Last updated: August 31, 2025
August in Cape Town, South Africa offers a unique blend of mild temperatures and refreshing rain. With maximums reaching 24°C (76°F) and lows dipping to around 8°C (46°F), the average temperature hovers at a comfortable 13°C (56°F). The month sees about 75 mm (3.0 in) of rainfall spread over 11 days, contributing to a lush, green landscape. Relative humidity remains high at 77%, adding to the invigorating atmosphere. Whether you're exploring the vibrant city or enjoying the stunning natural scenery, August presents a wonderful opportunity to experience Cape Town at its most refreshing.
In August, Cape Town experiences a transition into milder winter temperatures, with minimums averaging around 8°C (46°F) and maximums reaching 24°C (76°F). This month heralds a noticeable drop from the warmer summer months, with average temperatures sitting at a cool 13°C (56°F). However, the climate remains relatively mild compared to earlier winter months, making it a comfortable time for outdoor exploration. As the city prepares for spring, visitors can enjoy clear skies and crisp air, perfect for soaking up the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Overall, August is marked by a welcoming chill that contrasts with the warmth of summer, hinting at the pleasant weather to come.
In August, Cape Town experiences a notable shift in weather patterns as it approaches the end of winter. The city receives approximately 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days, marking a peak in rainfall for this time of year. This significant amount of rain follows the particularly wet months of June and July, which see even higher rainfall totals at 103 mm (4.1 in) and 95 mm (3.7 in), respectively. However, compared to the earlier months, August's rainfall is a decrease from June's levels, indicating the start of a gradual transition to drier conditions. As winter recedes, the rains taper off, setting the stage for the upcoming spring season, where precipitation decreases significantly in the following months. This shift serves as a reminder of Cape Town’s dynamic climate, where winter sweeps in with robust rainfall before yielding to a more temperate spring.
In August, Cape Town experiences a humidity level of 77%, which reflects the city's relatively consistent climate throughout the year. Following the peak of 81% in March, the humidity gradually decreases over the subsequent months, stabilizing at 80% in July before dipping slightly in August. This month marks a gentle transition towards a dryer spring, as the humidity trends hint at a gradual decline to 76% by September. Overall, the humidity levels exhibit slight fluctuations, but remain fairly moderate, contributing to Cape Town's inviting atmosphere during the winter season.
In August, Cape Town experiences a UV Index of 6, categorized as high, which translates to a burn time of approximately 25 minutes. This marks a notable increase from the previous months, transitioning from the moderate levels recorded in June and July. As we move towards the more intense summer months, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant about sun protection, especially considering the extreme UV levels seen at the beginning of the year. Monitoring these trends is crucial for safe outdoor activities. For further insights on daily UV levels, visit Cape Town UV Index.
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In August, Cape Town basks in a delightful 311 hours of sunshine, a refreshing boost after the cooler winter months of June and July, which saw significantly less sunlight. This gradual increase in brightness signifies the city's transition toward spring, where the days grow longer and warmer. As summer nears, sunshine hours noticeably climb, paving the way for the vibrant colors and lively energy that characterize the latter months of the year. The sunlight trend not only enhances the city's picturesque landscapes but also invites locals and tourists alike to enjoy outdoor activities, making August a wonderful time to experience Cape Town's natural beauty.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in August in Cape Town, South Africa, one notes a modest 55% chance of sunshine. This marks a slight dip compared to the cooler months preceding it, where July sits at 58%. Interestingly, August's sun probability places it closely with the early spring months like September, which sees a 57% chance. While not as vibrant as the summer months of January and February, both boasting an impressive 81% chance of sun, August still holds its own as a relatively bright choice for visitors seeking a glimpse of the famed South African sun. The gradual shift towards spring suggests a slow yet steady increase in sunlit days, hinting at the warmer adventures that lie ahead as the season transitions.
In August, Cape Town experiences 10 hours of daylight, marking a continuation of the winter pattern characterized by shorter days that began in June. As the city transitions from the depths of winter, daylight begins to gradually return, paving the way for the longer, sunnier days of spring ahead. This slight increase in daylight duration signals the approach of warmer months, encouraging both locals and visitors to embrace outdoor activities under the crisp winter sun. Following August, September will see daylight extend further to 11 hours, emphasizing the seasonal shift that Cape Town undergoes each year.
As August dawns in Cape Town, a gentle breeze greets the city, showcasing an average wind speed of 4.5 m/s (10 mph). This marks a slight drop from the lively gusts of the previous months, with wind speeds gradually tapering off from the more robust 6.5 m/s (15 mph) in January to the calm of mid-winter. While the winds are softer in August, they serve as a gentle reminder of the shifting seasons, with a resurgence in speed anticipated as spring approaches in September. Here, wind figures rise again, hinting at the vibrant energy that Cape Town holds as it transitions from the cooler winter spells into the warmth of spring.
