Weather in Cape Town 🇿🇦
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
March
Avg Temp
25°C
Rain Days
3 days
Sun Hours
11 hrs
Humidity
70%
Africa › 🇿🇦 South Africa › Cape Town
Updated: March 2026
Is March a Good Time to Visit Cape Town?
8/10
Excellent
March is a excellent time to visit Cape Town (8/10). With 11 daily sunshine hours and only 3 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 6th sunniest of the year in Cape Town. Beach and outdoor-focused visitors will find March ideal, though hotel prices reflect demand and popular sites get crowded by mid-morning. April offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Cape Town's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: book accommodation at least 6-8 weeks ahead, as popular hotels fill quickly during March. Purchasing skip-the-line tickets for major attractions in advance saves meaningful time. If you have flexibility, arriving a few days before or after peak weekends reduces both crowds and prices noticeably.
vs February:26°C avg high
Cape Town in March rewards travelers with average highs of 25°C and overnight lows around 16°C. Expect around 3 rainy days, making it one of the drier periods in the city. With 11 daily sunshine hours on average, conditions are comfortable for sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
25°C
77°F
Avg High
16°C
61°F
Avg Low
3 days
12 mm total
Rain Days
11h
per day avg
Sunshine
70%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Cape Town in March
The 9°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 70%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 23 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 77°F average high, 61°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Cape Town in March
Morning16°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon25°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening19°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Cape Town in March means dressing for 25°C days and 16°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 25°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 16°C, a modest 9°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues.
Local tip: Layers are more practical than a single heavy garment in Cape Town. The day-to-evening temperature shift rewards packing a versatile mid-layer you can add or remove as conditions change.
Events in Cape Town in March
March has no major festivals or public holidays in Cape Town, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Cape Town in March
Based on 25°C average highs and 3 rainy days
- Light layers for morning and evening
- Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
- UV-protective sunglasses
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Cape Town in March
- Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 25°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
- Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
- Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
- Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)March is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
- Afternoon in a world-class museum or galleryAfternoon (2-5pm)Pairs well with outdoor morning activities and provides a mid-day rest from sightseeing
- Coffee-house or traditional cafe culture experienceMid-morning or post-lunchA cultural ritual in this region that rewards slow appreciation regardless of weather
- Evening live music, theatre, or opera performanceEvening shows typically at 7-9pmConsistent evening temperatures make getting to and from evening venues comfortable
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningMarch brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmMarch seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year
Why is Cape Town warm in March?
March brings the first meaningful shift toward cooler conditions in Cape Town, as the sun angle drops and day length shortens. Temperatures averaging 25°C by day and 16°C overnight are still comfortable by most standards, but the trend is clearly downward. At 34 degrees south latitude, autumn light has a particular quality: lower in the sky and warmer in tone, it gives the city a photogenic quality quite different from summer. Conditions remain excellent for outdoor activity, and crowds thin compared to the summer peak. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Town in March
In March, Cape Town experiences average highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). Expect around 3 rainy days and 11 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 70%. The 9°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 6, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Cape Town typically sees 3 rainy days in March, with total precipitation of around 12mm. This makes March one of the drier months of the year, and a reliable window for outdoor sightseeing and day trips. Rain showers tend to be brief when they do occur. For context, the driest month in Cape Town typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than March.
Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Cape Town in March. Daytime temperatures of 25°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 16°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. Rain is infrequent with only 3 wet days, so a light rain layer is optional. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.
Yes, March is an excellent time to visit Cape Town. With 11 daily sunshine hours and only 3 rainy days, conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Temperatures averaging 25°C during the day are comfortable for long walks and outdoor dining. This is peak travel season, so booking accommodation in advance and arriving at popular attractions early in the morning helps avoid the busiest periods.
The average high temperature in Cape Town in March is 25°C (77°F), and the average low is 16°C (61°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 21°C (69°F). The day-to-night range of 9°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Cape Town is generally January. January offers the most sunshine at 13 hours per day and only 3 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 26°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around January gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
March is shoulder or low season in Cape Town, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 11 sunshine hours and 3 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In March, Cape Town suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 25°C. With few rainy days, outdoor activities are highly recommended. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 11 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
March ranks 6th sunniest of the year in Cape Town, with an average 11 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are February, January, and March. January is the hottest month (26°C avg high); June is the coolest (17°C). From here, temperatures fall 3°C into April. Compared to last month (February: 26°C high, 2 rain days), March is cooler and wetter. March sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Cape Town, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C | 17°C | 3 | 13h | View |
| February | 26°C | 18°C | 2 | 13h | View |
| March | 25°C | 16°C | 3 | 11h | View |
| April | 22°C | 14°C | 5 | 10h | View |
| May | 19°C | 12°C | 7 | 9h | View |
| June | 17°C | 10°C | 10 | 8h | View |
| July | 17°C | 9°C | 9 | 9h | View |
| August | 17°C | 10°C | 9 | 9h | View |
| September | 18°C | 11°C | 7 | 10h | View |
| October | 20°C | 13°C | 5 | 12h | View |
| November | 22°C | 14°C | 5 | 13h | View |
| December | 24°C | 16°C | 3 | 13h | View |
January
3 rain days, 13h sun
26°17°
February
2 rain days, 13h sun
26°18°
March
3 rain days, 11h sun
25°16°
April
5 rain days, 10h sun
22°14°
May
7 rain days, 9h sun
19°12°
June
10 rain days, 8h sun
17°10°
July
9 rain days, 9h sun
17°9°
August
9 rain days, 9h sun
17°10°
September
7 rain days, 10h sun
18°11°
October
5 rain days, 12h sun
20°13°
November
5 rain days, 13h sun
22°14°
December
3 rain days, 13h sun
24°16°
Other Months in Cape Town
Plan Your Trip to Cape Town
Data Sources for Cape Town
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.