A great Cape Town sunset is truly spectacular. As the sun goes down the sky lights up in glowing shades of red and orange, even violet. And there are plenty of places to view unforgettable sunsets in Cape Town. This bustling contemporary city by the sea is surrounded by natural beauty. So you can see breathtaking sunsets from a beach or a mountain top, a rooftop bar or a cruiser out on the bay. Find out where, when and how to enjoy the best sunsets in Cape Town.
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I first travelled to Cape Town a few years ago and I’m keen to return. So I asked a friend for some tips and recommendations. Sam owns an apartment in Sea Point and visits Cape Town several times a year. He showed me some photos and I was immediately struck by the sunsets. Wow – the sunsets in Cape Town are spectacular!
Sam’s apartment is close to Sea Point Promenade so he has world-beating sunsets on his doorstep. Read on for all the best viewpoints, in and around the city, to soak up the legendary Cape Town sunsets.
When’s the best time of year for sunsets in Cape Town?
The best time to see a sunset in Cape Town are the summer months from December to March. A lot depends on the cloud cover though. Clear skies are typically the best conditions for sunsets in Cape Town as they give an unobstructed view of the sun as it sets over the Atlantic Ocean or behind Table Mountain.
But a little cloud isn’t always a bad thing. High altitude or scattered clouds can catch and diffuse the sun’s rays and create a stunning display at sundown.
The dry season in Cape Town, from late October to April, is also conducive to colourful evening skies on days when the weather is clear.
What time is sunset in Cape Town?
As a rough guide here are sunset times from 2023.
Cape Town’s peak summer months are December and January. In December, which sees the longest day of the year, the Cape Town sunset is just before 20.00.
As summer turns to autumn the sun goes down earlier. It sets at 19.00 in mid March, and an hour earlier at around 18.00 in May.
The winter months in Cape Town are mid June to mid September. By mid June the Cape Town sun sets at 17.45 and at the end of July it is a little later at 18.00. These are the shortest days of the year and the earliest sunsets too.
Spring in Cape Town begins in September. By the end of Sept sunset is around 18.50 and by the end of October it’s 19.30. The days grow longer through November with sunsets at 19.40 by the end of the month.
Which brings us back to the long summer days of December and January.
Make a note of the sunrise and sunset times when you’re planning your visit to Cape Town. That way you can make the most of the opportunities to enjoy the city’s natural light show.
And head to your sunset vantage point 30 minutes before sunset to see the mellow skies as the sun drops slowly to the horizon.
Easy-to-reach sunset spots in Cape Town
For coastal views of the sun setting over the ocean, head to the seaside neighbourhoods just south of the V&A Waterfront. Even if there’s cloud on the mountains you might still see a sunset from the beaches.
The easiest place to see a memorable sunset in Cape Town is on the Atlantic seaboard. This is the western coastline of the Cape where you can watch the sky turn cocktail shades as the setting sun drops into the sea. In Cape Town it comes with the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range,
Sea Point Promenade and beaches
Sea Point is famous for its 7 km promenade which runs above the beaches of Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. It takes just 10 mins by Uber to reach this seaside suburb from the V & A Waterfront. Cape Town locals head here to walk, cycle or jog along the promenade or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream and enjoy grandstand views of the magnificent Cape Town sunsets. And Sea Point has its own Sunset Beach, find it between Queen’s Beach and the Sea Point Pavilion.
Clifton and Camps Bay sunsets
Heading further south from Sea Point, Victoria Road is the coastal route that runs along the Atlantic Seaboard past Bantry Bay, the Clifton beaches 1 to 4 and into Camps Bay. You can drive along Victoria Road and pull off at several places to take in the sunset.
Head to the Clifton Ridge Rocks at the end of The Ridge Road above 4th beach for a secret sunset viewpoint. Of all the Clifton beaches the 4th, with its distinctive boulders, is great for sunset shots and golden hour light.
Further south in Camps Bay you can enjoy a sunset from sheltered Glen Beach. Take a picnic blanket down to the sands and order in pizza from Col’Cacchio. Or watch how the ever-changing sky is reflected in the tidal pools at Camps Bay for ultimate sunset photo opportunities.
Cape Town Sunset Views from Bars and Restaurants
Find a city centre ringside seat for spectacular South African evening skies. These Cape Town favourites are justly famous so you’ll need to book ahead.
Rooftop Bar at Silo Hotel
The Silo rooftop bar, perched high above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art at the V & A Waterfront, has cinematic views of the harbour and Table Mountain. Despite being one of the ritzy-est hotels in the world this rooftop bar is also open to non-residents. But you must book ahead, here.
Utopia
This fifteenth floor rooftop restaurant has views of the city, bay and mountains and offers ‘dining elevated’. The outdoor terrace and indoor dining room have panoramic views, perfect to enjoy a candy-coloured sky along with the Mediterranean-inspired a la carte and tasting menus.
Floor 15, 40 Chiappini Street, De Waterkant
The Bungalow by Cove Collection
Just beyond Clifton 4th Beach, off Victoria Road, you’ll find The Bungalow. With tables at edge of the beach and uninterrupted sea views this Cape Town institution is the obvious place for a sundowner. Maiden’s Cove tidal pool is near here too.
The Glen Country Club, No. 3 Victoria Road, Clifton
Camps Bay bars and restaurants
The famous Camps Bay strip is a string of chic, contemporary bars and restaurants overlooking the beautiful Camps Bay beaches.
