Top things to do in Cape Town in spring

It’s spring time in the Mother City and we couldn’t be more excited! Known as one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets, the city comes alive as soon as the vibrant spring season arrives. Boasting an endless variety of things to do, see and experience, spring in Cape Town is filled with tons of scenic beauty, colourful wildflower landscapes, stunning mild Mediterranean climate, and thrilling bucket-list worthy experiences and adventures – That’s merely scratching the surface of what spring in Cape Town has to offer!

The best thing is, the Mother City invites everyone to join in on her vibrant spring season fun. Whether you’re young or young at heart, here are some of the top things to do in Cape Town in spring.  

#GO HIKING

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a scenic and adventure-filled hike! Spring in Cape Town, which stretches from September – October, is characterised by lovely mild weather, lush green surroundings, and stunning floral landscapes. This makes it a great time of year to step outside, go on an exciting adventure and tick a thrilling Cape Town hiking experience off your bucket-list.

**Bonus: The Mother City’s mild Mediterranean spring season climate and lovely day-time temperatures makes it possible to go on the ultimate hiking adventure any time of the day. This gives keen hikers and adventurers the opportunity to enjoy a sunrise, mid-day, sunset, or moonlight hike. All without getting scorched by Cape Town’s intense summer heat or struggling through its daunting winter chill.

**Tip: Here are a few top Cape Town hiking trails to add to your spring season hiking bucket-list: Table Mountain; Lion’s Head; Kloof Corner; The Pipe Track; India Venster; Platteklip Gorge; Skeleton Gorge; Tranquillity Cracks; Nursery Ravine; Constantia Corner; Woody Ravine.

#SEE THE CAPE WILDFLOWERS

In Cape Town, spring season is flower season! Seeing the vibrant Cape wildflowers in full bloom is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Cape Town in spring. Every spring, from about mid-August – October, Cape Town comes to life as the Cape wildflowers cover the Western Cape landscapes in a glorious celebration of colour.

To find out everything you need to know about where the best places are to see the Cape wildflowers this spring, check out our ‘Where to see the wildflowers in the Cape’ blog right away!

**Tip: Best places in the Western Cape to see the Cape wildflowers in full bloom this spring:  The West Coast National Park; Ramskop Nature Reserve; Renosterveld Reserve; Citrusdal, Namaqualand National Park; Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve; Columbine Nature Reserve; Harold Porter Botanical Gardens; Fernkloof Nature Reserve; Hopefield, Darling; the Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens; Nieuwoudtville Hantam National Botanical Garden and the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

#WHALE & MARINE LIFE SIGHTINGS

Going whale watching or spotting the majestic Southern Right Whales from the shoreline is by far one of the most sought-after things to do in Cape Town in spring. The Cape Whale Route is a 900-kilometre-long stretch of coastline that extends from Strandfontein near Muizenberg to Plettenberg Bay. Every year, between July – October, Southern Right Whales journey to our shores to mate and calve, giving us the amazing opportunity to witness these incredible ocean beings in their natural habitat.

The prime time for whale-watching in Cape Town is between August and October, with the peak calving season taking place in August and September.

**Tip: Top whale watching destinations in the Western Cape:

• False Bay Coastline: Simonstown is one of the top whale-watching hubs in Cape Town | opt for the higher vantage points along the False Bay coast such as Cape Point, Boyes Drive between St James and Kalk Bay, and Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els
• Hermanus: Known as the whale capital of the world
• Cape Agulhas
• De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve
• Cape West Coast: Lambert’s Bay, Strandfontein, Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster, Elands Bay, Saldanha Bay, Melkbosstrand & Doringbaai
• Overberg region: Struisbaai, Arniston, Stanford, Betty’s Bay, Gansbaai & De Kelders
• Llandudno & Hout Bay
• Garden Route: Stilbaai, Sedgefield, Nature’s Valley

Besides enjoying spectacular Southern Right Whale sightings, visiting Cape Town’s coolest ocean locals, the African Penguins, at the African Penguin viewing site at Boulders Beach or Stony Point is by far one of the best things to do in Cape Town in spring for the whole family.

