The best months to visit Cape Town are Nov – Mar. 20–30°C, dry summer.
Quick facts
Currency ZAR (Rand) 1 USD ≈ 18.5 ZAR
Language English / Afrikaans / Xhosa English spoken everywhere
Timezone SAST (UTC+2) No daylight saving
Best Months Nov – Mar 20–30°C, dry summer
Daily Budget ~$35–60 USD ZAR 650–1,100 budget range
Visa Visa-free for many 90 days for most Western passports
When to go
Where a flat-topped mountain guards two oceans, penguins share beaches with surfers, and a wine valley sits in the city's backyard.
Getting Around in Cape Town
- MyCiTi buses connect the airport, city centre, Table Mountain, and Atlantic Seaboard. Buy a myconnect card (ZAR 35 + top-up). Clean and reliable
- Uber is the safest and most convenient option, widely available and affordable. Use Uber after dark. Airport to city bowl: ZAR 200–280
- Renting a car is ideal for the Cape Peninsula and Winelands. Roads are excellent. Drive on the left. Parking in the city centre: ZAR 10–30/hour
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Cape Town travel guide.
Timezone: SAST (UTC+2) (No daylight saving)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
The best months to visit Cape Town are Nov – Mar (20–30°C, dry summer), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Cape Town budget breakdown.
