Peak Season:
With its mild climate, Cape Town is popular year-round so cheap flights can be found with advance planning. The peak travel season is from November through January. The area is particularly crowded during school holidays, especially the South African summer holiday period from December to January, so plan your flights and accommodation ahead of time. Easter is another popular holiday time, as are July and August.
At the beginning of January, The Cape Minstrels, also referred to as the Kaapse Klospe, fill the streets of Cape Town to host an annual display of their historic Second New Year Street Parade. The parades features thousands of individuals dressed in luminous multicoloured suits, face paint, twirling parasols accompanied by music and contagious beats.
For 37 years, individuals have been attending South Africa’s most renowned outdoor social and sporting occasion of the year at Kenilworth Racecourse. The event taking place in January is a merge of equestrian expertise with high fashion that celebrates bold attitudes. This event of the season offers enthusiasts the chance to watch the country’s finest racehorses compete whilst basking in the summer sun.
Off Season:
February through March and October are excellent times to visit because the weather is nice but the city has fewer crowds. This is also a good time to find deals on flights and discounted hotels because tourism is low and the city is looking for visitors. If you will be staying for at least a week or so, winter generally has glorious days mixed in with the gloomy cold ones, and winter is when you can find the best deals.
The ubiquitous fog hovering over Table Mountain, waves crashing against surfboards and carpets of rolling wineries: these are quintessential images of Cape Town. Blessed with one of the most distinct and varied landscapes in Africa and pleasant weather year-round Cape Town offers an exciting experience to lovers of the great outdoors and anyone looking for a cosmopolitan, yet relaxed, city to visit.
The city’s infectious energy summons travellers to head out into the outdoors, and as Capetonians do – either hit the water to ride some waves or hike up Table Mountain. History buffs booking flights to Cape Town should reserve a tour of the infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for two decades.
Exploring Cape Town’s diverse neighbourhoods is a great way to get to know the city. Wander the cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap – the historic home of the Muslims whose ancestors were brought as slaves over from Indonesia, India and Turkey. From there the glitzy beach towns of Camps Bay and Clifton are within reach.
The Table Mountain which overlooks the city is an extremely popular attraction is. Cable cars run daily, though tourists are advised to prepare for much colder conditions at the top. It is also possible to undertake a more strenuous walking and climbing route to the summit. Water sports are extremely popular, with visitors trying kite surfing, swimming or surfing on Cape Town's many beaches - Langebaan lagoon is a particular favourite for its shallow waters and gentle winds. Deep sea fishing and diving is also extremely popular, while adrenaline seekers can even try shark cage diving.
South Africa is famed for its wine, and Cape Town is blessed with many fine vineyards and wineries. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek boast dozens of vineyards open to the public, and many organised tours provide access to the best in the area. The city also boasts impressive shopping centres and malls, home to many of the world's leading department stores.
On a peninsula between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Cape Town has mild winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures range from seven to 12 degrees between June and August. Spring is unpredictable and can have pleasant, sunny days or days when the Cape Doctor, a southeast wind, blows up to 75mph. Summer can be very warm from December to March with temperatures reaching the 40s, but the wind keeps it bearable. March to April and early May have the best weather and gentle winds. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year.Getting downtown from the airportGetting into the city from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is very easy. You can hire a car at the terminal and take the N2 freeway, or use the MyCiTi bus service, which offers a shuttle service every 20 minutes throughout the day. Taxis and other bus companies also operate in the area. Door-to-door minibus services are available for the journey from the airport to the city, taking approximately half an hour. Many hotels operate courtesy buses.
In the city’s centre, the cheapest option to get around is Cape Town’s public bus system. Save some money by buying your tickets ahead of time and in bulk – books of ten tickets are sold. But be careful if you’re on a tight schedule. Posted drop-off and pick-up times are just estimates, and you don't want to get stranded. If you’d rather take a taxi, you’ll be spending more money, but saving time. If you feel like doing the research, the tourism centre offers shuttle buses to popular tourist attractions such as the Table Mountain Cableway.
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