What Should I Wear In South Africa: Clothing Packing List
Spending two weeks in South Africa was a dream come true. But figuring out what to wear in Cape Town was no easy task.
Cape Town has such a wide assortment of activities. From beaches and swimming to city sightseeing, hiking through mountains, and the safari.
Knowing that I was about to try all these activities and more… and try to keep my luggage at a reasonable weight… was going to take some planning. It’s also important to avoid cliched safari clothing in urban areas, as locals typically wear more casual and culturally appropriate clothing like jeans and skirts.
Fortunately for you, I’ve compiled a list of what I recommend you wear on your trip to Cape Town, and what you should leave at home. While there isn’t a strict dress code, being mindful of local customs and situations is essential.
When to Visit South Africa
South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the activities you have planned. The country boasts a diverse climate, with different regions experiencing unique weather patterns. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide when to pack your bags:
Summer (December to February): This is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and long days perfect for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. Imagine lounging on Cape Town’s stunning beaches or hiking up Table Mountain with the sun shining brightly. Just remember to pack lightweight clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes to make the most of your summer adventures.
Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a fantastic time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. It’s ideal for hiking, wine tastings, and exploring the countryside. Picture yourself strolling through the vineyards of Stellenbosch, wearing a light jacket and comfortable shoes, enjoying the crisp air and beautiful scenery.
Winter (June to August): While winter is the low season, it’s still a great time to visit if you prefer cooler weather and don’t mind the occasional rain shower. This season is perfect for city breaks, museum visits, and indoor activities. Think cozying up in a café in Cape Town or exploring Johannesburg’s vibrant art scene, dressed in layers and a warm jacket.
Spring (September to November): Spring is a lovely time to visit, with mild temperatures and beautiful wildflowers in bloom. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Envision yourself hiking through the Drakensberg Mountains, wearing breathable layers and sturdy hiking boots, surrounded by a sea of colorful flowers.
South Africa Climate and Regions
South Africa’s diverse climate means you’ll experience different weather patterns depending on where you go. Here’s a quick guide to help you pack appropriately for each region:
Western Cape (including Cape Town): The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. In Cape Town, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing for the summer and layers for the cooler, windy days. Don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city’s many attractions.
Eastern Cape: This region has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Lightweight clothing and sun protection are essential here, especially if you plan to visit the beautiful beaches or go on a safari.
Northern Cape: Known for its desert climate, the Northern Cape experiences hot summers and cold winters. Pack breathable clothing for the day and warmer layers for the chilly nights.
Free State: With a continental climate, the Free State has hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared with a mix of lightweight clothing for the day and warmer layers for the evenings.
KwaZulu-Natal: This region enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must, along with sun protection and comfortable shoes for exploring the lush landscapes.
North West: The semi-arid climate here means hot summers and mild winters. Pack accordingly with lightweight clothing and layers for the cooler evenings.
Gauteng (including Johannesburg): Gauteng has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Johannesburg’s bustling streets and cultural sites.
Packing Light On Your Trip To Cape Town
The easiest way to pack light on your trip to Cape Town is to keep everything within the same color palette. That way you can also mix and match your wardrobe and wear pieces more than one time.
I wore this white button-down several times throughout my time in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s lightweight and packs easily. It works as a cover-up when it gets a little chilly out, and looks cute dressed up for dinner or dressed down for a casual day around town. Long sleeve shirts are also essential for autumn and winter trips, providing warmth and versatility for various activities.
Some of the colors I chose to go with are; black, white, tan, green, and other earth tones. Generally speaking, the variety of stores in South Africa is similar to those found elsewhere, and while casual settings are quite informal, appropriate attire is necessary for formal environments. But let me break it down for you by activity.
What to Wear Site Seeing Around Cape Town: Comfortable Walking Shoes
Cape Town has so much to do and see, you could spend several days literally in Cape Town itself and still not see or do everything you want.
You’ll most likely be out all day long exploring this city and like most major cities, expect to do a lot of walking. Avoid wearing safari clothing in urban settings to blend in with locals and avoid looking like a tourist. Safety is also a concern in Cape Town. While mostly safe for tourists, there is still a lot of petty theft and you will want to be aware of this.
Cross Body Bag – I recommend not bringing expensive or flashy purses to Cape Town. I loved this cross-body bag from Amazon. It was stylish, fit my color scheme, was super roomy inside, and fit snuggly across my chest for safety reasons.
