Weather in Cape Town in November

Is November a good time to visit Cape Town?

Cape Town’s weather in November, combined with the holiday season only starting at the end of the month make November one of the best times to visit Cape Town. November isn’t as hot as peak summer; the beaches and tourist attractions are still relatively uncrowded and there are a number of wonderful events during the first of Cape Town’s summer months. Visitors to Cape Town in November can expect long sunny days, cool evenings and little (if any) rainy days. The wind does pick up during November but other than that November is the perfect time to visit Cape Town.

 

Climate in Cape Town in November

November is one of Cape Town’s summer months. The days are long with the sun rising at about 5.30am and only setting between 7.00 and 8.00 in the evenings. There is little humidity to contend with making the summer temperatures much more pleasant to deal with. The average temperature in Cape Town during November is between 14 and 23°C (15 to 73°F), but daytime highs often move above 30°C (90°F). November’s weather is typical of Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers. November is Cape Town’s driest month with an average of four days of rain throughout this early summer month. Evenings in November tend to be cooler, typical of Cape Town’s maritime climate.

 

What's on in Cape Town in November?

November marks the beginning of summer in Cape Town. Visitors and residents bring out their beachwear and summer clothes and the city comes alive with people enjoying the best of what summer has to offer in Cape Town. Summer is a season of cocktails and sundowners as well as sports and fun. One of the best annual festivals in Cape Town during November is the Spier Festival. Held at Spier wine estate, near Stellenbosch, this is a festival of theatre, wine and gourmet food.

Festival goers can enjoy food from one of Spier's top restaurants, wine tasting from the estate and an evening of classical theatre at the estate’s outdoor amphitheatre. The Cape Town Big Walk is for active visitors. It is a charity walkathon between Simons Town to Cape Town. Finally, the FNB Whisky Live Festival, at the end of November, celebrates whisky in all its forms from bourbon to scotch. November is also the beginning of strawberry and cherry picking season, families can take a trip out to the winelands and picnic while picking delicious berries to take home at the end of the day.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Cape Town in November

Packing for November in Cape Town is reasonably simple. First on the suitcase list is beachwear, including sunglasses, sunscreen and a bikini or swimsuit. Second, on the list of things to pack for a trip to Cape Town in November should be evening wear and party clothes. Nightclubs, restaurants and evening venues in Cape Town are not strict about dress codes. Some of the more trendy venues will require smart-casual attire, but stylish jeans and a collared shirt will suffice. Ladies visiting Cape Town during November should pack summery dresses, but also a few light pairs of trousers for the windy days. A jersey is essential for the cooler evenings and hiking or exercise clothes are great for the more adventurous who choose to climb Table Mountain rather than relying on the cable car.