Cape Town in December offers countless activities and experiences. As the city comes alive with warm weather, longer days, and a festive atmosphere, it is the best time to visit Cape Town. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Cape Town this summer!
Cape Town’s World Class Beaches
Among the best things to do in Cape Town is visiting the city’s many beaches. Pack a towel, put on a hat, and head to the beach for a day of sun-soaking and cold-water dipping! Separated by granite boulders, the four beaches of Clifton enjoy white sand and a calm ocean. Head just around the corner to Camps Bay, where the beach lies across from a lively strip filled with restaurants, cafés, and bars.
Clifton beach view and coastline buildings in Cape Town, South Africa
If you’re seeking a more peaceful alternative to the bustling beaches of the city, Llandudno Beach is a great spot to visit. Just a twenty-minute drive from central Cape Town, this beautiful beach makes for a great day out. With warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, the Cape Town December weather makes this time of year particularly appealing for beach days.
City Sightseeing
A must-do activity when visiting any new city is sightseeing. The City Sightseeing buses offer multiple routes and packages, allowing visitors to view the areas of the city that are of most interest to them. Stopping at many spots, including beaches, hiking trails, and small towns, the buses are a fabulous way to learn about Cape Town in an exciting and interactive way.
Looking for an even more exciting way to experience the city? Check out the Cobra Experience, whereby visitors get to tour the city in a classic Cobra car! Offering a variety of packages, the Cobra Experience is a unique and thrilling way to enjoy Cape Town.
Experience Table Mountain
Table Mountain is well-known as Cape Town’s star attraction. Experiencing this natural wonder has to be on your Cape Town to-do list, whether you choose to climb up via one of the hiking trails or ascend in the cable car. Rising 1,068 metres above sea level and covered in approximately 2,000 plant species, a trip up Table Mountain provides unmatched views.
table mountain cable way in cape town, south africa
The Cape Town December weather makes December the perfect month for enjoying the mountain and its spectacular surroundings – just remember to check the forecast and wind conditions before heading up. On a clear summer day, the panoramic views make Table Mountain the highlight of any Cape Town in December itinerary.
Explore Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers a variety of activities for both adults and children. Bordering Bishopscourt and set against a phenomenal mountain backdrop, you’ll forget you’re in the city when you visit this pocket of paradise!
Aside from its wealth of plant life, walking trails, and luscious picnic spots, the garden is host to a number of activities such as sunset concerts, an open-air cinema, and a festive carol service. Visiting the garden for an event? Make a day of it by packing a picnic and exploring the walking trails. Both the old and the young will revel in the beauty of this spot, making it a wonderful addition to a Cape Town Christmas holiday.
Cape Town’s Best Outdoor Activities
December is often considered the best time to visit Cape Town for travellers who want to make the most of the city’s outdoor attractions. The city’s sensational summer weather and breathtaking scenery make outdoor activities some of the best things to do in the city. From hiking trails to paragliding to snorkelling with the Cape seals, there is plenty to do! Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply enjoy being at one with nature, Cape Town’s great outdoors caters to all.
For visitors planning a Cape Town December holiday, the combination of long daylight hours and warm summer temperatures means there is plenty of time to get outdoors and explore.
The V&A Waterfront
If you’re stuck for what do to, the V&A Waterfront is one of the best spots to visit in Cape Town offering a hub of entertainment. World-class restaurants, designer shops, local crafts markets, the Zeitz MOCAA museum, and multiple children’s activity centres make up the Waterfront. Set around a working harbour, the V&A Waterfront is just as beautiful as it is exciting.
Take the kids to the incredible Two Oceans Aquarium to experience interactive exhibits and observe over 300 species of marine life, or let them try their hand at mini-golf. Adults and older children will enjoy wandering around the impressive Zeitz MOCAA, the gallery’s architecture just as captivating as the art. If the Cape sun is shining and you want to participate in an outdoor activity, try stand-up paddleboarding through the canals.
When hunger strikes, choose from the 100+ restaurants for anything from Italian food to fresh seafood, with options to suit every group and budget. The festive atmosphere also makes the Waterfront a great place to spend your Cape Town Christmas holiday, particularly if you’re travelling with children.
Historic Wine Estates
Home to a multitude of historic wine estates, Cape Town offers visitors multiple wine-tasting experiences. From the scenic estates in the valley of Franschhoek to the leafy farms of Constantia, each institution offers a unique experience for wine enthusiasts.
Rows of grapes growing at Delaire Graff wine Estate on the slopes of the mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Feeling overwhelmed with so much choice? Take the Franschhoek Wine Tram and enjoy a hop-on hop-off experience, stopping to enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and lunches as you please. A day spent exploring the surrounding wine regions is a wonderful way to add a more relaxed experience to your Cape Town in December itinerary.
The Ultimate Cape Town Christmas Holiday
With so many activities and attractions suited to all ages, Cape Town is truly one of the best cities to visit. From a Cape Town Christmas holiday to a luxurious New Year trip, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city during the summer season.
If you’re planning a Cape Town New Year villa stay, you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy the city’s restaurants, beaches, nightlife, and spectacular summer atmosphere. Our private villas provide the ideal base for relaxing after busy days spent sightseeing and exploring.
For those wondering about the best time to visit Cape Town, December offers an especially appealing combination of sunshine, festive events, outdoor activities, and a lively holiday atmosphere. Look here to discover your dream accommodation during your Cape Town vacation and make the most of your Cape Town December holiday.