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Sydney vs Cape Town: which is better, and when to go
Sydney is at its best in November and Cape Town in March. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Sydney and Cape Town
At a glance
| Sydney | Cape Town | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | November (10/10) | March (9/10) |
| Warmest month | January, 28°C | January, 27°C |
| Coolest month | June, 18°C | June, 18°C |
| Quietest month | May (Low) | July (Low) |
| Busiest month | January (Very High) | December (High) |
| Cheapest month | May ($$) | July ($) |
Which one should you choose?
Little difference between them in: how cold the coolest month gets, how hot the warmest month gets, crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Sydney | Cape Town | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C · Very High · $$$$$ | 27°C · High · $$$$ | Sydney |
| February | 27°C · High · $$$$ | 27°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | Sydney |
| March | 26°C · Moderate · $$$ | 26°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | Close |
| April | 23°C · Moderate · $$$ | 24°C · Moderate · $$ | Close |
| May | 21°C · Low · $$ | 21°C · Moderate · $$ | Sydney |
| June | 18°C · Low · $$ | 18°C · Low · $ | Sydney |
| July | 18°C · Low · $$ | 18°C · Low · $ | Sydney |
| August | 19°C · Low · $$ | 18°C · Low · $ | Sydney |
| September | 22°C · Moderate · $$$ | 20°C · Moderate · $$ | Sydney |
| October | 24°C · Moderate · $$$ | 22°C · Moderate · $$ | Sydney |
| November | 25°C · Moderate · $$$ | 24°C · Moderate · $$$ | Sydney |
| December | 26°C · Very High · $$$$$ | 26°C · High · $$$$ | Sydney |
FAQ
Sydney or Cape Town?
Is Sydney or Cape Town better?
It depends on when you go. Sydney is at its best in November and Cape Town in March. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Sydney and Cape Town?
Sydney: November. Cape Town: March.
Which is cheaper, Sydney or Cape Town?
Cape Town is cheaper on average across the year.