Last updated: August 31, 2025
March in Cape Town, South Africa welcomes the onset of autumn with pleasantly warm days and cooler nights. The maximum temperature can reach a comfortable 28°C (82°F), while the average hovers around 19°C (66°F). As the month progresses, nighttime temperatures dip to a refreshing 13°C (56°F). Travelers can expect sporadic rain, with an average precipitation of 24 mm (1.0 in) over just 4 rainy days, contributing to the city's lush landscapes. High humidity levels at 81% add a touch of tropical feel, making March a delightful time to explore Cape Town's stunning vistas and vibrant culture.
In March, Cape Town experiences a subtle transition in its weather, marking the shift towards autumn. With minimum temperatures dipping to a comfortable 13°C (56°F) and averaging around 19°C (66°F), the city remains pleasantly warm. Daytime highs can still reach a balmy 28°C (82°F), comparable to the warmer months preceding it. This slight reduction in temperature is a welcomed change after the peak summer heat of January and February, as the vibrant city prepares for cooler days ahead. March invites outdoor adventures alongside the stunning backdrop of the ocean and mountains, making it an ideal time for exploration in this beautiful coastal city.
In March, Cape Town experiences a noticeable increase in precipitation, with 24 mm (1.0 in) of rain falling over four days. This uptick signifies a shift towards the wetter months ahead, as the city transitions from the drier summer season. Compared to the preceding two months, which saw only 14 mm and 10 mm respectively, March's rainfall heralds the approach of autumn and foreshadows even greater precipitation in April and May. As the region prepares for the lushness of the colder months, the gradual rise in rainfall serves as a reminder of nature's cyclical rhythms, enriching the landscape and replenishing the vital water supply.
In March, Cape Town experiences a slight rise in humidity, reaching 81%, which is reflective of the gradual warming trend characteristic of this transitional month. Following the relatively high humidity figures of January (77%) and February (80%), March maintains this heightened moisture level, setting the stage for a comfortable yet humid late summer. As the seasons shift into autumn, the humidity gently tapers off in April (80%), demonstrating how March acts as a bridge between the sweltering summer and the cooler months ahead. This moderately elevated humidity in March not only contributes to the city's lush landscapes but also hints at the vibrant life blooming as nature prepares for the upcoming seasonal changes.
As March arrives in Cape Town, the UV Index stands at 11, categorizing it as extreme and signaling a consistent trend that has been prevalent since the beginning of the year. With the burn time remaining at a brisk 10 minutes, early autumn does little to temper the intense sun exposure seen over the previous months. While the UV Index gradually decreases as the year progresses, particularly in April with an index of 8, March still demands vigilance for sun safety. Those enjoying outdoor activities should take precautions to protect their skin from the sun's relentless rays. For detailed information on UV exposure levels in Cape Town throughout the year, visit Cape Town UV Index.
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March in Cape Town enjoys a delightful embrace of 355 hours of sunshine, continuing the trend of abundant daylight that characterizes the summer months. Following February's even sunnier disposition of 358 hours, March provides a slightly more tempered yet generous glow, hinting at the approaching autumn. As the calendar turns toward April, a noticeable decline begins with a drop to 314 hours, but March stands as a vibrant bridge between the warm summer days and the cooler months ahead. With sunshine levels consistently high from January through February before the gradual ascent into the later months of the year, March offers an ideal time to revel in Cape Town’s stunning landscapes under a radiant sky.
As March approaches in Cape Town, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a noticeable dip, with only 52% chance of sunshine compared to the consistently bright days of January and February, both holding strong at 81%. This decline marks a shift towards the cooler autumn months, as April sees a modest rise to 56%. The trend continues with fluctuating probabilities throughout the year, hovering around the 50% mark, indicating that while March may not boast the sunniest days, it still offers charming weather for those looking to enjoy the vibrant landscapes of this coastal city.
As March unfolds in Cape Town, South Africa, daylight begins to wane, offering a transition into the cooler months ahead. With approximately 12 hours of sunlight, March marks a noticeable decrease from the lavish 14 hours experienced in January. This steady reduction continues through April, when daylight shrinks to 11 hours, setting the stage for winter. The trend reflects a rhythmic seasonal shift, as each month subtly nudges the city towards shorter days, culminating in June's 9 hours of illumination. As autumn deepens in May and June, the gradual dimming serves as a poignant reminder of nature's cycles, before the cycle renews with increasing daylight in spring.
As March arrives in Cape Town, the winds begin to mellow, with an average wind speed of 5.3 m/s (12 mph), a noticeable drop from the gustier summer months. After January's lively 6.5 m/s and February’s 6.4 m/s, the transition to early autumn showcases a calmer atmosphere, setting the stage for more relaxed outdoor activities. This decrease in wind speed reflects a broader trend as the months progress, where a consistent decline is observed, ultimately reaching the year's low in May at 4.0 m/s (9 mph). However, March still boasts a refreshing breeze, making it a delightful time to experience the city's breathtaking landscapes while enjoying the gentle embrace of coastal winds.
