Climate Guide of Western Cape, South Africa
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
Weather in the Western Cape of South Africa is influenced by various sources. The Indian Ocean and its characteristically warm waters, versus the Atlantic Ocean with its cold waters can make for potentially varied climates over short spaces. Average precipitation over much of the province equals to less than 15 inches, and further north there is even less. The rainy season coincides with the winter months of May to September. Autumn months of March and April are the most pleasant; however this area's temperatures are enjoyable all year. In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com learns more about the climate in the Western Cape.
Weather in the Western Cape is influenced by various sources. The Indian Ocean and its characteristically warm waters, versus the Atlantic Ocean with its cold waters can make for potentially varied climates over short spaces.
The climate on the coasts of the Western Cape is characteristically a maritime one, with vegetation to match. Moving farther north in the province, the weather shifts from maritime, to Mediterranean – which characterizes the major climatic patterns – and finally to semi arid. This Mediterranean weather brings with it balmy and dry summers, followed by cool and rainy winters.
Winters in the inland of Western Cape occur in July, and average temperatures for that month are 68 °F, whereas summers in February see temperatures on average of 90 °F. However, the capital city Cape Town sees lower temperatures. Summers are nearly twenty degrees cooler, while winter averages are over ten degrees lower. Areas on the coast and many valleys are unlikely to see frost; however snow in winter is to be expected on higher-lying land.
Average precipitation over much of the province equals to less than 15 inches, and further north there is even less. The rainy season coincides with the winter months of May to September.
A strong south-easterly wind, nicknamed the Cape Doctor, blows through the air, clearing it of pollution, hence the nickname. This wind causes a white cloud around Table Mountain, which has been called a “tablecloth” of cloud.
Although March and April see the most idyllic autumn weather, the Western Cape’s mild climate is stunning year-round.
The climate on the coasts of the Western Cape is characteristically a maritime one, with vegetation to match. Moving farther north in the province, the weather shifts from maritime, to Mediterranean – which characterizes the major climatic patterns – and finally to semi arid. This Mediterranean weather brings with it balmy and dry summers, followed by cool and rainy winters.
Winters in the inland of Western Cape occur in July, and average temperatures for that month are 68 °F, whereas summers in February see temperatures on average of 90 °F. However, the capital city Cape Town sees lower temperatures. Summers are nearly twenty degrees cooler, while winter averages are over ten degrees lower. Areas on the coast and many valleys are unlikely to see frost; however snow in winter is to be expected on higher-lying land.
Average precipitation over much of the province equals to less than 15 inches, and further north there is even less. The rainy season coincides with the winter months of May to September.
A strong south-easterly wind, nicknamed the Cape Doctor, blows through the air, clearing it of pollution, hence the nickname. This wind causes a white cloud around Table Mountain, which has been called a “tablecloth” of cloud.
Although March and April see the most idyllic autumn weather, the Western Cape’s mild climate is stunning year-round.
