What to pack for Cape Town’s weird weather
I have trust issues with the weather in Cape Town.
You’ll wake up to a cloudless sky, be sweating by midday, get slapped by wind around 3pm, and by dinner you’ll be questioning your life choices in a hoodie and thick socks.
Locals call it “all four seasons in a day,” and they’re not exaggerating. If you’re visiting, pack smart; or suffer.
When those rain clouds pack over Hout Bay Area, you’re in trouble already.
Layers Are Everything
Forget one big jacket. Think in layers. T-shirts first, long-sleeves, and a hoodie or fleece you can throw on and off without knocking someone out.
Cape Town mornings can feel like London and by lunch, it’s a Mediterranean summer. If you’re climbing Lion’s Head at sunrise, you’ll freeze on the way up and bake on the way down. Want more ideas? Here’s a list of things to do in Cape Town.
Essentials:
- Lightweight waterproof jacket (wind is real)
- Hoodie or fleece (K-way hoodies or wind-breakers)
- T-shirts and breathable long-sleeves
- Thin scarf or buff for wind/dust/sun
It’s the wind that leaves the scars, not the rain
It’s the wind that leaves the scars, not the rain.
Rain can be waited out, watched from behind the window pane, but wind… wind will find those cracks.
It slips under doors, rattles windows, pulls at the roof.
When the sky turns, you don’t just want cover, you want comfort.
Not just a place to stay, but a place that won’t blow away.
Somewhere solid. Somewhere warm.
That’s where your search begins.
Wanna stay safe? You’ll need to find accommodation in Cape Town, or find out which Cape Town neighbourhood matches your energy best.
Rain in Cape Town is mostly winter’s problem (June–August), but the wind? It’s year-round and has zero chill. The “Cape Doctor” is a south-easterly that cleans the air, messes with your mood and rebrands your hair… violently. Forget umbrellas, they’re pointless here. Go for a hooded jacket or windbreaker with a solid zip.
Footwear That Can Keep Up
Leave the heels. Cape Town is a walking city with uneven pavements, hills, and spontaneous hikes. You need shoes that can handle a winery, a trail, or a night out without blistering your soul.
Recommended:
- Comfortable sneakers or trail shoes
- Sandals with grip (for beach/town crossover)
- Maybe one pair of nicer shoes if you’re doing the fancier side of town
Swimwear, Always
Doesn’t matter if it’s July or January – pack a costume. There are heated pools, hotel spas, and wild people who swim in the icy Atlantic for fun.
Also, there’s always a chance you’ll end up at a rooftop pool, a wine farm with a dam, or Clifton on a windless day.
Sunscreen and Hats are Non-Negotiable
The sun here doesn’t mess around. Even when it’s cloudy, UV levels are high. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or wide-brimmed hat. Bonus points if your hat doesn’t fly off with every gust of wind.
The ‘Just in Case’ Bag
Cape Town’s last-minute plans are legendary; sunset drinks, braai, walks in the forest. Keep a day bag with essentials: sunglasses, extra layer, reusable water bottle, and a spare pair of socks if you plan to get your feet wet.
In essence, Cape Town makes you pack like a Boy Scout. Be ready for heat, chill, wind, and a spontaneous adventure, sometimes all in one day. Overpack slightly, but with versatile stuff.
And if all else fails? Buy a K-way hoodie at the V&A Waterfront like everyone else.