Below is a list of popular kiteboarding and surfing spots. Note that some locations are only suitable for one or the other (see the relevant tags). Links to the different location pages show local weather information
Peak season is typically over the summer from October to March/April, with best months of December to February. This is when the "Cape Doctor" (the strong South Easterly wind) wind prevails over the whole of Cape Town and keeps the skies clean. Wind speeds can easily vary from 10 to 30 knots, depending on your location on the day. While the SE is the dominant wind direction, local variations can occur due to the many mountains around the Cape Town area. Also, due to the shape of the Cape Peninsula, the wind may be onshore in some locations, but totally offshore in others. Wave conditions will depend on whether you are in the relatively protected areas of False and Table Bay, or on the Atlantic Coast which is open to waves direct from the Atlantic Ocean swell.
So please take note of the prevailing wind/wave conditions for your own saftey.
The winter season is dominated by a light to moderate North Westerly wind. Winter is the rainy season in Cape Town, so strong cold fronts bring rain as well as reasonable strength wind. However, know that the winter wind and rain can turn stormy at a moment's notice. So always keep safety in mind, and keep an eye on the forecast.
For current and forecasted weather in the region, click on your desired location below.
Location: Muizenberg
Surfer's Corner in Muizenberg is a popular surfing destination, feature warmer water and moderate waves.
Address: Beach Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7950
Best Wind: offshore NW (winter months)
Waves: 1 - 6ft.
Water Temp.: 12°C (average)
When to go: peak season is typically December – February
Facilities: toilets, changing rooms
Notes: Surfing is allowed along the main Muizenberg beach and in Surfers Corner. However, no kiteboarding is allowed here.
A lesser-known kiteboarding hotspot that is a bit further down the beach than the more well-known Surfer's Corner area. Sunrise Beach is great for beginners with it's safe beach break and on-shore wind in summer, but is still fun for the more experienced rider with plenty of wind on tap for reaching decent heights. Water temperature in False Bay is warmer than most of the other spots around Cape Town.
Address: Sunrise Circle, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7950
Best Wind: 10 - 30+ knots S - SE onshore, SW can be gusty (summer)
Waves: 1 - 6ft.
Water Temp.: 12°C (average)
When to go: peak season is typically December – February
Facilities: toilets, False Bay Surf Life Saving Club is based here, though no permanent life guards are on duty here
Notes: This section of the beach is typically reserved for kiteboarding - remember not to kite too far towards the mountain as you can encroach on swimmers and surfers.
A popular surf spot, offering a variety of conditions. Waves can be large and powerful due to beach being exposed to the full might of the Atlantic Ocean swell
Address: Benning Avenue, Kommetjie, Cape Town, 7950
Best Wind: off-shore wind would be a SE, which is common in summer
Waves: 1 - 10ft.
Water Temp.: 10°C (average)
When to go: peak season is typically December – February
Facilities: there are public toilets and showers at the car park, there is a food trailer selling food and drinks most days
A lesser-known kiteboarding spot, but that's because it only really works with a cross-on-shore wind of either SW wind (not too common) or NW (mostly in winter time). As with all Atlantic-side beaches, the Water temperature in pretty chilly at the best of times.
Address: Benning Avenue, Kommetjie, Cape Town, 7950
Best Wind: cross-on-shore SW in summer, or NW in winter. Summer wind range 10 - 30+ knots, Winter
Waves: 1 - 10ft.
Water Temp.: 10°C (average)
When to go: peak season is typically December – February
Facilities: there are public toilets and showers at the car park, there is a food trailer selling food and drinks most days
