Wind is Cape Town’s defining weather feature, particularly the strong southeasterly locally nicknamed the Cape Doctor — it can disrupt outdoor plans, Table Mountain’s cable car included, with very little advance notice. A windproof outer layer is genuinely worth packing year-round here, not just for one specific season.
Layering generally works well for Cape Town’s climate, since temperatures can shift noticeably between a sheltered city street and an exposed coastal or mountain viewpoint on the very same day. Southern Hemisphere summer (November to March) brings warm, mostly dry conditions ideal for beach and outdoor plans, while winter (June to August) turns cooler and wetter — bring a real rain layer alongside warmer clothing.
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes matter for a few of Cape Town’s signature experiences, particularly the Table Mountain hiking routes and the walking sections at Cape of Good Hope — both involve genuine, if moderate, terrain rather than flat paved paths throughout.
No specific cultural dress code beyond ordinary sun-protection sense given how strong Southern Hemisphere summer sun can be, plus a note on Robben Island: given its weight as a former political prison, modest, respectful dress is simply the considerate choice rather than any enforced rule.