Comfortable Sandals – Yes, you could wear a nice pair of gym shoes. But do you want to? Being comfortable doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish too. I LOVE these sandals from Steve Madden. They are super comfy to walk all day in. And they go great with everything. I pair them with casual clothes, nicer dresses, and even jeans, which helps me pack light for long trips! Blending in with local fashion is important, so avoid wearing safari clothing.
Lightweight Outerwear – Cape Town can go from warm and sunny to freezing wind… all in the same day. The best way to be prepared is with layers. I loved my lightweight denim Jacket. It was perfect to throw over jeans and a tee or even a casual dress for dinner. Dress it up with a cute lightweight scarf for dinner too!
Lightweight Clothing – Comfort is key but dont get me wrong, I want to be stylish too. A couple of key pieces of my wardrobe include; this long casual sleeveless jumpsuit (great for dressing down with a white tee and sneakers or dressing up with nice sandals and a cute jacket).
I also love this simple black tee-shirt dress. I wear it everywhere! It’s comfy and can be styled in so many different ways. Not to mention, it is easy to pack because it takes up barely any room in my suitcase.
What To Wear For Water Activities in South Africa
If you are traveling to Cape Town, you’ll most likely do some kind of water activity. Cape Town is located on the southern coast of South Africa and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water.
While in South Africa, I swam with penguins at Boulder Beach, kayaking, shark cage diving, paddleboarding, and snorkeling with seals. Not to mention just having a regular beach day!
Here are some outfit essentials I recommend you bring to South Africa for all the water activities! T-shirts are great for casual and versatile clothing, perfect for warm weather and everyday activities.
Swimwear – I recommend you bring both a bikini (or something you’d want to wear to the beach. But also a sporty type of swimsuit that you can be very active in. I practically lived in my sporty swimsuit while in Cape Town.
Board Shorts – Board shorts are perfect for throwing on over your bathing suit so you can go inside establishments or just walk around in. I used these board shorts constantly, even while driving to destinations or just having something to throw on over my swimsuit.
Rash Guard – Just like the board shorts, it’s a good idea to bring a long-sleeved rash guard on your trip to South Africa. It not only can be used as a cover-up if you need to go inside a store, but the long sleeves keep you warm on some of the chilly mornings by the ocean.
Water/hiking shoes – I ALWAYS travel with a good pair of water hiking shoes. Something that can get wet and go swimming with me, but also be good for walking around in. Then you can go straight from an Uber, to the rocks, to the water.
Cover Ups – Once I Left my hotel in the morning I did NOT want to go back and change. So I would just throw on whatever I needed or bring it in a backpack with me. It makes it so much easier to just layer your outfit over a bathing suit and have a comfortable cover-up you can throw on at any time.
Hiking Boots and Accessories For South Africa
South Africa is also home to some of the most beautiful mountains. And what comes with mountains? HIKING!
But with everything else, you need to pack for South Africa, less is more. So here are a few easy examples of what to wear In Cape Town if you want to go hiking.
Lightweight Hiking Shoes – If you want to do a good hike like Lion Head, or just a moderate hike, you’ll still want a good pair of hiking shoes. But lightweight is always ideal when it comes to packing! I love these lightweight hiking shoes because they are easy to pack, super comfortable, and great for hiking.
Hiking Outfit – While there are so many hiking outfits you can wear, I love packing a pair of leggings and a matching sports bra with a top over it. Leggings are just so easy to pack and barely take up any space. Long sleeve shirts are also great for layering during hiking activities, especially in cooler weather.
Backpack – Any time I travel, I love bringing this backpack with me. It’s spacious enough to use as a good carry-on, but durable enough to use for hiking excursions. Each day in Cape Town, I would leave my hotel and go do about 3-4 different activities. Having a good backpack to take with me was essential for outfit changes, different hoes, and even my water bottle and snacks. (OK, and maybe a souvenir or two).
What To Wear In Cape Town: Lightweight Clothing
Cape Town, South Africa is a place of beauty, adventure, wildlife, shops, and dining. There is so much to do and see and everything requires a different kind of wardrobe!
Don’t forget to check out What to Wear on a South African Safari… with details on what to wear and what to bring on your most exciting South African Adventure… which deserved a whole post of its own!
For general guidelines, women should opt for breezy and casual styles suitable for various occasions, such as beach outings, casual dinners, and nightclubs. Conservative attire is recommended, with longer skirts, breezy pants, and cover-ups to stay comfortable in the heat.
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