Having called Cape Town home for many years, I know firsthand that the city truly comes alive during its long summer (December through to early April). Weekends spent riding horses on remote beaches, watching sunrises from mountain peaks and browsing bustling markets inspired this list of my top eight activities for visitors who want to have lots of fun. In this article you’ll discover Cape Town in summer: 8 fun activities you can’t miss. Experiences I personally recommend, from surfing dune sands to sipping rosè by the sea, with practical details on prices, times and how to book.
1. See penguins at Boulders Beach
The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is one of Cape Town’s most beloved attractions. Located about 41 km south of the city. The beach has boardwalks that allow visitors to watch penguins up close. Entrance fees for international visitors are R190 (adult) and R95 (child); South Africans with an ID pay R45 (adult) and R25 (child). Once inside, you can walk down to Foxy Beach and swim near the penguins (keeping a respectful distance). Visitors are reminded not to touch or feed the birds.
The beach is open year‑round but has seasonal gate times: Dec–Jan: 07:00–19:30, Feb–Apr: 08:00–18:30, May–Sept: 08:00–17:00, Oct–Nov: 08:00–18:30. To avoid crowds, arrive early on summer weekends or visit on a weekday.
Best months: Penguins breed in late winter (July–September), so you might see fluffy chicks then; however, summer offers warmer swimming weather.
How to book: Entry tickets are purchased at the gate. For a hassle‑free experience, Viator offer half‑day trips that include transport along Chapmans Peak Drive and up to 1–2 hours with the penguins.
Tip: Combine your penguin visit with a stop in the colourful Bo‑Kaap neighbourhood or lunch in Kalk Bay.
2. Horseback riding by the beach in Noordhoek
Noordhoek sits about 40 km south of the CBD, and its long white beach makes it ideal for horseback riding. Horse Riding Cape Town runs 1½‑hour guided rides along the sand. The outing costs around R850 per person and includes well‑trained horses suitable for beginners. You don’t need riding experience; the guides provide a briefing and the horses know the route. My friend and I went for the first time and the guides were very patient and friendly with us which made our experience more than amazing.The ride meanders past wetlands, a lagoon and a petting zoo before reaching Noordhoek’s seven‑kilometre beach, where you’ll canter at the water’s edge and even swim the horses in summer (weather permitting). Tours usually run throughout the day in high season, but sunrise and late‑afternoon slots are cooler.
Best months: December to April, when the afternoons are long and the sea breeze keeps horses and riders comfortable.
How to book: Viator sells a private Noordhoek beach ride (from about US$181 per person) with hotel pick‑up. The vendor handles transportation and guides. For self‑drive travellers, it’s cheaper to book directly through Horse Riding Cape Town.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes in case your horse decides to splash!
3. Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Despite its name, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market isn’t in Oranjezicht; it’s at Granger Bay near the V&A Waterfront. The market sells more than farm produce; you’ll find artisanal breads, vegan treats, handmade leather goods, clothing and many more. Summer weekends buzz with live music and locals meeting friends. The market operates every Saturday (8:15 am–2 pm) and Sunday (9 am–2 pm) year‑round and adds a Wednesday evening market (4 pm–9 pm) during the warmer months. It’s free to enter, but bring cash or cards for treats.
Best months: December to April when weather allows you to sit outside on benches under umbrellas.
How to book: Entry is free so bookings aren’t needed. If you’d like to join a guided foodie tour, Viator offers a Cape Town food markets experience that stops at Oranjezicht, Greenmarket Square and the Neighbourgoods Market (from about R895 per person).
Tip: Arrive early to find parking or take the MyCiTi bus (stop at Granger Bay). This market is part of a larger waterfront complex, so you can combine it with a visit to the V&A shopping mall.
If sampling fresh produce inspires you to explore Cape Town’s restaurant scene, check out my curated list of 9 Must‑Try Restaurants in Cape Town That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away for unforgettable dining recommendations across the city.
4. Clifton Fourth Beach
Clifton has four adjacent beaches, with Fourth Beach being the most popular thanks to its soft white sand and lifeguard‑patrolled waters. Summer (October–March) is the best time to visit because Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline gets its warmest weather. Good conditions also occur in September and April. Vendors on the beach rent out umbrellas for around R60 and sun beds for R120; they’ll collect equipment around 5–6 pm. There are public toilets, showers and lifeguards on duty during peak season.
Best months: December to February are prime beach days, March and April often remain warm with fewer crowds.
How to book: Clifton beaches don’t require bookings. If you’d like to enjoy a beach club atmosphere nearby, see the next section.
Looking for a comfortable place to stay near the beach? Browse my post The Best Hotels in Cape Town: From Lavish Luxury to Stylish Budget Stays to find accommodation options that suit your style and budget.
NB: Alcohol is prohibited in public, that includes at beaches too. My friend and I had a picnic and brought some wine with, unknowingly of course, and police came to us and gave us a warning that alcohol is not allowed.
Tip: Parking is limited, arrive early or use the MyCiti bus services. Sunset here can be spectacular.
