What To Wear In Cape Town
Overview
What To Wear In Cape Town
Discovering What to Wear in Cape Town involves a wide array of options, ranging from sundresses and suits to yoga pants and jeans. Similar to any modern city, packing appropriately is crucial.
In this piece, we’ll provide recommendations to help you narrow down your choices, including clothing suggestions for Cape Town Tours, season-specific attire, and what to avoid wearing.
Resources to help plan your trip
Different Types Of Cape Town Tours
We’ll start with the different kinds of Cape Town Tours and the appropriate items that you should wear while on the tour. We’ll cover safari tours, beach getaways, mountain treks, whale-watching tours, and wine tours:
Cape Town Clothing Essentials – For Safari
During Cape Town Safari Tours, opt for neutral-coloured clothing to blend with the natural surroundings.
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen are ideal for the warm climate.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants protect against sunburn and insects.
Must Haves – Don’t forget to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for added sun protection.
Cape Town Clothing Essentials – To the Beach
Cape Town’s stunning beaches call for comfortable and stylish beachwear. Pack your swimsuit, beach cover-up, and a wide-brimmed hat.
A lightweight, flowy dress or shorts and a loose-fitting top are perfect for strolling along the sandy shores.
Must Haves – Sunscreen, a beach towel, and a pair of flip-flops or sandals for easy beach access.
Cape Town Clothing Essentials – For Mountain Treks
Cape Town’s mountains offer incredible hiking opportunities. Throughout Cape Town Day Tours for a mountain trek, wear layers to adapt to changing temperatures.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a long-sleeved shirt, and finish with a jacket. Choose sturdy, comfortable hiking pants or leggings and wear supportive hiking boots when deciding on What to Wear in Cape Town.
Must Haves – A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Cape Town Clothing Essentials – For Whale Watching Tours
The following are some recommendations on what to wear on a Cape Town Whale Watching Tour:
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions, as it can be cooler out on the water.
- Wear a windproof jacket or fleece to stay warm and protect against wind chill.
- Opt for comfortable, non-slip shoes to ensure stability on the boat.
- Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.
Must Haves – Bring binoculars and a camera to enhance your whale-watching experience.
Cape Town Clothing Essentials – For Wine Tours
Here are the best tips for what to wear during Cape Town Wine Tours Full Day:
- Dress in smart-casual attire, as many wine estates, have a relaxed but stylish ambience.
- Women can opt for a sundress or blouse paired with comfortable trousers or a skirt.
- Men can wear collared shirts or polo shirts with tailored pants or chinos.
- Choose comfortable shoes for walking around vineyards, such as loafers or stylish flats.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings.
Additional insight – Remember to bring a small daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and any necessary personal items. Furthermore, consider the specific guidelines or recommendations provided by the travel operator.
Cape Town’s weather can be fickle, so it’s always a good idea to bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho and layer your clothing accordingly. By dressing appropriately for each setting – whether it’s a safari, a beach day, or a mountain trek – you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your adventures in beautiful Cape Town.
What Shoes To Wear
The summer season in Cape Town lasts from December to February. This is also the peak season of Mother City and a time when it sees the highest number of tourists. This is also the perfect time for Cape Town Day Tours to the different wine estates.
Worth Noting – Make sure to pack both light and warm clothes, as temperatures can drop when you’re next to the ocean.
Tourist Season – Peak
Tourist Volume – High
Accommodation Prices – Highest
Average Temperatures – 25°C/ 77°F
Cape Town’s Summer Festivals – Cape Town Minstrel Carnival and the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts
Our Rating for the Season – Good
Clothing According To Season
Moving on, now we’ll shift the focus towards the different seasons of Cape Town and the best items to wear in each season:
Autumn (March and April)
Below are some of the clothing essentials that you should consider when asking yourself What to Wear in Cape Town during the autumn season:
Hoodies – These are casual and warm and if you get caught in an unexpected rain shower then you’ll have some protection.
Jeans – They are trendy as well as comfortable. Opt for darker colours, black and burgundy are always trusted favourites.
A Jacket/Windbreaker – This item can either be a leather jacket or a khaki windbreaker. They’re both waterproof, trendy, and durable for the autumn season.
A Light Sweater – This is casual to wear during the cooler days and you’ll find an amazing selection to buy from.
Long-sleeved Tops – As the autumn season is a bit cooler, it’s a good idea to layer. Long-sleeved tops are great to wear under jackets or on their own, based on the weather.
Shorts – Distressed denim shorts are a go-to choice during Cape Town Day Tours. Though, black ones work great too, and compliment any kind of outfit.
Winter (May to August)
Here’s a complete list of What to Wear in Cape Town, South Africa during the winter season:
A Good Jacket – You’ll experience strong winds during Cape Town Day Tours in winter. We recommend a leather jacket as you can wear it during both the daytime and at night.