If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling, you can opt to enjoy any of Cape Town’s exciting ocean adventures including snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals, kayaking with African Penguins, shark cage diving alongside Great White Sharks, scuba diving, and boat-based whale watching expeditions.

#RED BUS CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Going on a famous Red Bus City Sightseeing Tour in the Mother City is definitely one of the top things to do in Cape Town in spring. The iconic Cape Town Red Bus Tour is the ultimate hop-on-hop-off experience. Stopping at some of the city’s top landmarks, hidden gems, and sought-after attractions, it is one of the best, and certainly the most fun, ways to explore everything the beautiful, culturally diverse, and vibrant city of Cape Town has to offer. The Red Bus Tour gives visitors the ultimate opportunity to tick some of Cape Town’s top destinations and sights off their bucket-list!

**Tip: There are a variety of Cape Town Red Bus City Sightseeing tours to choose from, visit their website to find out more.

#DAY OUT AT A MARKET

The Mother City is at the very top of her market game. This makes visiting one of her vibrant markets one of the best things to do in Cape Town anytime of the year, including during her lively spring season. Besides being a fun-filled day out exploring the city, the fact that Cape Town is home to such a unique variety of markets makes going on the ultimate market adventure that much more exciting. From fresh local produce, tasty treats and home-baked delights to art, crafts, thrifts, live music, and one-of-a-kind finds, Cape Town’s markets truly have it all!

**Tip: Here are some of our favourite markets that deserve to be on your Cape Town summer bucket-list: The V&A Food Market; The Watershed at the V&A; The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay; Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market; Root 44 Market; Cape Point Vineyards Thursday Night Market; the Old Biscuit Mill and Neighbourgoods Market.

#MUIZENBERG BEACH & IT’S COOURFUL BEACH HUTS

Located along the vibrant False Bay coastline, Muizenberg Beach’s laid-back beach vibe, surf’s up approach to life and vibrant energy has made it one of Cape Town’s coolest coastal towns. It also boasts one of Cape Town’s top blue-flag swimming beaches, making it perfect for enjoying a lovely laid-back spring beach day with the whole family.

Besides its blissful beach status, Muizenberg Beach is home to the famous Muizenberg Beach huts, also known as the retro wooden bathing boxes. These cool and colourful works of art have not only become one of the most sought-after attractions for travellers and photographers from around the world, but it has claimed the title as one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ spots in Cape Town too. This makes Muizenberg Beach and its colourful beach huts a must-visit destination on any trip to Cape Town.

**Tip: Muizenberg Beach’s famous Surfers Corner is the best place in Cape Town for surfing first-timers to learn how to surf. If you’ve got ‘Learn how to surf’ jotted down on your Cape Town bucket-list – It’s time to seize the surfing day and surf your very first wave at Muizenberg’s Surfers Corner!

#VISIT CAPE POINT

If you’re keen to go on an exciting spring road-trip or tick an epic adventure experience off your Cape Town bucket-list, a visit to the renowned Cape Point is perfect for you! Located approximately 60km south west of the city of Cape Town, at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Besides it’s wild unapologetic natural beauty and magnificent panoramic views, Cape Point offers visitors so much to do, see and experience. From thrilling hiking trails, nature walks, fun-filled family friendly activities, an abundance of wildlife, birdlife, and marine life to exhilarating adventure experiences, tons of hidden gems, tidal pools, picturesque secret beaches, the old Cape Point lighthouse, and the famous Flying Dutchman Funicular, Cape Point has it all!

**Tip: Some of Cape Point’s most beautiful secret beaches include: Buffels Beach, Diaz Beach, Maclear Beach and Olifantsbos Beach.

