There is nowhere like Cape Town. Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park as its heart, it is a place to renew and reconnect.

Cape Town, the "Mother City", is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. It also has the top five national attractions in South Africa that should appear on every visitors' itinerary all year round.

Cape Town is a year-round destination with warm summer days and cool winters. Enjoy sunshine of up to 14 hours a day along with the warmth of the locals.

Climate

The Cape’s climate is described as Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. The Cape has a mostly temperate climate. Near the coast, summer temperatures range from a pleasant low of 15°C (59°F) to highs of 27°C (80.6°F). Inland temperatures are some 3 to 5 degrees higher, making for gorgeous summer days and nights.

Coastal winters see the mercury dropping to a mild 7°C (44.6°F) at night – rising to a comfortable 18°C (64.4°F) by day. Away from the beach, morning arrives at an invigorating 5°C (41°F), with midday temperatures in the region of 22°C (71.6°F).

To many, March and April signals the arrival of idyllic Cape weather. Summer's heat subsides, the wind settles, and autumn/fall casts its crimson, orange and yellow mantle over the vineyards, generating red, russet vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea.

In winter (May – July), the snow-capped peaks of the Cape Winelands and the Cederberg, and the lush, moist earth inevitably lead to log fires and steaming cups of hot chocolate in cosy taverns, restaurants and coffee shops. This is the time of year that it gets most of the rain so expect some cloudy days, interspersed with wonderful sunshine that rivals the best of the British summer.

However, with the onset of spring (Aug – Oct), the fast-retreating winter gives way to the sun, awakening a riot of color of the spectacular wild flower displays and sending residents and guests back onto the Cape’s world-famous coastline of perfect beaches. This time of year is well-known for the Cape Doctor, the southeaster wind that brings delight for surfers and windsport enthusiasts.

Summer is from November to February. Expect long warm days of up to 14 hours of sunshine each day. Beaching and other outdoor activities are at a peak – often starting early or in the cooler afternoons to avoid the heat of the summer sun.

Click here to see just a little sample of what Cape Town has to offer

Don´t miss a visit up Table Mountain the V&A Waterfront, a unique shopping and holiday experience on a scenic working harbor; Robben Island the former home of Nelson Mandela; the Cape Town Wine Routes, where some of the world´s best wines are produced and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world.

The unique topography of the region makes it easy to orientate oneself as long as you remember that with Table Mountain behind you and Robben Island before you, you are facing north, looking across Table Bay and up the west coast of Africa.

To help you find your way around the Cape Town region, the area is divided into seven tourism areas - the Atlantic Seaboard, Blaauwberg Coast, Cape Flats, Cape Town Central, Cape Town North, Cape Town South and the False Bay Coast. These areas are defined by their geographical location and within each area there are a number of towns and suburbs.

One can never be bored in Cape Town. Table Mountain offers some of the best climbing in the world, and it's right in the city. The surfing is fantastic; the diving is cold but good. You could go mountain biking, or go sea kayaking - you may see whales or penguins. If you love beaches then Cape Town is the place to dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean. 

If the wind is right, you could fly off Lion´s Head with a qualified tandem paraglider pilot, and land on the beach in time for sundowners. You will never be bored.

If all this sounds too adventurous, have no fear! You can shop till you drop at Cavendish, Canal Walk or the Waterfront. There is lots of live music, art exhibitions, museums, plays and even opera, ballet or symphony concerts on all year round.

The Cape Town region stretches along a vast area of coastline.

The Blaauwberg Coast, Cape Town Central and Atlantic Seaboard follow the western coast while the False Bay Coast circles False Bay. The central areas of Cape Town North, Cape Flats, Cape Town South and Cape Town Central form the hub of the City.

Markets and more Markets

For evening beach picnics, choose Bakoven, Clifton, or Llandudno. Or try a braai (barbecue) in the Tokai Forest, or at the reservoir at Silvermine Nature Reserve, at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg.