Information about Cape Town

Brief Background

With its nine provinces, South Africa has a beautiful and diverse landscape, extending across an area twice the size of France or five times the size of Britain. The Western Cape is the fourth-largest province and has a wide variety of scenery, colours and cultures. There are beautiful beaches, fishing villages, historical towns, lakes, mountains and forests. The famous Table Mountain towers above Cape Town and from here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Cape Town is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has an interesting mixture of architectural styles reflecting the cultures and traditions of the many people who have contributed to the city’s development.

Language

South Africa has eleven official languages. Captonians speak English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. Most South Africans speak English.

Time Zones

South African time is set at GMT + 2. There is no daylight saving time.

Weather & Seasons

Our long summers range from October until March. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with little rain in summer. The days are longer than the nights, approximately 14 hours of sunshine and warm evenings set a party mood.

Spring usually falls between September and October and Autumn between April and May. The days are usually balmy between seasons, with little wind.

Although Cape Town winters (June to August) have a reputation for rain and wind, they often produce perfect days or even weeks. You should plan trips reasonably in advance, and be prepared for lots of company.

Changes in our climate seem to have reduced winter rainfall, and when it is not raining winter becomes a perfect green season. Temperatures can reach up to 26 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher.

You can check the weather forecast in local papers or on the radio, or telephone 40881 for short-term forecasts.

Long-range forecasts are available internationally through the internet on the University of Cape Town’s Oceanography Department weather site at www.weather.iafrica.com.