February is traditionally one of the hottest months of the year in Cape Town. And with sunset still hovering close to 8 p.m., there’s plenty of time to take in the best of a sunny day in Cape Town
. Don’t let summer escape you! Here are some suggestions for what to do in Cape Town on one of those sublime, sun-filled days.
Table Mountain
Obviously a sunny day calls for an exhilarating Table Mountain hike. But unless you set off nice and early, a February hike can leave you pretty parched and scorched. Pack plenty of water, leave early, and plan to take the Cableway down if you want to save your energy levels. You can purchase one-way Cableway tickets online or from the Upper Cable Station.
If you’re not up for a big hike, there are fascinating – and free – guided Table Mountain walks. An experienced and passionate guide will help you explore the mountain top like never before, without exerting yourself too much. The free guided walks leave from the Twelve Apostles Terrace, below the Café and Shop, on the hour between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Cape Point
Cape Point is a sunny day delight. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, there are dozens of Cape Point hikes, numerous celebrated surfing spots, and some of the most scenic and unspoilt beaches in Cape Town. Cycling in the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve is also permitted, and it is a fantastic way to explore the diverse views, plant and animal life.
If you prefer a less physical approach, hop on the funicular on a sunny day for dramatic uninterrupted views, or explore Cape Point like never before – from sea level, with a boat ride from Simon’s Town (the Simon’s Town Boat company will get you there in style).
The sheltered deck at the Two Oceans Restaurant is also a fantastic place to take stock and cool down, preferably with a glass of champagne and a platter of the freshest sushi.
Cape Point is also running an amazing competition throughout February. Pick up an exclusive selfie frame when you purchase a funicular ticket, snap a shot at a secret location, and you could walk away with incredible prizes. Read more about the CapePointScenicBeauty competition here.
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is the ultimate place to explore on a sunny day, particularly if 2015 is your year to get fit and active. Take part in an exhilarating Outdoor Active programme which takes place on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Join the team from the Sports Science Institute for Bootcamp on Tuesdays from 5:30pm on the Croquet Lawn. On Wednesday mornings from 7am, meet on the Pierhead Deck where you can take part in a yoga class brought to you by the Gurumadas Yoga Studio. All classes are free and run until March.
If you’d rather take to the waters, one of the most unique ways to explore the V&A Waterfront is on a Stand Up Paddle Board. SUP Cape Town take regular trips out onto the network of canals surrounding the V&A Waterfront, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a SUP newbie.
Groot Constantia
Sunny days at Groot Constantia are the best! On a few select days in summer, the wine tasting will move outside, and you can explore the estate’s celebrated wines under the shade of the giant trees. Alternatively, order a picnic basket from the Groot Constantia restaurants – both Jonkershuis and Simon’s do pre-ordered picnic baskets, or you can purchase individual ingredients from the Simon’s deli and make your own. Then simply find the perfect spot on the estate’s green lawns to soak up the sun and take in the magnificent views. This February is also a special month at Groot Constantia, as they start their 330th harvest.
Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch is worth exploring regardless of the weather, but there’s a special energy that descends on the gardens on a sunny Cape Town day. Head to the gardens nice and early and explore the far corners of the enormous property. On a clear day the views from the Boomslang Treetop Walkway are breathtaking, and there are enough shaded pathways and picnicking spots to relax in when you start to feel the heat.
If you’re fit and feeling energetic, the popular and unbelievably scenic Skeleton Gorge hike up Table Mountain is particularly rewarding on a warm day. The trail starts at the top of Kirstenbosch Gardens, which means you can return to a relaxing picnic under the trees, or a meal at one of the Kirstenbosch restaurants – the popular moyo Kirstenbosch or the famous Kirstenbosch Tea Room.
Robben Island
Enjoy unsurpassed views of the bay and Table Mountain on a ferry ride to Robben Island. The ride out to Robben Island is incredible on a calm summer’s day, and as such these days are often particularly popular with visitors, so make sure you check the Cape Town weather and book your Robben Island tickets online to avoid disappointment. Be sure to grab a good position on the ferry for the return journey to snap dramatic pictures of the iconic Table Mountain from a totally unique perspective.
Have your own favourite sunny day Cape Town activities? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!