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Lying between the Indian and Atlantic
Oceans, Cape Town enjoys mild winters and pleasant summers.
Summer temperatures in December to February range from
around 15 to 27 degrees Celsius (60 to 80 degrees
Fahrenheit), whilst in the winter months of June to August
average temperatures are between 7 to 20 degrees Celsius (45
to 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rainfall is moderate throughout the year and there are
refreshing sea breezes which can sometimes turn a little
bracing during the winter.
Seasons
Most tourists visit Cape Town during our long summer from
November to February. A Mediterranean climate with little
rain, 11 hours a day sunshine or more and long sunny
evenings sets a party mood. The Californian weather explains
why Cape Town has become a favoured site for foreign film
and TV crews escaping from the Northern Hemisphere winter.
In recent years, the normally prevailing summer south-easter
wind, the famous Cape Doctor, seems to have abated. Maybe El
Nino or global warming is to blame. If the wind does blow
and you're after a tan or the beach, remember that mornings
are usually much less windy, and that certain beaches
(Clifton, Boulders) are much more protected than others.
Conventional local wisdom used to be that spring (September
and October) and autumn (April and May) are the smart times
to visit Cape Town. They are usually balmy in-between
seasons, with little wind, when nature is at its showiest.
If you're into flowers or whale-watching, or seeing the
vineyards at their best, these are great seasons to be in
the Cape.
Although Cape Town winters have a reputation for rain and
wind, they often produce perfect days or even weeks. Some
climatic change seems to have reduced winter rainfall, and
when it's not raining, winter becomes a perfect green
season, when temperatures can reach a summery 26C (80F) or
higher. Capetonians watching the World Cricket Cup being
played in England in June regularly enjoyed temperatures and
weather much more suitable for cricket here than they were
there. This time is known in Cape Town as the 'Secret
Season' - because of all the secret pleasures to be
experienced!
Whatever season you have chosen to visit Cape Town, be
warned of the old joke. Cape Town has four seasons -
sometimes in the same day. This is especially true if you
plan to go hiking or be outdoors. Check the weather
forecasts in local papers or on radio. Or phone 40881 for
detailed short-term forecasts. Long range forecasts are
available internationally through the Internet on CNN, or on
the University of Cape Town's Oceanography Department's
weather site, available as www.weather.iafrica.com. South
African summer holidays (usually from the first week of
December to mid January), and Easter are peak periods for
visiting Cape Town, so you should plan trips reasonably in
advance, and be prepared for lots of company. Restaurants
are full and many visitors from upcountry book them weeks
before arriving in Cape Town.
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