For Cape Town - the weather is all about the wind, and that wind is all about what time of the year it is.   The two ocean currents that flow along our 3000km coastline are a major influencing factor on our weather and climate. The cold Benguela Current flows north along our West Coast and the warm Agulhas Current flows south along our East Coast.   The South Western Cape is where these two major ocean currents mix and meet.   Read more on the Two Oceans page.

The three main prevailing winds that affect our climate are the "Bergwind" - a hot dry wind, which blows in from Namibia (and indicates the imminent arrival of a "Cold Front" weater.

Then there is the famous "South Easter"   which blows most of our Summer months and keeps Cape Town cool whilst 50km inland they are expiring from the heat.

Also a famous wind is our "North Wester" in winter, which   brings our rain and storms around the Cape. Sometimes the Cape mountains have peaks draped in snow, and Table Mountain has light snowfalls occasionally!

The Mediterranean climate means cool wet winters (2 - 25  °C) and hot dry summers (10 - 38 ° C).

Spring falls between August and October - the best time for sighting Southern Right whales (June to November), viewing unique Namaqualand daisies and the Cape Fynbos plants flowering season. It is also one of the best times to visit Cape Town as the winds have died down and the weather is very pleasant for those traveling from cooler climates.

Summer (October to April) is when the Cape fruit begins to mature, whilst autumn (April to May) ushers in the harvests.

The winter rainfall (June to August) brings the "Green Season" to the Cape, when the grapevines are pruned and the grains (wheat, barley and rye) are ripe.

It is also when we hosted the FIFA 2010 South Africa Soccer tournament.   And remember that whatever the weather - SOUTH AFRICA HAS A HEART OF GOLD - TAKE SOME HOME WITH YOU!

Gold is good for your Heart - it is VAT refundable at the airport.