#SUNSET DRIVE ALONG CHAPMANS PEAK

Named one of the most magnificent marine drives in the world, taking a drive along the picturesque Chapman’s Peak Drive should be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list. Affectionately known as ‘Chappies’ by Cape Town locals, this captivating coastal road ribbons along the Atlantic coastline between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Besides showcasing some of the most sensational panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll pass rugged mountains, picturesque white-sand beaches, and vibrant fishing harbours on your way.

If you’re looking to experience something extra special, a sunset drive along Chapman’s Peak promises to sweep you off your feet and capture your sunset-loving heart all at the same time. It isn’t known as one of the best sunset spots in Cape Town for nothing.

**Tip: Chapman’s Peak Drive is known for its amazing hidden gems scattered along the route. Two of which include the waterfall walk and the secret Look-out Cave. Besides these two must-visit secret spots, there are a variety of look-out points and picnic sites located at various points along the drive. Chapman’s Peak Drive is also known as one of the best places to spot the beloved members of Cape Town’s Marine Big 5. Make sure to keep a look-out for Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins, Southern Right Whales and African Penguins.

#KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS

A visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Cape Town in spring. Located right at the base of the glorious Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch boasts one of the most beautiful displays of indigenous natural beauty you’ll find in the city. Home to a spectacular diversity of plant life and endemic Cape Fynbos, many of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world, visiting this Cape Town natural gem during the Mother City spring flower season promises to be an unforgettable experience!

While the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden’s natural beauty is absolutely undeniable, it’s certainly not all looks. It boasts an endless variety of thrilling adventures, hiking trails, nature walks, beautiful garden landscapes, cool picnic spots, fun-filled family activities, hidden gems, and secret discoveries – The fun, beauty and adventure truly never ends at Kirstenbosch!

#GO SURFING

In the Mother City, we like to keep the laid-back beach vibes and good surfing times alive right throughout the year! The bigger waves, optimal wind conditions and warmer ocean temperatures during winter and spring transforms Cape Town into the ultimate mecca for both local and international surfers. However, this doesn’t mean you need to be a surfing pro to join in on all the surfing fun!

The fact that Cape Town is home to such an incredible variety of surfing beaches, each catering to different experience levels, means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Muizenberg’s famous Surfer’s Corner is widely known as the best place to learn how to surf for keen surfing first-timers. Have a look at our ‘Top 5 Coolest Surfing Beaches in Cape Town’ blog to find out everything you need to know about Cape Town’s coolest local surfing hotspots.

#AERIAL CABLEWAY RIDE

Going on an Aerial Cableway ride up Table Mountain is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Cape Town any time of the year. Standing tall at a staggering 1,086 meters above sea level, witnessing the mountainous giant of the Mother City skyline is always an incredible sight. However, nothing comes close to the view you’ll experience from the top of Table Mountain. Going on an Aerial Cableway ride is not only the easiest way to reach the Table Mountain summit, but one of the most fun and exciting too. Plus, the whole family is invited to join in on the fun! This is one thrilling experience that should be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list.

Visit our ‘Ultimate Guide to Table Mountain’ blog to find out everything you need to know about this New7Wonder of Nature.

#WATCH A SPRING SUNSET

There is no sunset quite like a Cape Town sunset. If you’re a head-over-heels sunset lover, going on the ultimate sunset chasing adventure around the city should be at the very top of your spring bucket-list. As the sun sets a little later during Cape Town’s spring season and the temperatures gradually begin to rise, it gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a stunning sunset from any of the city’s beautiful sunset watching spots.

If you’re up for a bit of a spring sunset chasing adventure, we highly recommend you watch the sun go down from one of the Mother City’s secret sunset spots. Have a look at our ‘Top 5 Secret Sunset Spots in Cape Town’ blog to find out more about these local sunset hidden gems.

**Tip: Here are a few more of Cape Town’s best sunset spots: Lion’s Head; Signal Hill; Table Mountain; Camps Bay Tidal Pools; Bloubergstrand; Kloof Corner; Victoria Road; Clifton Beach; Llandudno Beach, Chapman’s Peak Drive; Kloof Road; Bakoven Beach boulders.

