October Weather

With the hot summer season almost within reach, October can be somewhat unpredictable in terms of weather. Spring is in full bloom this month, and while the days are certainly getting hotter, it is not uncommon to have the odd frustrating cold front come into play. With many festivals and outdoor events held this month, October is in general a mild, lovely month to travel to Cape Town.

Cape Town Weather in October

What can you expect from the weather in Cape Town in October? Here are a few things to keep in mind…

General Overview

  • Average daily maximum temperature: 22 degrees C (68 degrees F)
  • Average daily minimum temperature: 12 degrees C (49 degrees F)
  • Average monthly rainfall: 77mm (3 inches)
  • Average days and nights:  sunrise starts at about 07h30, and sunset begins at about 18h30.

Typical Climate Conditions

With winter a distant memory, October lies in the middle of the spring season in Cape Town. As the days get longer and warmer, it is all too easy to forget that spring weather sometimes means a bit of rain here and there.

On average however, weather conditions this month are mild and pleasant. The beaches are starting to see a lot of activity on hot days, and there are plenty of those to look forward to… temperatures can even reach 30 degrees Celsius at any given point.

Towards late October, the hot days are more frequent than the cooler days. Cape Town’s busy season officially begins in November, however the end of October begins to get a bit busier as visitors start arriving for a holiday in this part of the world. There are many festivals and outdoor events that take place too, giving visitors and locals alike the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the glorious late spring climate.

What to Pack for October Holidays

Much like any other time of year in Cape Town, packing for a holiday in October usually involves bringing plenty of layers. You will definitely want to pack your swimsuit, especially if you plan to spend time on the beautiful Cape beaches this month. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are also essential – even if the weather does not seem overly hot. Cloud cover might seem to mask UV rays, but the sun beats down hard in South Africa, even when it is a bit overcast.

If you plan to head into the great outdoors, you may also want to pack some camping gear. You can hire gear at one of the many outdoor stores however, along with scuba gear, surf boards and just about anything else you need for your holiday.

Warm jackets are important too, but you will need those shorts and t-shirts when the sun starts to shine. Last but not least, don’t forget to bring along some comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as well as sandals.