About Vineyard Hotel
The Vineyard Hotel is located in the leafy suburb of Newlands and has spectacular views dominated by Table Mountain.
It's a very well-known landmark in Cape Town, and over the years has built up a good reputation and a loyal following of return visitors.
The Vineyard Hotel is a good-value, upmarket hotel in a beautiful green setting, which works well for families, couples or single travellers. It's fairly large, which perhaps helps it to run very smoothly and professionally, and has a central location, close to many of Cape Town's sights. The Vineyard remains independent and family-run; it's not part of any chain. What's perhaps most impressive about it is that it continues to reinvent itself – by updating and upgrading its rooms and facilities. So whilst generally the Expert Africa team aren't keen on larger hotels, the Vineyard ranks as a very honourable exception.
Our view
The Vineyard Hotel is a good-value, upmarket hotel in a beautiful green setting, which works well for families, couples or single travellers. It's fairly large, which perhaps helps it to run very smoothly and professionally, and has a central location, close to many of Cape Town's sights. The Vineyard remains independent and family-run; it's not part of any chain. What's perhaps most impressive about it is that it continues to reinvent itself – by updating and upgrading its rooms and facilities. So whilst generally the Expert Africa team aren't keen on larger hotels, the Vineyard ranks as a very honourable exception.
Accommodation
208 rooms
Children
Excellent for children
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Microlight
Mountain biking
Private activities
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Vineyard Hotel
62 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 14 Feb 2025, 4 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 2 Dec 2024, 3 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 21 Oct 2024, 6 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Classy hotel in great location"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 31 Dec 2023, 5 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 23 Jul 2023, 3 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Nov 2022, 5 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 31 Aug 2022, 4 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Aug 2022, 3 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Mar 2020, 2 nights
"Vineyard Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent

















