Cape Town weather in July
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
July is Cape Town's winter month, bringing cool, crisp conditions perfect for outdoor exploration. Expect average highs of 16.4°C (61°F) and lows of 9.7°C (49°F). You'll experience around 104.9mm of rainfall spread across approximately 9.6 rainy days, so wet weather is common. However, sunshine still graces the city for about 8.3 hours daily, offering plenty of daylight for sightseeing between showers.
This is Cape Town's shoulder season—fewer tourists than summer months, but still busy with local activity. Winter brings a festive atmosphere with holiday preparations underway in the Southern Hemisphere. Crowds at major attractions like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront are noticeably lighter, making it ideal for travelers seeking authentic experiences without overwhelming tourist masses. The city's cultural scene thrives with theater productions and indoor dining experiences.
July 2026 is an excellent choice if you enjoy cooler weather and don't mind occasional rain. Book accommodations early, as winter holidays approach mid-month. Pack layers and waterproof gear, and consider indoor activities like museums and wine tastings on rainy days. The mild temperatures make walking tours comfortable, and hiking Table Mountain is rewarding with fewer crowds.
Bo-Kaap houses are painted for Eid, not Instagram; ask before photographing. Load shedding schedules on EskomSePush app dictate restaurant hours. The MyCiTi bus is safe; metrorail is not. Long Street is a mess at night; Bree Street and Kloof Street have real cocktail bars. Table Mountain hike via Platteklip is punishing; take the cable car up and Skeleton Gorge down through Kirstenbosch instead. Chapman's Peak drive is often closed for rockfall.
What to pack for Cape Town in July
Layer strategically for Cape Town's cool, wet winter. Bring waterproof outerwear, warm base layers, and sturdy waterproof footwear. Sunscreen and sunglasses remain essential despite the season—UV rays reflect off water and mountains.
- Waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker
- Merino wool thermal base layers
- Warm fleece sweater or pullover
- Waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes
- Wool beanie and scarf
What to pack for Cape Town in July
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Where to stay in Cape Town
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Cape Town across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated July trip to Cape Town
Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Cape Town?
July sees 105mm of rain here — delays happen. Check if you're eligible for compensation. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Table Mountain hike with fewer crowds, visit Cape Point and Two Oceans Aquarium, explore the V&A Waterfront markets, wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Constantia valleys.
July vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Cape Town. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Cape Town
While July has its own character in Cape Town, the data-backed best months to visit Cape Town are January, February, November, December. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Cape TownOther places with a similar climate right now
Cape Town in July — FAQ
Q01Is July a good time to visit Cape Town?
Is July a good time to visit Cape Town?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In July, Cape Town averages a high of 16°C (62°F) and a low of 10°C (49°F), with 105mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days. Late March into early April end-of-summer; Cape Doctor southeaster calms, whale season starts near Hermanus, and vineyard harvest brings free tastings.
Q02What is the average temperature in Cape Town in July?
What is the average temperature in Cape Town in July?
The average high temperature in Cape Town during July is 16°C (62°F), with an average low of 10°C (49°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). Capetownians hit Camps Bay or Llandudno for sunset then Clifton Fourth Beach for wind shelter; Table Mountain cable car closes at 30-knot gusts.
Q03How many rainy days does Cape Town have in July?
How many rainy days does Cape Town have in July?
Cape Town averages approximately 10 rainy days in July, with a total monthly rainfall of about 105mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. June cold fronts hit hard; the M3 through Newlands floods at Kirstenbosch, and Kloof Nek to Camps Bay closes for mudslides most winters.
Q04What should I pack for Cape Town in July?
What should I pack for Cape Town in July?
For Cape Town in July, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A serious windbreaker with drawcord hood; Table Mountain summit wind hits 60kmh even on calm-forecast days and drops your temperature 15C.
Q05How crowded is Cape Town in July?
How crowded is Cape Town in July?
Tourist crowds in Cape Town during July are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Bo-Kaap houses are painted for Eid, not Instagram; ask before photographing. Load shedding schedules on EskomSePush app dictate restaurant hours. The MyCiTi bus is safe; metrorail is not. Long Street is a mess at night; Bree Street and Kloof Street have real cocktail bars. Table Mountain hike via Platteklip is punishing; take the cable car up and Skeleton Gorge down through Kirstenbosch instead. Chapman's Peak drive is often closed for rockfall.