Weather in Cape Town varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares August’s weather to other months in Cape Town, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
August and January in Cape Town exhibit contrasting weather patterns. In August, the average temperature hovers around 13°C (56°F), with daytime highs reaching up to 24°C (76°F), while nighttime lows can drop to 8°C (46°F). This month experiences more rainfall, with about 75 mm (3.0 in) distributed over 11 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere with a consistent humidity level of 77%. In stark contrast, January is warmer, featuring an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) and maximums peaking at 28°C (82°F), while the minimum temperature holds at a milder 15°C (59°F). Rainfall is minimal in January, totaling just 14 mm (0.6 in) across only 2 days. Despite both months having similar humidity levels, January's drier conditions and warmer temperatures make it more pleasant for outdoor activities. For more details on Cape Town's weather in January, you can visit Cape Town weather in January.
When comparing the weather in August and February, we see notable differences in both temperature and precipitation. August experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), while February is much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to an average of 20°C (68°F). In terms of precipitation, August sees significantly more rainfall, with 75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, compared to February's much drier conditions, which only register 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain over 2 days. Despite being warmer, February has a slightly higher humidity at 80%, compared to August's 77%. For more detailed insights, you can check Cape Town weather in February.
When comparing the weather in August and March, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. August experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching a maximum of 24°C (76°F). This month also sees more rainfall, with 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days and a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, March boasts warmer temperatures, starting from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and averaging 19°C (66°F), peaking at 28°C (82°F). March is drier, with only 24 mm (1.0 in) of rain on just 4 days and slightly higher humidity at 81%. For more details, check out Cape Town weather in March.
When comparing the weather in August and April, notable differences emerge in temperature and precipitation patterns. In August, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F), while April enjoys warmer temperatures, peaking at 31°C (88°F) and averaging 17°C (63°F). Moreover, August experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, compared to April's lighter rainfall of 30 mm (1.2 in) spread across just 5 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in April at 80%, compared to 77% in August. For a detailed overview of the weather in April, you can visit Cape Town weather in April.
August and May present contrasting weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In August, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). This month sees more frequent rainfall, with 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days and a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, May experiences slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 25°C (78°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F). May also has less rainfall, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) over just 7 days, along with a similar humidity level of 78%. For a more detailed comparison of weather in May, you can visit Cape Town weather in May.
In comparing the weather between June and August, both months exhibit relatively mild temperatures, with June having slightly higher average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), compared to August's average temperatures of 8°C (46°F) to 24°C (76°F). June also experiences greater rainfall, with 103 mm (4.1 in) compared to August's 75 mm (3.0 in), although both months have an equal number of rainy days at 11. Humidity levels are comparable, with June slightly higher at 79% versus August's 77%. For more details on June's weather, you can refer to Cape Town weather in June.
In comparing the weather between July and August, we see that both months offer mild temperatures, with July having a slightly lower minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) compared to August's 8°C (46°F). The average temperatures are quite close, with July averaging 14°C (57°F) and August at 13°C (56°F). Interestingly, while both months can reach a maximum of 24°C (75°F), August experiences a decrease in overall precipitation to 75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, compared to July's 95 mm (3.7 in) across 10 days. Humidity is also marginally lower in August at 77%, compared to 80% in July. For more detailed information, you can check Cape Town weather in July.
In comparing the weather between August and September, we see a slight increase in temperatures as September brings a minimum of 9°C (48°F), an average of 15°C (59°F), and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), compared to August's minimum of 8°C (46°F), average of 13°C (56°F), and maximum of 24°C (76°F). Furthermore, September experiences significantly less precipitation, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over 8 days, whereas August sees 75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days. Humidity remains fairly comparable, with August at 77% and September slightly lower at 76%. For more detailed information about the weather in September, you can visit Cape Town weather in September.
In comparing the weather between August and October, we can see a noticeable shift in temperatures and precipitation. August experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). It also sees more precipitation, with 75 mm (3.0 in) falling over 11 days, while humidity levels remain high at 77%.
In contrast, October brings slightly warmer weather, with minimums at 11°C (51°F) and maximums reaching 27°C (81°F), averaging around 16°C (61°F). The month is drier, receiving only 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain across 5 days, but humidity levels remain constant at 77%. For more details, check out Cape Town weather in October.
When comparing the weather between August and November, we can observe a notable increase in temperatures. August sees a minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), while November features a higher minimum of 12°C (53°F) and an average of 17°C (64°F). Both months experience a similar maximum temperature of around 24°C (76°F) in August and 25°C (77°F) in November. Precipitation trends also differ, with August receiving more rain—75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days—compared to November's 33 mm (1.3 in) over just 5 days. Humidity remains relatively comparable, with August at 77% and November slightly lower at 75%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Cape Town weather in November.
In August, the weather in Cape Town is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching a maximum of 24°C (76°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, averaging 75 mm (3.0 in) over about 11 days, while humidity remains at a high 77%. In contrast, December boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). December is also drier, with only 26 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation spread over just 5 days, while maintaining the same level of humidity. For more detailed information, check out Cape Town weather in December.
In August, Cape Town experiences a unique blend of cool temperatures and increased rainfall, setting it apart from the typically warmer and drier months. With maximums reaching 24°C and minimums falling to 8°C, this month offers a refreshing mildness compared to the summer heat. The 77% humidity adds to the coastal city's charm, but be prepared for around 11 days of precipitation, as August is one of the wetter months. This transitional period not only brings lush greenery but also allows for a different perspective on the city's breathtaking landscapes. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out the complete guide to Cape Town Climate.