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Vineyard Hotel: Our full report
The Vineyard Hotel is located in the leafy suburb of Newlands and has spectacular views dominated by Table Mountain.
It's a very well-known landmark in Cape Town, and over the years has built up a good reputation and a loyal following of return visitors.
The Vineyard Hotel is around the corner from the upmarket Cavendish Square shopping mall, and within walking distance of the world-renowned Newlands cricket and rugby grounds. A ten-minute drive will take you to the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and a 15-minute drive will take you to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Cape Town's city centre.
Nestling in six acres of beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens, it's possible to stroll along pathways in the Vineyard's grounds which follow the Liesbeeck River, and spot hadeda ibis and giant tortoises (a huge hit with children) on the lawns. A 'Garden and Bird Guide' is available in each room for you to take as you amble through the gardens, helping you to identify the local flora and birdlife.
The Vineyard Hotel is a mix of modern contemporary design built around an old historical house dating back to 1799 and is constantly being updated to keep up with current hotel trends.
The Vineyard has a large and spacious foyer with ceramic-tiled floors and a central antique table topped with a large arrangement of fresh flowers. To one side of this is large a comfortable seating area and business centre. Located just off the foyer is Vineyard Antiques, a small shop specialising in antiques, silver and porcelain, as well as a separate shop selling local curios and jewellery.
Adjacent to the foyer is Long Café – a coffee drinkers paradise. The Café has a touch of old and new design features, including an impressive locally made blown glass chandelier and original artwork.
Directly behind the foyer, in the glass-roofed central courtyard, The Square restaurant is furnished with modern high and low-backed padded chairs. Lush green plants and tall trees give it a light and tropical feel. Here you are served breakfasts; lunches and dinners, and there is also a sushi bar which is open in the evenings. The dinner menu here changes every 3 days and uses fresh local produce.
Myoga restaurant, which is independently owned, is also in the main building, overlooking the gardens with views towards Table Mountain. Here you will be offered lunch and dinner in more modern surroundings, sampling 'global fusion' cuisine ranging from Mediterranean mezes to eastern style.
The Garden Lounge is a wonderfully relaxed venue to enjoy light meals or snacks and afternoon tea, either inside by the bar on comfy sofas, or head outside via the large floor-to-ceiling windows onto the terrace overlooking the gardens and Table Mountain beyond.
There are 208 rooms at the Vineyard Hotel, ranging from single rooms to very smart, two-bedroom self catering cottages in the grounds of the hotel. At the time of our visit some rooms were undergoing refurbishment and upgrading. This is part of a rolling programme of updating the hotel – using their own team of in-house craftspeople. We are very impressed to see that far from resting on its laurels, the Vineyard really is keeping updated and on top of the game.
Most of the rooms in the main part hotel are divided into either: mountain-facing rooms – with views over the gardens towards Table Mountain; or courtyard-facing rooms, which look onto an open-air Japanese-style courtyard. The lush tropical trees and vegetation, and water-features, make this a calm and tranquil setting to look out onto.
The Vineyard Hotel's room types are:
- Courtyard-facing rooms - these rooms are 30m² and have separate en-suite bathrooms.
- Deluxe Courtyard-facing rooms - these rooms are similar to the above rooms, with en-suite bathrooms, but are slightly bigger (34m²). The downstairs rooms have sliding doors leading out on to the courtyard.
- Mountain-facing rooms - these rooms are 30m² with an en-suite bathroom. They have views of the beautiful gardens and Table Mountain beyond.
- Deluxe Mountain-facing rooms - these rooms have the same outlook as the mountain-facing rooms, mentioned above, are also (30m²) and have en-suite bathrooms but they boast a private balcony or patio.
- Mountain-facing Voorkamer - these rooms also overlook the gardens and Table Mountain but are located on the 2nd floor of the Manor House. Very different in style, they have a Victorian theme and large king size four-poster bed, as well as an en-suite bathrooms.
- Junior Suites - some of these rooms (the smallest being 55m²) are located longside the spa overlooking the river (River Facing Junior Suites); while others are in the main building with views overlooking the gardens (Garden Facing Junior Suites). They comprise a bedroom/living room, en-suite bathroom and private balcony or patio.
- Suites - these suites are bigger at 57m² or more, with a separate lounge and en-suite bedroom and some have doors leading out on to a private terrace or balcony. Again there is a choice of either River or a Mountain Facing Suites
- Deluxe Suites - these suites (85m²), have been newly designed and incorporate large bedrooms, a separate lounge with 6-seater dining table and small bar, and en-suite bedroom. Doors lead out on to a spacious balcony with great views of both the gardens and Mountain.
- Francois Suite - in memory of the late owner, Francois Petousis, overlooking the garden he created, this 82m² suite has a bedroom with en suite bathroom as well as a lounge area, large patio and an additional visitors bathroom.
- Kitty Suite - is the Vineyards premier suite located on the third floor affording great views of Table Mountain. This luxury suite has a large bedroom and an en suite bathroom with bath and separate shower. From the lounge, floor to ceiling glass doors open out onto an impressive 18m² rooftop balcony, with loungers, chairs and table.
- Cottages - there are also six self-catering cottages located in the gardens of the Vineyard Hotel, each having two bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge, dining room and kitchen and are ideal for families traveling together or guests planning a longer stay in Cape Town.
The Health and Fitness Centre at the Vineyard is a modern extension to the hotel built of glass and steel. It has two heated swimming pools, one large outdoor and one small indoor, as well as a fully equipped gym. Here you will also find the Splash Café which serves healthy snacks, soft drinks and smoothies. Housed in the Fitness Centre is one of the Vineyard's shops, selling a wide variety and gifts and curios.
Adjoining the Fitness Centre is the Angsana Spa which is run by the international Banyan Tree Group. Here you will find a peaceful and relaxing environment to enjoy a variety of pampering treatments for body and mind!
On-site activities include a guided walk around the lush gardens followed by afternoon tea, plus during the summer months there are various activities laid on for children including treasure hunts in search of the tortoises, arts and crafts and movies.
Close by you can easily spend a day exploring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and beyond this you have a plethora of exciting things to see and do in and around Cape Town.
Geographics
- Location
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- 3-6 days, depending on how long you have for your holiday. There is plenty to see and do in Cape Town.
- Directions
- Located on the ‘back’ side of Table Mountain in the Newlands area of Cape Town, the Vineyard Hotel is a mere 15 minutes form the city centre and Waterfront and about 20 minutes from the International airport.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- The Vineyard has several venues for dining as mentioned above - with a couple of top-quality restaurants, as well as a couple more relaxed venues with simpler fare - all offer food of a very high standard, as befits a top quality hotel.
The breakfast served in The Square has an enormous selection. In 2016 we found a buffet with a vast array of cereals, fruit, breads, meats, cheeses, pastries, and hot eggs, sausages etc, as well as a more elaborate à la carte menu with further choices. You really don’t need a lunch after eating here!
During our stay we also ate on the verandah in front of The Garden Lounge and one evening at the bar, as well as The Square another evening. On all occasions the food was delicious and the staff very friendly and efficient.
The afternoon tea of cakes, pastries and savoury dishes is available in the Garden Lounge between 15:30 – 17:30 daily, with their ‘snack menu’ available 15:00 to 18:00. Their main menu is throughout the day.
Long Café is open daily form 08:00 – to 17:00 and serves an array of coffee as well as light meals, cakes and pastries.
Both Myoga and The Square are open for lunch and evening meals and offer a sophisticated dining experience. We recommend that you pre-book dinner for these, especially during high season when the hotel is full, in order not to be disappointed. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- There is 24-hour room service.
- Drinks included
- No
Special interests
- Family holidays
- At the upmarket but good-value Vineyard Hotel children can enjoy a large pool and beautiful, tranquil gardens. Slightly separated from the main buildings, the hotel's individual cottages offer a laid-back option for a family holiday in South Africa. There are qualified child-minders here too.
- See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
- Wellbeing
- The Angsana Spa is part of the international Banyan Tree group (probably the best spa group in the world) and their Thai therapists have all been trained in the Far East and offer a wellbeing experience in South Africa not to be missed.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are openly welcome here.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children of all ages can stay at the Vineyard.
- Special activities & services
- Mainly over the summer months, there are a variety of supervised activities for children, including treasure hunts in search of the Vineyard tortoises, outdoor activities and a supervised Games Room (open mid Dec-Jan) with arts/crafts, indoor games and films daily.
Babysitters are available (additional cost) to look after children. Note that these are trained child-minders.
There is a dedicated Kid’s Menu in the restaurants (with exception of Myoga which we feel is very much an adult venue anyway).
Additional touches included a present of a hard back story book on arrival. - Equipment
- There are highchairs in the restaurants and cots in the bedrooms.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- The Vineyard Hotel accepts children of all ages and they are welcome here. The cottages are ideal for accommodating families.
Communications
- Communications
- There is a direct-dial phone in all the rooms as well as free WiFi. There is also a separate Business Centre with computers, fax machines and printers for guests to use. There is full cell phone reception throughout the hotel.
- TV & radio
- Local and satellite TV is available in all the rooms.
- Water supply
- Mains
Sustainability

