall

20mm

Sunshine

10.7h/day

Humidity

72%

Humid
Sun Strength

8.3

Very High
Wind

23 km/h (gusts 42)

Sea Temp

15°C ❄️ Cold

Is March a good time to visit Cape Town?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:46

Sunset

19:06

12.3h daylight

Live March Forecast

LIVE

Forecast for your trip dates

Up to 14 days ahead

Visiting Cape Town in March: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in March

Events & Festivals

🏆
Cape Town Cycle Tour
March Sport
🎵
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Late March Music
🎵
Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts
November–March Music

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🏖️ Beach relaxation & sunbathing
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Cape Town Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 27°C 17°C 2d (9mm) 12.8h
67% Humid
12 Extreme
Excellent
Feb 27°C 17°C 1d (5mm) 12h
67% Humid
10.8 Extreme
Excellent
Mar Current 25°C 16°C 4d (20mm) 10.7h
72% Humid
8.3 Very High
Excellent
Apr 23°C 13°C 3d (20mm) 9.6h
73% Humid
6.2 High
Good
May 21°C 11°C 7d (45mm) 8.5h
79% Humid
4.5 Moderate
Good
Jun 19°C 10°C 10d (95mm) 7.7h
80% Very Humid
3.6 Moderate
Good
Jul 17°C 9°C 10d (107mm) 8.1h
80% Very Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
Aug 17°C 9°C 10d (72mm) 9.1h
79% Humid
5.2 High
Good
Sep 19°C 10°C 6d (36mm) 10.1h
76% Humid
7.2 Very High
Good
Oct 22°C 13°C 3d (14mm) 11.7h
70% Humid
9.8 Very High
Good
Nov 24°C 15°C 3d (18mm) 12.5h
67% Humid
11.4 Extreme
Excellent
Dec 25°C 16°C 3d (18mm) 12.9h
67% Humid
12 Extreme
Excellent

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthMayScore: 7.5

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Cape Town – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Cape Town

Cape Town: Table Mountain cable car views, Cape Peninsula drives with African penguins, nearby winelands, and dramatic coastal scenery.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for March

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Cape Town?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is March a good time to visit Cape Town?
March is typically excellent for visiting Cape Town, with average highs of 25°C and around 4 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Cape Town in March?
Evenings in Cape Town during March are mild at 16°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Cape Town in March?
With highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C in March, we recommend: Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sun hat, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in March?
Cape Town typically sees around 4 rainy days in March. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Cape Town in March?
March is suitable for swimming in Cape Town, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 25°C, and most swimmers find it enjoyable once they're in. Midday is usually the warmest time for a dip.
How many hours of daylight are there in Cape Town in March?
In March, Cape Town gets approximately 12.3 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is March peak season in Cape Town?
Yes, March is peak season in Cape Town. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Johannesburg)

Last Updated: February 2026