8 Things to Do in Winter in Cape Town

Imagine sitting there in the urban jungle that is Johannesburg or the humid hills of Durban with that wanderlust feeling. Sure, you could go on a drive down to your favourite spot an hour away but that just can’t quite scratch that itch for adventure. You need to go somewhere far away, a place that has it all in winter, where there is never nothing to do.

Well then, Mango has some good flight deals to Cape Town to experience winter with all the Mother City has to offer. Even on those rainy days, there is an abundance of indoor activities in Cape Town to keep you occupied, warm and dry.

Cape Town Winter – What Can You Do?

If it’s one thing Winter in Cape Town is known for, it’s for all the storms. It’s not called the Cape of Storms for no reason and no it wasn’t named after the Stormers rugby team.

Even when the weather goes South, you can retreat indoors and find some local hospitality in one of the many coffee shops. There are plenty of things to do in Cape Town whether it rains or shines.

Take a Ride Up to the Top of Table Mountain

Why not take advantage of the off-season winter specials and beat the normally long queues to see what Cape Town is famous for? During the summertime, you could be waiting for hours in line to summit the mountain. There are barely any queues at this time of the year with the views of the city from the top being worth the trip up.

If it happens to be your birthday, just flash your South African ID at the ticket kiosk and you get a free return trip.

Catch the Winter Swell

This is for all the surfers who want a change of scenery and to surf some of South Africa’s famous breaks. Whether you are a beginner wanting to take some lessons at the infamous Surfers Corner or a waterman bringing a quiver ready to tackle Dunes, Cape Town has it all.

Winter brings in the best swell periods with the added benefit of the water being a little warmer. For the more experienced and adventurous, take a car up the West Coast to Elands Bay to catch the brunt of the winter swells.

Don’t forget to pack a thick wetsuit!

Hike Some of the Best Trails around Cape Town

When the sun does make an appearance on a brisk Winter morning, there is nothing like hiking on one of Cape Town’s many hiking trails. Lion’s head is the most popular year round trail, so you will always be fighting the crowds. For a less crowded and more stunning view, Kloof corner is the place to go.

Don’t forget to dress warm and maybe take a coffee up with you to keep you fueled.

Whale Watching

What trip to Cape Town would be complete without going whale watching during whale season? Nothing beats witnessing these majestic creatures in their habitat, especially now when peak season for spotting is upon us.

Just a 2-hour drive outside of Cape Town is one of the whale watching capitals of the World, the town of Hermanus. From here you can jump on a tour boat and take a cruise to find some Southern Right whales as they migrate from the Antarctic. Don’t worry, unlike Captain Quint, you’re not going to need a bigger boat.

Indoor Activities in Cape Town – Where to Hide from the Cold

If you are wanting to avoid the cold altogether, here are some of the best indoor activities in Cape Town to do when the temperature drops outside.

Visit One of the Local Indoor Markets

If you want to live like the locals then walk around one of the many markets around Cape Town. Most have live music, handmade crafts to buy, and for all the foodies there are flavours from all corners of the Earth.

The Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is a firm favourite with the Hout Bay market being another. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market in the V&A Waterfront is the most popular, but prepare to fight for a seat with all the dogs and hipsters.

Get Creative at the Clay Cafe

This is one of the best things to do in Cape Town when it rains. Time to unleash that inner Picasso and paint some ceramics to take back home. The perfect outing for the family or with your partner to bond over.

With a menu with as many options as there are ceramics to paint, you can lose track of time very easily as you eat and paint the day away. If you are nervous and not too sure what to paint, just embrace that Jackson Pollock attitude, throw a bunch of paint on it and say it’s abstract.

Go Rock Climbing

For those who want to build up a bit of a sweat while not freezing outside, you can go to one of the indoor rock climbing gyms around Cape Town.

Whether you want to go bouldering or climb to the rafters on top ropes, there’s a path for all skills levels. It’s also an incredibly fun way to spend some time out with friends and family while you all try and tackle the same course.

Hint Hunt

If you want to put your friendship to the test then get locked in a room with your friends and solve clues to escape. You only have 60 minutes to escape from one of the three different themed experiences.

This escape room experience will either create an everlasting bond or give Uno a run for its money in ruining friendships. What could go wrong?

What to do in Cape Town when it Rains – Your Choice

When the skies go grey and it starts raining in cape town, it doesn’t mean that the fun or adventures have to stop. There are a number of things to do in Cape Town on a rainy day.

From outdoor activities to indoor ones, there is something for everyone during the winter months in Cape Town.