When is the Best time to visit The Cape Winelands?
For the driest, warmest weather in The Cape, visit between November and February. If you’re planning to add on a safari, September and October are the best months. Temperatures are warming in The Cape at this time and you’ll experience excellent game viewing in the Kruger, which is yet to experience its rainy season.
September to December
September is the first month of spring in the Southern hemisphere and a great time to visit the Cape Winelands, especially if you’re looking to avoid the crowds before the busy summer season.
During the months of September and October you will experience pleasant temperatures during the day, but not the extreme heat of summer. The evenings can still be cool however.
November right through to January keeps the wine estates busy with both tourists and locals visiting the area. Towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are buzzing with activity during this time as people are taking full advantage of the sunshine and clear, blue skies.
December is a busy month, prices are high and accommodation can be expensive. Days are usually hot with the heat stretching well into the evening. If you want to enjoy December you need to book in advance for wine tastings and any other activities.
January to March
January is a busy time of year to explore this area as it’s just after the Christmas holidays and right in the middle of summer. Cape Town and the Winelands are usually filled with tourists taking the opportunity to experience South Africa for guaranteed sunshine, pleasant evenings, and most importantly the opportunity to visit wine estates.
In February it can get very hot during this period, but then again these conditions are perfect for enjoying a chilled glass of dry white surrounded by award-winning vineyards or why not enjoy a cold craft beer at Africa’s largest beer house?
Harvest season begins in March and is an ideal time to experience South African wine country and also to take part in the activities on a working farm. The Spier wine estate in Stellenbosch is a great option for a visit during this time
April to August
April & May are cooler months and the wine estates are not as busy as during the summer season. The days are still very pleasant and this might be the best time for a visit.
June can be a rainy month and there is even a chance of some snow in the months ahead. You will not get an European winter but it can be cold enough to snuggle around a roaring log fire, sipping local vintages.
July & August are cold winter months for South Africa, but there is never not a good time for wine tasting. The industry keeps going with numerous festivals during these months that are held annually like ‘Taste the Helderberg” or the ‘Robertson Slow Food and Wine Festival’. In wine country, we will always create a reason to celebrate.
So as you can see, year round, the Cape Winelands is worth a visit.. Start packing!
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