Cape Town in August
In August, Cape Town averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (77 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
August offers comfortable temperatures in Cape Town, with some rain to plan around.
How August compares to the rest of the year in Cape Town
August is one of the coolest months in Cape Town (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (22°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (17°C) and warms a further 1°C into September (19°C).
August sunrise & sunset in Cape Town
Times shown for Cape Town local time (Africa/Johannesburg), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cape Town — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Cape Town's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cape Town in August
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Cape Town's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — August in Cape Town
This is a busy month in Cape Town — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — August in Cape Town
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Cape Town — August
Cape Town's sea temperature barely shifts through the year — within 1.6°C of itself, month to month.
Cape Town in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 15 mm | 4 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 61°F | 17 mm | 4 | — |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 20 mm | 5 | — |
| April | 23°C / 73°F | 12°C / 54°F | 41 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 20°C / 68°F | 9°C / 48°F | 69 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 93 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 82 mm | 12 | — |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 77 mm | 11 | — |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 40 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 30 mm | 7 | — |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 14 mm | 5 | — |
| December | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 17 mm | 4 | — |
Other cities with similar August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cape Town in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cape Town in August?
In August, Cape Town averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in August?
August can be fairly wet in Cape Town, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is August a good time to visit Cape Town?
August is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cape Town in August?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Cape Town for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.