Weather in Cape Town in February

How February compares

February is the 1st warmest month of the year in Cape Town and ranks 35th of 134 destinations we compare for February - see where else is hot in February. Against London's average high of 7.9°C in February, Cape Town is 18.0°C warmer by day and 15.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in February

The typical February day in Cape Town peaks at 25.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.5°C or more. About 55% of days top 25°C and 1 in 8 pass 30°C. Nights average 17.7°C; one night in ten drops to 15.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest February day here reached 35.6°C (2014-02-16) and the coldest night 13.2°C (2003-02-21).

Rain in February

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 2 days with 1 mm or more, 11 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest February was 1996 with 41 mm, the driest 2000 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 71%.

Sea temperature in February

The sea averages 18.4°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.0°C to 20.1°C. This is the warmest the sea gets here all year.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 10.1 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:21 and sets about 19:40 local time in mid-February. Average cloud cover is 23%.

Is February a good time to visit Cape Town?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, little rain and long sunny days. The best months for Cape Town on our scoring are February, January, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb.

Warm days, with hotter spells to plan around

February suits travellers who want warmth without needing every day to be fiercely hot. Temperatures reach 25°C on 55% of days, while 13% reach 30°C, so hotter afternoons are a possibility rather than the everyday expectation. Plan more active time for the morning and leave room for shade or a slower pace around midday. Pack light daytime clothes, sun protection and a light layer for evenings. The average night low is mild, but the coldest 10% of nights fall to around 16°C or below. That makes an extra layer useful if you are sitting outside, even when the afternoon has felt hot.

Mostly dry weather, but a bracing sea

Rain is unlikely to dominate a February holiday: about 2 days have measurable rain, so outdoor plans have a favourable starting point. That is not a guarantee of an entirely dry stay, and a light waterproof is a sensible backup rather than the focus of your packing. There are about 10.1 hours of sunshine within 13.2 hours of daylight, giving you room to take a break from the midday heat without losing the whole afternoon. The catch is the water. At an average 18.4°C, the sea is bracing rather than comfortably warm. It suits travellers happy with a refreshing dip better than those wanting to linger in warm water; a wetsuit is worth considering for longer swims.