Weather in Cape Town in March

How March compares

March is the 3rd warmest month of the year in Cape Town and ranks 42nd of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Cape Town is 14.0°C warmer by day and 13.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Cape Town peaks at 24.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 2 days top 25°C and 1 in 14 pass 30°C. Nights average 16.5°C; one night in ten drops to 14.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 35.9°C (2015-03-03) and the coldest night 10.4°C (2003-03-23).

Rain in March

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 3 days with 1 mm or more, 12 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2014 with 41 mm, the driest 1999 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 72%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 16.8°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.8°C to 18.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (18.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:46 and sets about 19:05 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 30%.

Is March a good time to visit Cape Town?

Yes - it is one of the better months: warm 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 without constant intense heat

Cape Town is much warmer than London in March, with average daytime highs 14°C higher. Light clothes should suit most afternoons, but pack a jumper or light jacket for evenings rather than assuming the warmth lasts after dark. Days reach 25°C around 40% of the time, while 30°C is less common, at 7%. That makes March a sensible choice if you enjoy warmth but would rather avoid persistent high heat. Still, leave room to slow down at midday on hotter days. The coldest nights can fall to 14.3°C or below, so an extra layer is useful for sitting outside.

Mostly dry, with plenty of time outdoors

Rain is unlikely to dominate a March visit: the month averages about 3 rainy days. You can reasonably plan around being outdoors, while keeping some flexibility for a wet spell. There are about 8.5 hours of sunshine within 12.2 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of scope to move longer walks away from the warmest part of the day. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat deserve space in your bag; a light rain layer is a sensible backup rather than the focus of your packing. Mostly dry does not mean guaranteed dry, so avoid making every plan depend on uninterrupted sunshine.

The sea is the main compromise

Do not mistake warm air for warm water. The sea averages 16.8°C in March, with a year-to-year range of 15°C to 18°C, so swimming is likely to feel cold rather than relaxing. If long, comfortable dips are central to your holiday, March in Cape Town is not a strong match. It makes more sense for travellers who are happy spending time beside the water without needing to get in. If you do plan to swim, consider a wetsuit and your own tolerance for cold water. Keep a dry layer handy afterwards, particularly if you stay outside into the evening.