5. Beach clubs: Grand Africa Café & Beach and Cabo Beach Club
For a glamorous beach‑club day, head to the Grand Africa Café & Beach at the V&A Waterfront. Set in a restored warehouse on its own patch of sand, it combines multiple bars, decks and a chic restaurant. The vibe is lively with DJs in the evenings and long communal tables; try their popular wood‑fired chicken pizza or sushi. There’s no mandatory minimum spend for dining but reservations are advisable, especially for sea‑view tables.
Nearby, Cabo Beach Club offers a more exclusive pool‑side scene. The club overlooks the harbour and features day beds, cabanas and a Mediterranean‑inspired restaurant. According to travellers, there’s a minimum spend of about R300 per person to secure a day bed, and it’s wise to book ahead. Cabo’s vibe is relaxed yet trendy; sip cocktails while DJs play chilled beats. The club is open Friday and Saturday (12 pm–11 pm) and Sunday (12 pm–5 pm); it’s closed Monday–Thursday.
Best months: January and February are peak pool‑side months.
How to book: Both clubs allow reservations via their websites, and booking a day bed at Cabo is essential because of the minimum spend.
Tip: Pack sunscreen and dress smart‑casual; these clubs have a dress code.
6. Hiking up Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head is the city’s favourite short hike. The trail is free and open 24/7. It takes about one hour each way and is classed as easy to moderate. There are a few rock‑scramble sections with chains, but there’s also an easier path for beginners. Adventurers love climbing for sunrise or sunset, sunrise offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds while sunset or a full‑moon ascent rewards you with glowing views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay and Robben Island. I personally loved going mid mornings or late afternoons.
Best months: Summer (Dec–Apr) provides early dawns and late sunsets. However, midday can be hot; carry water, wear a hat and start early.
How to book: Since Lion’s Head is free, many visitors hike independently. If you’d like a guide, Viator offers an exclusive private hike (approx. US$63) where a guide sets a relaxed pace and provides snacks and water.
Tip: Pack a headlamp for sunset or full‑moon hikes and always respect the mountain by staying on the designated path.
7. Quad bikes on the Atlantis Dunes
The Atlantis Dunes, 45 km north of Cape Town, are a desert‑like wilderness where you can race over white sand on a quad bike. Guided tours cost about R599 per person, plus a R118 conservation permit, making the total roughly R717. The ride lasts around 50 minutes including a photo stop. No experience is required; instructors give a briefing and you control your speed. Teenagers aged 13+ can drive their own bike while younger kids ride with the guide.
Best months: Dry summer days (Dec–April) provide firm sand and clear views. Avoid windy days which can make dune riding uncomfortable.
How to book: You’ll need your own transport to reach Atlantis. Viator and Trip.com offer tours with quad bike hire and instructions. The Trip.com page lists timeslots between 08:00 and 16:00 for a one‑hour session.
Tip: Wear closed shoes and sunglasses; sand flies everywhere!
8. Bicycle ride along the Sea Point Promenade
The flat, sea‑side promenade stretching from Sea Point to Mouille Point is perfect for a leisurely cycle. Up Cycles rents out cruisers and mountain bikes; rates start at R60 for one hour, R90 for two hours and R120 for three hours. Half‑day hire (four hours) is R180 and full‑day (until sunset) is R220. Rental stations operate daily at Sea Point Pavilion, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and Mouille Point; summer hours are 08:00 – sunset upcycles.co.za.
Best months: Any summer day, the promenade enjoys a cooling sea breeze. Avoid midday heat by riding in the morning or late afternoon.
How to book: Bikes are rented on a first‑come basis, although you can reserve via Up Cycles’ website for groups. There are no guided tours at the time of writing.
Tip: Cycle to Mouille Point Lighthouse for photos, then grab gelato on your way back, or Campsbay for a mimosa breakfast with the view of the beach.
Wrapping up: summer memories in Cape Town
Cape Town is a playground during the warmer months. From horseback rides along Noordhoek’s endless sands, and sunrise hikes up Lion’s Head. To browsing organic stalls at Oranjezicht, sun‑bathing at Clifton, sipping cocktails at beach clubs. To racing quad bikes over the Atlantis Dunes, cycling along Sea Point and meeting penguins at Boulders, there’s an activity for every mood. These experiences showcase 8 fun activities you can’t miss and demonstrate why locals and visitors flock to the Mother City between December and April. No matter which adventures you choose, remember to pack sunscreen, stay hydrated and embrace the laid‑back spirit of Cape Town in summer.
If you’re planning a full Cape Town holiday, be sure to browse some of my related guides. To find the perfect place to sleep after your adventures, read The Best Hotels in Cape Town: From Lavish Luxury to Stylish Budget Stays. When hunger strikes, consult 9 Must‑Try Restaurants in Cape Town That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away for delicious dining recommendations. These internal resources will help you create a seamless itinerary around the eight activities highlighted here.
NB: Save this pins for later and come back anytime when you are dreaming of Cape Town
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