Cape Town is an undeniably beautiful city and one would be hard-pressed to take a bad photo of her stunning coastline or picturesque Table Mountain backdrop. Increasingly popular as an easily-accessible tourist destination and an adrenaline junkie’s playground, Cape Town is a city that wears her cloak of changing seasons well. No matter what time of year you choose to visit South Africa, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sight-seeing, sporting or cultural activities. Here are just a few suggestions of what you may like to enjoy at different times of the year.

Spring

With over 8500 species of wildflowers, visually, spring is perhaps the best season of all to visit Cape Town and make the trek up Table Mountain. As you hike up the mountain you will not know which way to look; out to sea for panoramic views of the city and coastline; or simply, all around you as you walk amongst the profusion of colour of the wildflowers which carpet your way. The obvious advantage of the cooler weather of spring is that you will be able to hike further and longer and take in much more of the landscape. Rain is rare in spring, so it is also a great time to visit one of the many vineyards which pepper the regions surrounding Cape Town. Why not hire a convertible and take a leisurely drive through the wine growing areas of Stellenbosch and Paarl?

Summer

Ah summer; everybody’s favourite holiday season. Cape Town is no exception to the rule, and when it comes to having fun in the sun, there’s plenty on offer. The city is surrounded by an endless supply of stunning beaches; either secluded if you prefer a little privacy; or vibrant and buzzing if you want to try some energetic water-sports. Long days and plenty of sunshine means that there is plenty of opportunity to take up some of the extreme sports for which Cape Town is famous. Rock-climbing, bungee-jumping and ballooning are a few examples of what is on offer, and summer is the ideal time to take a deep breath and get that adrenaline pumping!

Autumn

Autumn in Cape Town is regarded by many as the ideal season; not too cold, not too hot, not too windy and not too...well, it’s perfect really! All the activities you can take on in summer are just that little less sweaty and strenuous, with the added bonus of a balmy breeze blowing off the sea to help you on your way. Autumn is also the time when the foodies of Cape Town come out to play. Just some of the food festivals on offer during these months are the Olive Festival, the Good Food and Wine Show and the South African Cheese Festival in Franschhoek.

Winter

Even though the temperatures drop, winter is definitely not off-limits for an enjoyable holiday in Cape Town. Cool, clear days are ideal for hiking and walking up Table Mountain and the hills are wonderfully green during winter. The famous Fynbos is in full bloom and it is an ideal time for a trip to the Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens. Winter is also best time to go whale-watching as these magnificent creatures begin their annual migration up the coast; and it is also a prolific time for bird-watching as the scramble for breeding grounds begins.