2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cape Town — October

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

October is a good time to visit Cape Town. Warm weather with highs of 22°C—great for outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, so you can leave the umbrella at home. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 14°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

8.8
GoTripzi Score Excellent

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

Avg High

22°C

Avg Low

13°C

Rainy days

3days

Daylight

12.9h

Rainfall

14mm

Sunshine

11.7h/day

Humidity

70%

Humid
Sun Strength

9.8

Very High
Wind

23 km/h (gusts 42)

Sea Temp

14°C ❄️ Cold

Is October a good time to visit Cape Town?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Moderate
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:06

Sunset

19:00

12.9h daylight

Visiting Cape Town in October: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in October

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 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 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 Current 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

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5.6

Where to Stay

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

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Cape Town

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

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What to Pack for October

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 Moderate

🎒Personalized Packing List

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Your Packing List

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

Planning a trip to Cape Town?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is October a good time to visit Cape Town?
October is typically good for visiting Cape Town, with average highs of 22°C and around 3 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 October?
Evenings in Cape Town during October are mild at 13°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 October?
With highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C in October, we recommend: Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses, Comfortable walking shoes. 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 October?
Cape Town typically sees around 3 rainy days in October. 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 October?
October is suitable for swimming in Cape Town, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 22°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 October?
In October, Cape Town gets approximately 12.9 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 October peak season in Cape Town?
No, October is not peak season in Cape Town. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

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

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Johannesburg)

Last Updated: February 2026

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