A leading example of energy efficiency
With over two centuries of history, the Vineyard Hotel, originally built in February 1800, has evolved to now be one of the most environmentally-friendly hotels in Cape Town. Perhaps the leading light of the hotel’s sustainable operations stands in combining luxuries with innovative energy-efficient solutions. Impressive numbers stand to confirm the hotel’s commitment for setting high targets when it comes to ‘living green’.
The hotel takes a holistic approach towards saving energy to not only minimize operating costs, but also make efficient use of the resources it has. In terms of using renewable energy, 2400 kWh per month are generated through solar panels, whereas the conference rooms are well-designed to make the best use of natural light and ventilation whenever possible. Furthermore, the hotel has replaced light-bulbs with LED lights, and has also installed timers for outdoor lights, thus cutting down 75% off energy consumption. When it comes to guest rooms, Vineyard is using energy-cards as room keys in 84 of its dormitories, has placed sensors to stop the air conditioning from functioning when the bedroom doors are open, and has also provided bedrooms with energy-efficient mini-bar fridges. To further save on energy, chemicals and water, the hotel has installed new laundry machines which are 34% more energy efficient that previous ones, and washes guest linen and towels only upon visitors’ request.
These measures represent only a glimpse of all the investments Vineyard Hotel does to minimize its environmental footprint. The consistent efforts have brought the hotel worldwide recognition, as awards such as the Green Leaf Environmental Standard Certification: Silver Status stand to confirm.
See more great sustainability projects in South Africa
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There is a doctor's surgery around the corner and excellent hospitals are nearby.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- 24 hour security guards are on duty.
- Fire safety
- There is a fire escape plan in each room.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Microlight
Mountain biking
Private activities
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge.
Dry cleaning is also available. - Money
- Money exchange is possible.
There are electronic safes in all the rooms. - Accepted payment on location
- Most international credit cards are accepted as well as travellers cheques.
Cash is accepted in SA rands, pounds sterling, US dollars and euros.
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Vineyard Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Vineyard Hotel.
Excursions from Vineyard Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Vineyard Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Cape Point and Peninsula Tour
Full day - normally nine hours
Get your camera ready for one of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal drives in the company of an informative guide. Take in magnificent beaches, stunning scenery, wildlife on land and at sea, and the meeting of two great oceans, then round off your day in the tranquillity of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
More about Cape Point and Peninsula
City and Table Mountain Tour
Approximately four hours - AM or PM
From atop the iconic Table Mountain, the panoramic views of Cape Town can be breathtaking – and if the cable car isn’t operating, they’re just as good from nearby Signal Hill. Back at sea level, explore the highlights of this fascinating and pretty city, including the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the Houses of Parliament.
More about City and Table Mountain
Winelands Private Tour
Full day
Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands and sample some of the well-known wines they have to offer
More about Winelands Private TourOther lodges in Cape Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Acorn House
Against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Table Mountain, Acorn House offers a traditional guesthouse welcome in a historic setting.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is a pleasant place to stay whilst visiting Cape Town. It's located at one of the Cape's most visited destinations, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

