It is almost back-to-school time and your last chance to take full advantage of the summer holiday. At this time of the year, the city may be crowded but the vibe is at its finest! It is all about the seaside, the mountains, our markets and craft beer. Leave the car at home and get around with the Big Red Bus with a 1, 2 or even 3-day ticket.
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Being mid-summer, in January the days are mostly hot and sunny with clear blue skies. Daytime temperatures stay in the mid- to high-20s, and the days are the longest. This means there is so much more time for activities and time outdoors. Even our bus schedule is extended to get you around the city and transport you to dozens more great locations.
Finding yourself on the Foreshore, there are plenty of cruises to choose from. With animated pirate ships and champagne cruises, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Get out of the harbour and see the Cape fur seals playing in the water. January also sees the arrival of the barely-weaned seal calves practising their ocean acrobatics, so, keep your eyes open.
Cruise
If the crowds of visitors and holiday makers are not your thing, why not escape the city with an African safari, or a stroll and picnic in one of the city’s amazing public gardens. The weather makes for a great day out and is perfect for visiting wine farms or enjoying al fresco dining. Try out our Franschhoek & Stellenbosch wine tour, or head right down to the southernmost tip of Africa with the Cape Point & Penguin Explorer Tour.
January is filled with sunshine, but is also known as one of the windiest months in the Cape, but don’t despair. This is the best time of year for wind-based activities like kite-surfing, and whether you wish to take part or just spectate, the colourful display is one worth seeing.
Wind
If you would rather avoid the wind, beaches on the western side of the peninsula like Clifton are much more sheltered and won’t ruin your suntanning.
Most definitely the most active city in South Africa, Cape Town has a plethora of adrenaline adventures on offer, but if that is not quite your speed, then stretch your legs on a fascinating township tours’ or free walking tour through the city.
As far as Cape Town’s social calendar goes - January is the month where it all happens. The place to be seen is at the summer races. Think Royal Ascot with an African twist and you get the Sun Met and the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. For more of a vibe, some of our favourite locals like Goldfish, Freshlyground and Mi Casa will be playing at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts throughout the summer season. If you are from around here and have not yet attended the annual, long standing tradition that is the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, then you are most certainly missing out.
Even with the sun only going down past 20:00 during this time, that does not mean that the festivities are over. Soak up the last glint of the sun from our sunset bus tour, one of these awesome sundowner spots, or even atop the grand Table Mountain with their Summer Sunset special.
Sunset
Once the sun has said goodnight, the city comes to life in a whole new way. With hundreds of trendy restaurants, bars and markets, the possibilities seem endless.
If all these amazing options seem too daunting, let us guide you along the way with our ultimate summer guide for Cape Town, or grab one of our bus combos for some more inspiration.