#HAVE A PICNIC

Spring in the Mother City is the perfect time of year to enjoy a lovely laid-back picnic at any of Cape Town’s beautiful picnic spots. Thanks to the stunning mild Mediterranean spring climate, lush surroundings, and colourful carpets of Cape wildflowers, having a picnic is the perfect way to enjoy a fun-filled family day out in Cape Town.

**Tip: Here are some of the best picnic spots in Cape Town: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; Tokai Forest; The Company Gardens; Cape Point Vineyards; Silvermine Nature Reserve; Clifton Beach boulders; Llandudno Beach; Newlands Forest; Table Mountain.

#WINE TASTING IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

In Cape Town, any time is wine time! This makes exploring and tasting your way through the beautiful Cape Winelands one of the top things to do in Cape Town in Spring. Home to the largest, and certainly the most unique, wine producing region in Africa, the Western Cape is any wine lover’s dream come true. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a die-hard wine enthusiast at heart, you’ll undoubtedly fall head-over-heels in love with the stunning Cape Winelands and its excellent selection of wine.

Besides its award-winning wine, the Cape Winelands is known for its incredible wine routes, exciting food and wine pairing combinations, exceptional wine tasting experiences and world-renowned culinary pursuits. Providing you with everything you need to enjoy a memorable day out exploring the magical Cape Winelands.

**Tip: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Helderburg, Durbanville and the Constantia Wine Route are merely 5 of the Western Cape’s famous wine routes. All of which should be on your Cape Town wine bucket-list. Here are 10 of the best wine tasting experiences in Cape Town for your wine tasting pleasure.

#EXPLORE THE CAPE WEST COAST

What better time than spring time to go on a cool Cape Town adventure and explore the coastal beauty of the Cape west coast? Charming fishing villages, sensational sea views, white sandy beaches and some of the best seafood in the world are just some of the incredible treats the West Coast has in store for you – And that’s merely scratching the Cape West Coast surface! Considered somewhat of a Cape Town hidden gem, the Cape West Coast is jam-packed with unapologetic natural beauty, a treasure chest of secret spots and hidden gems and some of the most picturesque beaches. It will almost feel like you’ve escaped to a whole new world entirely without really leaving the city at all.

**Tip: Here are some of the most beautiful Cape west coast coastal towns and attractions you absolutely have to visit on your west coast road-trip: Bloubergstrand; Langebaan; Paternoster; Jacobsbaai; Saldanha Bay; Elands Bay; Yzerfontein; Darling and the West Coast National Park. Visit our ‘Top 5 Places to Visit on the Cape West Coast’ blog to find out more about these must-visit west coast destinations.

#ENJOY A SPRING BEACH DAY

There is nothing better than being sun-kissed, beached-out and salty-haired in the Mother City, and this is no different during her vibrant spring season. Cape Town’s lovely year-round mild Mediterranean climate means you can enjoy a lovely, laid-back beach day anytime of the year. Whether you’re looking to sit back, relax and soak up all the stunning spring season sunshine, take a daring dip in the Atlantic, enjoy a fun-filled family beach day or go on a blissful beach sunset stroll, Cape Town has the perfect beach for you.

**Tip: Here are some of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches that all deserve to be on your spring beach bucket-list: Camps Bay; Clifton Beach; Llandudno Beach; Beta Beach; Bakoven Beach; Bloubergstrand; Muizenberg Beach; Boulder’s Beach; Water’s Edge; Noordhoek; Kommetjie and Cape Points endless variety of secret beaches. Check out our ‘Top 10 beaches in Cape Town’ blog.

Spring season in Cape Town is nothing short of spectacular! But, just in case we haven’t convinced you yet, check out our ‘Top reasons to visit Cape Town in spring’ blog to seal the deal!