South Africa (Cape Town) · March
Best travel monthTravel seasonSouth Africa · Africa
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 27° (81°)22– (72–)34 (93) | 27° (81°)22– (72–)34 (93) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)34 (93) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)32 (90) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)29 (84) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)27 (81) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)26 (79) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)27 (81) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)29 (84) | 23° (73°)16– (61–)31 (88) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)31 (88) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)32 (90) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 18° (64°)13– (55–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)20 (68) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)19 (66) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 9° (48°)2– (36–)13 (55) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)6– (43–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)19 (66) |
☀️Sunshine | 11h | 10h | 9h | 8h | 6h | 5h | 5h | 6h | 7h | 9h | 10h | 11h |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) |
🌧Rain Days | 1d16mm (0.6") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 2d16mm (0.6") | 2d29mm (1.1") | 5d51mm (2.0") | 8d88mm (3.5") | 6d73mm (2.9") | 7d59mm (2.3") | 4d42mm (1.7") | 2d24mm (0.9") | 3d33mm (1.3") | 1d14mm (0.6") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
March is among the best months in South Africa (Cape Town): only 2 rain days, 26°C (79°F) highs, and good sunshine make for ideal holiday conditions.
Daytime highs average 26°C (79°F), cooling to 16°C (61°F) at night (daily average: 20°C (68°F)). Peaks reach around 34°C (93°F), the coldest nights around 11°C (52°F). The sun shines an average of 9 hours per day; there are 2 rain days with 16 mm (0.6 in) total. At 15°C (59°F), the water is still quite cool in March — a wetsuit may be useful.
Summer clothing and a light jacket for evenings is enough. Conditions are ideal for excursions, hikes, and sightseeing.
Harvest autumn: the wine estates in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch invite you to the harvest, the light turns more golden and visitor numbers fall. The best temperatures for hiking Table Mountain — before winter sets in.
Events & Festivals
- Cape Town Jazz Festivallate March
One of Africa's biggest jazz festivals, with more than 40 local and international artists at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Packing list for South Africa (Cape Town) in March
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is March a good time to visit South Africa (Cape Town)?
- Yes — March is one of the best months to visit South Africa (Cape Town) (Climate Score: 78/100). Pleasant temperatures (26°C (79°F)), good sunshine (9 h/day), and few rain days (2) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in South Africa (Cape Town) in March?
- In March, South Africa (Cape Town) sees daily highs of 26°C (79°F). Nights cool to 16°C (61°F), with a daily average of 20°C (68°F). Peaks reach around 34°C (93°F), the coldest nights around 11°C (52°F).
- How much rain falls in South Africa (Cape Town) in March?
- In March, South Africa (Cape Town) receives an average of 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain over 2 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does South Africa (Cape Town) get in March?
- South Africa (Cape Town) averages 9 sunshine hours per day in March — close to the annual average.
- How warm is the water in South Africa (Cape Town) in March?
- Water temperature in South Africa (Cape Town) in March averages 15°C (59°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
