What July feels like in Cape Town
For Cape Town, July is the heart of winter (Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Cape Town in July
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 9.6 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. That is heavier than Cape Town's usual 7.6 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in July
On 15 July the sun rises at about 7:50 am and sets around 5:55 pm local time, giving 10 h 5 min of daylight. Since mid-June the day has gained 10 min. About 84% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How July compares to the rest of the year
July is the coolest month of the year in Cape Town. Compared with June, afternoons are 0.7°C (1.3°F) cooler, with 15 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into August. By August, typical highs are 16.5°C (61.7°F).
Who July suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Cape Town in July
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Cape Town in July?
Expect around 16.4°C (61.5°F) in the afternoon and 9.6°C (49.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in July?
It does: about 10 rainy days bring roughly 96 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Cape Town in July?
Based on the averages: rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is July or August better for visiting Cape Town?
August scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #11), rated Good against Good.