9 Things To Do In Cape Town In Summer In 2025

Cape Town is a popular tourist destination, luring travellers with its vibrant cultures, sandy beaches, and rich flora and fauna. If you wish to make your summer memorable and full of adventures in South Africa, head to this incredible place. From beach-hopping, witnessing sunsets, water sports, and safaris to trekking, you can engage in adventures that interest you. Cape Town in summer is, truly, a wonderland. Not to miss out on the fantastic summer festivals. Without further ado, check out the top things you should not miss on the summer vacation.

What To Do In Cape Town In Summer?

Here are the top summer activities in Cape Town to have the best time on your trip. Ensure you don’t miss out on any for a fascinating holiday experience.

Surfing: Perfect Water Adventure
Picnic: Ideal For Couples And Families
Witness Summer Music Festival: Unwind Yourself
Explore Summer Markets: Go Shopping
Hiking: Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure
Visit Sea Point Promenade: Witness Sunsets
Taste Teas: Savour The Specialities
Sip Wine: Enjoy Wine-tasting Tours
Indulge In Culinary Delights: Satisfy Your Taste Buds

1. Surfing

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Cape Town is all about the sunny beaches and ocean waves. Water adventures and beach-hopping are, surely, top things to do in Cape Town in summer. If you enjoy surfing, head to Muizenberg because it is the best surfing spot in town. Get on your surfboard and ride those damn waves. The water is excellent, and the waves are inviting. If you don’t know how to surf but wish to learn, you can join the surfing school here. You will get to take lessons from the pro. Be careful because sometimes you can spot the Great White Sharks in these waters. Look for the flags before you get on surfing.

Best Spots: Muizenberg Beach, Llandudno Beach, Long Beach (Kommetjie), Kalk Bay
Highlights: Great surf conditions, Consistent waves, Scenic coves

Also Read: Cape Town Beaches

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2. Picnic

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Who doesn’t enjoy a summer picnic? Pack up your favourite lunch, grab a book and a sheet, and lay the spread beneath a tree. Luckily, Cape Town has numerous picnic spots. Hence, the picnic culture is where people head out to vineyards to enjoy the goodness of the sun and the mesmerizing scenery of the vineyards and ocean. Get out in nature when in Cape Town. Top up the whole experience with white Sauvignon Blanc. Having a picnic is one of the best things to do in summer in Cape Town.

Best Spots: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Green Point Park, Company’s Garden, Glen Beach
Highlights: Open green space, Stunning mountain views, Plenty of benches, Rich flora

3. Witness Summer Music Festival

Summer Music Festival, Cape Town In Summer

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All the music lovers in the house, please stand up and head to the most awesome Summer Music Festival in South Africa. Dance to the tunes of rock, hip-hop, folk, electronica, and everything in between. People in Cape Town love music, so you will have a good time at the fest. Make sure you buy the tickets in advance on your trip to South Africa because they get sold out quickly.

Best Events: Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts, Cape Town Folk & Acoustic Music Festival
Highlights: Folk and acoustic music, International and local acts, Stunning venues

Related Post: Food Festivals In Cape Town

4. Explore Cape Town Summer Markets

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As a travel enthusiast, you must taste the joy of thoroughly exploring a place by its local markets. The summer markets of Cape Town take you on a journey of witnessing local arts and crafts, street food, and souvenirs. Shopping is, definitely, among the best things to do in Cape Town in summer. The flea markets are set up on weekends, and you can buy various things, like fresh organic goods, clothes, and other things. Old Biscuit Mill on Albert Road is one of the most famous markets every tourist should explore in their free time. Feel free to explore artisan markets and food markets, too. They are equally fun. Check out Farmer Markets in Cape Town for a unique experience.

Best Spots: The Watershed at V&A Waterfront, Bay Harbour Market, City Bowl Market, Neighbourgoods Market
Highlights: Local food, Crafts, Live Music, Artisanal products, Laid-back atmosphere

5. Hiking

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Summer in Cape Town is all about getting outdoors. You may have hiked during the day, but moonlight hiking in Cape Town will surely be a unique experience. Lion’s Head lies next to the famous Tabel Mountain and is a favourite peak of Cape Town locals to venture into hiking in the moonlight. Just get up before sunset to enjoy the experience of getting down with the full moon shining over you. Overall, hiking and trekking are the best summer activities in Cape Town for travellers, especially adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Best Spots: Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Chapman’s Peak, Silvermine Nature Reserve
Highlights: Diverse landscapes (fynbos to wetlands), Views of the Atlantic Ocean, 360-degree panoramic views of Cape Town

Related Post: Adventure Places In Cape Town

6. Visit Sea Point Promenade

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If you are in Cape Town in summer and don’t take enough walks to the Sea Point Promenade, you will not be doing justice to your holiday. The promenade stretches from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay and is a special place for runners, dog walkers, and families to stroll. You will even find several restaurants, bars, and art galleries where you can visit. If you wish to swim, you can head to the waters at Rocklands Beach or Sea Point public schools.