The Constantia
The five-star Constantia is an elegant, country-style boutique hotel with well-appointed rooms, situated close to Cape Town’s attractions, five world-class wine estates and many superb restaurants.

Camps Bay Retreat
Camps Bay Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary set in a lush green private reserve overlooking the sea, close to one of Cape Town's most desirable beachfront areas.

Four Rosmead
Four Rosmead is a comfortable, very friendly guest house located very close to the city centre and all its nearby attractions.

Cape Grace
The Cape Grace is set in the centre of Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. It's a perfect base for those wanting to be close to restaurants and shops.

Long Beach
Located on one of Cape Town's best beaches, the Long Beach is a great place to relax and explore, although it is further from the city than many other hotels and guesthouses.

Radisson Blu Waterfront
The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront is located beside the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and has great views of the Atlantic Ocean

Hotel Verde
The contemporary and comfortable Hotel Verde, within a stone’s throw of Cape Town International Airport, has a strong focus on sustainability and the environment.

Cellars-Hohenort
Cellars Hohenort is a luxury hotel set in stunning gardens. Situated in the wine-growing Constantia Valley it is not far from many of Cape Town's attractions.

Bay Hotel
On the beachfront at Camps Bay, the Bay Hotel has luxury 5-star amenities, plus close access to one of Cape Towns best beaches as well as lots of restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Mount Nelson Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel is Cape Town's oldest and most famous hotel. It's a place to be seen and the best address for a delicious afternoon tea.

Twelve Apostles
The welcoming Twelve Apostles Hotel has a great location overlooking the ocean, just a short drive to the beach and restaurants of Camps Bay.
When to go to Cape Town
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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