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When is the best time of the year to visit Simon's Town?

Posted on Tue February 9, 2021.

The small coastal village of Simon’s Town is a popular destination for tourists. This village is in the Southern part of the Cape Peninsula, South of Cape Town CBD. With hot summers and cold winters and mild weather in between, it can be confusing when to go to Simon’s Town for a holiday.

Well, that all depends on what you want to see!

The Whales in False Bay

Between June and September, many whales come close to shore to give birth and raise their young calves before heading back out to deeper waters. The whales are often seen in the bay close to the shore, allowing you to take pictures and have lasting memories. 


Whales are very active on the water surface and are known to be very curious, and Simon’s Town is a great place to view the magnificent mammals.


The most common whales to see are the Southern Right and the Bryde’s Whale. 


Southern Right Whales are slow-moving Whales that have come close to extinction due to excessive whaling in the 19th and 20th Centuries. However, whale numbers are on the rise, and we are lucky enough to often see whales in Simon’s Town.

 

The African Penguin

The African Penguin is a flightless bird species that stay on the coast around Simon’s Town. 


Boulders Beach is well known as the best place to see and learn about the African Penguin.


When is the best time to see the African Penguin?


Breeding season is the best time to go as it is the time the beach is busiest. You may also be lucky enough to see a baby penguin! Make sure to keep your distance, as you would not want to get between a mother penguin and her babies. Close interaction with the penguins is discouraged, since it may be harmful to these adorable endangered species.


Around 4 pm, late afternoon is an excellent time to visit as this is when the penguins return to their nests - this is a great site to watch the penguins waddling up the beach to their nests.


The Beach

The best time to be on the beach is when the sun is out, and the wind is not blowing. 


Unfortunately, that is a rare occurrence in Simon’s Town. But there are a few tips to have the best chance of the perfect day:


  • Go in January or February - this is often a less windy time of year than November & December. It is also in the heat of summer.

  • Go early! - Often, the afternoon is when the wind picks up. It is best to get to the beach in the morning to make the most of the day.

  • Pack Sunscreen - This is a bonus and unrelated tip, but our sun is harsh, and sunscreen is always a great idea!

Now that you have some more information you can book your stay at Simon’s Town guest house at the perfect time of year to experience the most of its beauty and,  you can hire a car in South Africa, making Simon’s Town the first stop on your road trip! 


Get booking and plan your next vacation.