Weather in Cape Town varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares March’s weather to other months in Cape Town, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in March and January, both months exhibit relatively warm temperatures. January's minimum is slightly higher at 15°C (59°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum that matches March at 28°C (82°F). In contrast, March starts with a lower minimum of 13°C (56°F) but has a slightly higher average temperature of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation levels are notably different, with March receiving 24 mm (1.0 in) over four days, while January sees only 14 mm (0.6 in) across just two days. Both months have high humidity levels, but March is slightly more humid at 81% compared to January's 77%. For a detailed look at January weather, you can check Cape Town weather in January.
In comparing the weather between February and March, February tends to have slightly warmer temperatures, with an average high of 27°C (81°F) compared to March's 28°C (82°F). However, March experiences a slight decrease in minimum temperature, averaging 13°C (56°F) compared to February's 15°C (59°F). Precipitation patterns also differ, as February sees only 10 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days, while March has higher precipitation at 24 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days. Humidity levels are comparable, with March at 81% and February at 80%. For more detailed information, check out Cape Town weather in February.
March and April exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation of 24 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days and a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, April sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and a maximum reaching 31°C (88°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). Precipitation increases to 30 mm (1.2 in) over 5 days with humidity remaining similar at 80%. For more detailed insights, check out Cape Town weather in April.
When comparing the weather in March and May, March typically offers warmer temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). In contrast, May experiences cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation also increases in May, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days, compared to March's 24 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days. Additionally, March tends to be slightly more humid at 81%, while May's humidity is around 78%. For more details, you can check Cape Town weather in May.
Comparing the weather between March and June reveals notable differences. March generally offers warmer temperatures with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), reaching a maximum of 28°C (82°F). The month also experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging only 24 mm (1.0 in) over about 4 days, with humidity at 81%. In contrast, June is cooler, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 9°C (48°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 23°C (74°F). This month sees significantly more rainfall, totaling 103 mm (4.1 in) spread across approximately 11 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 79%. For more detailed information, visit Cape Town weather in June.
When comparing the weather in March and July, notable differences emerge. March experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), reaching a maximum of 28°C (82°F). In contrast, July has a cooler climate, characterized by a minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of just 24°C (75°F), with an average of 14°C (57°F). Additionally, March sees less rainfall at 24 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days, while July is significantly wetter, recording 95 mm (3.7 in) across 10 days. Both months maintain a high humidity level around 80%, but March tends to feel slightly more comfortable overall. For more details, check out Cape Town weather in July.
March and August present quite different weather conditions. In March, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a warm maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 24 mm (1.0 in) over about 4 days and exhibits relatively high humidity at 81%. In contrast, August experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), leading to an average of just 13°C (56°F). This month is also marked by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 75 mm (3.0 in) spread over approximately 11 days, and slightly lower humidity at 77%. For more details, check out Cape Town weather in August.
In Cape Town, March typically offers warmer weather compared to September, with average temperatures reaching 19°C (66°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), contrasted with September's cooler average of 15°C (59°F), despite both months peaking at the same maximum temperature of 28°C (82°F). March experiences relatively less precipitation, totaling 24 mm (1.0 in) over about 4 days, while September sees increased rainfall with 45 mm (1.8 in) spread over 8 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in March at 81%, compared to September’s 76%, making March generally feel more tropical than the more temperate conditions of September. For more insights, check out Cape Town weather in September.
March and October in Cape Town offer distinct but pleasant weather experiences. In March, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month sees about 24 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over roughly 4 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, October features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (51°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a maximum of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation in October rises to 41 mm (1.6 in) across about 5 days, while humidity decreases slightly to 77%. For more details on October weather, you can check Cape Town weather in October.
In March, temperatures in Cape Town generally range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). The month sees an average precipitation of 24 mm (1.0 in) over about 4 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 81%. In contrast, November experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging 17°C (64°F). Rainfall increases to 33 mm (1.3 in) over 5 days, and humidity is lower at 75%. For more specifics on November weather, check out Cape Town weather in November.
March and December in Cape Town exhibit relatively similar temperatures, with March having a minimum of 13°C and December slightly warmer at 14°C. Both months share an average temperature of 19°C and a maximum of 28°C, making them comfortably warm. However, March receives slightly less precipitation at 24 mm compared to December's 26 mm, with March experiencing rainfall on 4 days versus December's 5 days. Humidity levels are also marginally higher in March at 81% compared to December's 77%. For more details on December weather, visit Cape Town weather in December.
As summer transitions into autumn, March in Cape Town brings a delightful change in weather, characterized by warm temperatures and a significant reduction in rainfall compared to the preceding months. With an average of 19°C (66°F), days remain pleasantly mild, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities. While you can still expect a few rainy days, the overall humidity remains relatively high at 81%, adding a touch of tropical feel to the atmosphere. This month stands out for its balance between warmth and comfort, making it an ideal time to explore the city's stunning landscapes. For a more detailed look at weather trends, visit Cape Town Climate.