Location: Stretches from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Highlights: Jogging, Walking, and Cycling along the Atlantic Ocean, Witness sunsets, Public art installations, Cafes

7. Taste A Variety Of Tea

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If it weren’t for the high tea, we would still be stopping by for some cola for a refreshing experience. Select from a wide range of teas, like any of your favourite regular or bubbly ones, because all are served here. If you choose a hotel like Mount Nelson, get ready to spend your evening surrounded by lush gardens and high teas- all at a fairly reasonable price!

Best Spots: The Tea Emporium, Buchu Tea at the V&A Waterfront, The Rooibos Tea House
Highlights: Wide selection of premium teas worldwide. Learn about tea varieties

Related Post: Cafes In Cape Town

8. Sip Vintage Wine

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Summer in Cape Town in South Africa welcomes all to satiate their thirst by sipping refreshing and delicious wine. Cape Town also has many wine abodes where you can sip wine and chill with your friends. You can also explore some of the best wine routes in Cape Town or board the popular Franschhoek Wine Tram for a smooth journey around. If you’re a wine lover, this is undoubtedly something you cannot afford to miss out on for a fun-packed experience there.

Best Spots: Constantia Wine Valley, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands
Highlights: Wine-tasting tours, Beautiful vineyard settings

9. Indulge In Culinary Delights

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With so many things to do around Cape Town, you’re bound to feel hungrier than ever. What can be better than boarding a train to Kalk Bay and strolling around the main street before binging on famous fish and chips like the locals? You can chill at a cafe with cool vibes or a fancy restaurant in this area. Whether you are visiting Cape Town in June or any time of the year, indulging in delightful culinary delights, is surely, among the best things to do with loved ones.

Best Spots: The Test Kitchen, La Colombe, The Pot Luck Club, The V&A Waterfront, Food Trucks and Street Food
Highlights: Sushi and seafood, French-inspired cuisine, Modern and traditional South African flavors

Related Post: Restaurants In Cape Town

Weather In Cape Town In Summer

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Summer in Cape Town lasts from December to April. When half the world is in hibernation mode during the winters, Cape Town locals enjoy getting outdoors and soaking up the sun’s goodness. The temperature varies between 17 and 27 degrees Celsius. It is a great time to hit the beach and enjoy other summer activities the South African capital has in store. Cape Town temperature in July ranges from 11 degrees Celcius to 19 degrees Celcius, ideal for outdoor adventures. It is recommended to check weather forecast prior planning the vacation for a hassle-free experience.

You May Also Like To Read: Haunted Places In Cape Town

Are you excited already? Plan a mesmerizing summer break in Cape Town with your loved ones for an exhilarating experience. Indulge in adventures that excite you the most, from water adventures to cafe-hopping. Without any further delay, plan your trip to Cape Town for the best summer this year.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Town

What is the weather like in Cape Town during summer?

In summer in Cape Town, the weather is pleasant and warm. The average summer temperature in Cape Town ranges from 21 degrees Celcius to 21 degrees Celcius, ideal for outdoor adventures.

Are there any summer festivals in Cape Town?

Cape Town hosts several summer festivals, such as Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse), and the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts.

What should I pack for Cape Town in summer?

You should pack light and cool clothing for summers in Cape Town. Include a bathing suit, sun hat and good hiking gear. Don’t forget to put on a light jacket and a pair of long trousers in case it starts to get a bit chilly in the evening.

What is the coldest month in Cape Town?

June is the coldest month in Cape Town with an average temperature of 13-degree Celsius.

What is the best month to visit Cape Town?

The peak summer season which is from December to February is the perfect time to explore Cape Town. During this time, you can witness the grand celebration of Christmas and New Year, as well as enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities to its best.

What are some must-visit summer destinations near Cape Town?

Travellers can visit many places in summer in Cape Town, including Table Mountain, vibrant V&A Waterfront, Lion's Head, and Cape Point.

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