A Raincoat – You can alternate this with an umbrella as you will want to keep dry when it rains.
Jeans – Darker shades are advised.
Leggings – They are multipurpose and come in an array of colours making for easy pairings with different tops.
Long-sleeved Shirts – Denim is a great choice as it is a warm material and you can use it for layering or on its own during warmer days.
A Warm Scarf – This will protect your neck and chest from the cold winds. Plus, you can also use it as an accessory.
Spring (Mid-September to November)
Below is a list of what to wear on Cape Town Tours during the spring season:
T-Shirts and Tank Tops – These items can be of seasonal prints (the floral themes work perfectly) and just the normal ones. It’ll make sure you remain cool and comfortable during the tours. Include at least a minimum of two coloured t-shirts and vests that’ll match easily with any outfit.
A Light Jacket – It doesn’t have to be too bulky but just enough to keep you warm during the cooler days.
Boots – The choices can be from combat-styled boots to normal walking ones. Moreover, spring is a great time for hiking, so make sure to bring your hiking boots if you’re interested.
Denim Shorts – These are great during the day, and there’s also a great variety to choose from.
Beach Wear – Cape Town during the spring season is still fairly warm, so a beach getaway is a great addition to Tours in Cape Town. A swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended.
Jeans or Trousers – Evening temperatures will drop during the evenings, so, you’ll need a good pair of jeans or trousers to keep you warm. Dark colours are always a go-to choice.
Summer (Mid-December to February)
Here’s a list of summertime clothing essentials that you should wear during Tours to Cape Town:
A great Swimsuit – This is the primary essential for summer in Cape Town as there is a range of stunning beaches that you can explore. Camps Bay and Clifton Beach are among the best.
Sunscreen – This will help to avoid sunburn so that you can enjoy the Cape Town Day Tour experience the way it’s meant to be.
Denim Shorts – They work wonderfully well against the heat and allow you to stay cool.
A Pair of Sandals – Go for something that is both durable and comfortable. We recommend staying away from plastic sandals as they will get too hot in the sunshine.
A Hat – Bowler Hat or Floppy Straw Hat are some great options. This way you can remain stylish and still protect yourself from the sun.
yourself from the sun.
What Not To Wear
Now that we’ve covered everything regarding What to Wear in Cape Town, equally important are some things that you should consider completely avoiding. Here’s a list of everything that goes into the What Not to Wear in Cape Town category:
CLOTHING ITEM | REASON TO NOT WEAR IT |
Heavy Winter Coats | Cape Town has a moderate climate, even in winter, so heavy winter coats are unnecessary and cumbersome. |
High Heels on Uneven Terrain | Cape Town’s terrain can be uneven and hilly, so it’s best to avoid wearing high heels to prevent discomfort and accidents. |
Excessive Jewellery | Displaying excessive jewellery may attract unnecessary attention and increase the risk of theft. Consider wearing minimal accessories. |
Heavy Fur or Leather | Cape Town has a mild climate, so heavy fur or leather clothing is unnecessary and can cause discomfort in warmer temperatures. |
Hiking Sandals | While Cape Town offers excellent hiking opportunities, it’s advisable to wear proper hiking shoes instead of sandals to ensure safety and stability. |
Worth Noting – Remember, dressing appropriately and respectfully in Cape Town enhances your experience and shows appreciation for the local culture.
Dress Smart and Navigate Cape Town in Style!
Altogether, the answer to What to Wear in Cape Town comes down to appropriately dressing for the various types of tours. And, paying attention to suitable footwear that can withstand the city’s diverse terrains.
Additionally, adapt your clothing choices to the ever-changing seasons of Cape Town for an enjoyable experience. Thus, prepare your wardrobe wisely and make the most of Cape Town Tours.
Things to Do
Recommended Things To Do in Cape Town
Travel Guide
Make every moment a valuable contribution to a memorable visit. Our knowledgeable tour guides.
FAQ'S
For Capetown City Tours opt for comfortable clothing such as light pants or shorts paired with a breathable top and comfortable walking shoes.
It is advisable to pack a light rain jacket or an umbrella during Cape Town Tours. This is especially true during the winter months when rainfall is much more common.
While sandals are suitable for beach visits, it is recommended to wear closed-toe shoes for exploring the city and its various terrains.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a good idea to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the summer months and beach visits.
Choose sturdy hiking shoes, lightweight breathable clothing and consider layering as temperatures can vary during the hike, especially a hike to Table Mountain.
Certainly! Cape Town Day Tours boasts amazing beach getaways. So, pack a swimsuit for a refreshing swim or sunbathing.
Jeans are a versatile choice and can be worn comfortably in Cape Town. You can pair them up with a casual top or shirt.
Layer your clothing with a light sweater or jacket to stay warm during the mild winter months, but heavy winter jackets are unnecessary.