Cape Town weather in March
“The kind of pleasant weather you build a trip around.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
March marks the tail end of Cape Town's summer, with warm, pleasant conditions perfect for outdoor exploration. Average highs reach 24.3°C (76°F), while nights cool to a comfortable 16.2°C (61°F). Rainfall is minimal at just 27.7mm spread across fewer than 4 rainy days, and you'll enjoy nearly 11 hours of daily sunshine. The Atlantic Ocean remains refreshing but swimmable for most visitors.
This is a fantastic month to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere. Summer crowds begin thinning as families return to school, yet the city remains lively with outdoor markets, waterfront dining, and cultural events. The Table Mountain views are typically clear, and wildlife spotting opportunities peak as animals gather around water sources during the dry season.
For 2026 travelers, March offers excellent value—prices drop from peak season while weather remains stellar. Pack light layers since mornings and evenings can feel crisp, but days are reliably warm and dry. It's an ideal window for hiking, wine touring, and beach time without the intensity of December and January.
What to pack for Cape Town in March
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •Reef-safe sunscreen and polarised sunglasses
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Cape Town in March
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Cape Town
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Cape Town across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Hike Table Mountain for panoramic views, visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in full bloom, explore the Cape Winelands for tastings, take a boat trip to Robben Island or seal colonies.
March vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Cape Town. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Cape Town
While March has its own character in Cape Town, the data-backed best months to visit Cape Town are January, February, November, December. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Cape TownOther places with a similar climate right now
Cape Town in March — FAQ
Q01Is March a good time to visit Cape Town?
Is March a good time to visit Cape Town?
Yes — this is one of the best months of the year to visit. In March, Cape Town averages a high of 24°C (76°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F), with 28mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Cape Town in March?
What is the average temperature in Cape Town in March?
The average high temperature in Cape Town during March is 24°C (76°F), with an average low of 16°C (61°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Cape Town have in March?
How many rainy days does Cape Town have in March?
Cape Town averages approximately 4 rainy days in March, with a total monthly rainfall of about 28mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Cape Town in March?
What should I pack for Cape Town in March?
For Cape Town in March, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Cape Town in March?
How crowded is Cape Town in March?
Tourist crowds in Cape Town during March are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.