Chinchilla offers 2nd floor rooftop views across Victoria Road to the sands and the sunsets. DJs cater to golden hour vibes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons as the ocean horizon is washed with pretty tones of pink and apricot.
Leopard Bar at Twelve Apostles Hotel
Head south on Victoria Road and between Camps Bay and Llandudno Beach you’ll find the 5-star luxury Twelve Apostles Hotel. Perched above the ocean, its open air terrace is an epic location for sunset spotting .
The traditional sundowner tipple, established by the British during the Empire era, was a gin and tonic. It became a popular social ritual because the tonic contained quinine to keep malaria at bay. You can celebrate this tradition at the Leopard Bar by booking a craft gin and canapé tasting experience!
Sunset cruise
For a different perspective, watch the sun sink below the horizon from the deck of a luxury catamaran, glass of bubbly in hand. Enjoy a cruise in Table Bay, looking out for dolphins and other marine life. After toasting the sunset you return to the sight of city lights sparkling in the harbour. Read reviews, check availability and book a Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco.
Sunsets in Cape Town from Viewing Points
Watching a sunset from one of the city’s epic natural viewing points is one of the best experiences in Cape Town. Just keep an eye on the clouds which can descend quickly on the peaks and obliterate your view. Read on for spectacular views and where to find them.
Signal Hill
This flat topped hill, stretching along the coast from Lion’s Head, is one of the most popular mountain viewpoints in Cape Town. This is probably because you can drive to it! So on a good day you’ll need to get there early to secure a parking spot and lay down your picnic blanket. Then you can sit back to watch the sun sink into the horizon over the ocean.
Kloof Corner
Kloof Corner is an easy hike, with some steepish steps, and is another favourite spot where locals watch the sunset in Cape Town. This well-marked trail on Table Mountain starts on Tafelberg Road, near the cable car station. It takes around 20 minutes each way. Get there before sunset. It rewards you with views of the City Bowl spread out to your right, Lion’s Head in front of you and the sun sinking into the ocean beyond.
NB Do not confuse the easy Kloof Corner contour path with the nearby Kloof Corner Ridge trail, which is one of the most difficult and challenging in the area!
Lions Head
The thumb-like mountain that juts above Sea Point on Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline is a favourite hiking destination. It’s easily accessible from the city and scrambling to the summit of Lions Head is one of the many fun things to do in Cape Town. It can get rather busy though!
The Lions Head trail is special because it winds around the mountain giving you 360° views. First you’ll see the City Bowl, then Table Mountain, Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles ridge before your path brings you round to the ocean and bay again. Once you reach the top you can bask in the light of golden hour as it spreads across the city at your feet.
Lions Head is an epic spot to see the city lights twinkle into life at dusk. And it is even more special at full moon. Then you can watch the sun set in the west and the full moon rising to the east before you make your way back down the trail washed in moonlight.
The Lions Head hike can take between 45 and 90 mins to ascend depending on your fitness levels. The last push to the top includes a climb using ladders and chains although there’s a longer path that circumvents this.
An organised sunrise or sunset hike on Lions Head will get you to the right place at the right time to see the sun setting. It will also ensure your safety on the mountain – both on the way up and when you retrace your steps in the darkness! Bring hiking shoes, warm layers plus snacks and drinks to enjoy with the sunset at the summit.
Table Mountain
The top of Table Mountain is seemingly the most obvious sunset spot in Cape Town. Except there’s one big drawback to watching the sunset from the summit. And that is getting back down the mountain again! Unless you fancy hiking down the mountain in the dark (not recommended) you are very much dictated to by the timing of the last cable car.
The cable car rides up or down Table Mountain in just 5 minutes whilst the cabin rotates gently to give you a panoramic view. But you need to check the time of the last cable car against the time of the sunset, to make sure you get a decent view before you have to leave the summit.
NB You won’t see a great sunset if there’s cloud around the mountain. So pick a clear day!
How to see a sunset on Table Mountain and catch the last cable car
The easiest time of year to see a sunset on Table Mountain is mid December to mid January as the sun sets at 20.00 and the last cable car is at 21.00.
- During winter in Cape Town from May to August the last cable car down from the top of the mountain is at 17.00. But even the earliest sunsets on the shortest days aren’t until 17.45.
- From September to mid December the last cable car down is at 19.00. Since sunset in early Sept is 18.28 this gives you a short window of opportunity to catch some views before you need to descend.
- But by mid Oct sunset is at 19.00 and it is 19.14 by November – too late for the last cable car.
- In peak season from mid-December to mid-January the last cable car is at 21.00 and for the last two weeks of Jan it is 20.30. This is the best time of year to see the sunset from the summit as it lights up the sky around 20.00.
- From February to end of April, the last cable car is 19.30. But the sun sets at 19.50 at the beginning of February.
- By March sunset is earlier at 19.22 and then 18.40 at the beginning of April, so again you have a chance to catch the sun going down before the last cable car at 19.30.
ITINERARY TIPS Check the official website in advance of your visit for the most up to date cable car times. The cable car schedule is subject to weather conditions. Rather than booking ahead try to keep your itinerary flexible so you can go up on a cloud-free afternoon.
Best Cape Town sunsets: out of town
Head to Cape Town’s suburbs and neighbouring coastal towns for gorgeous sunsets with the added perspective of city and Table Mountain views.
Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden
The Garden’s series of open-air Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts runs through the season from December to the end of March. Pack a picnic and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon or evening listening to music as the sun goes down. You could even visit the gardens first.
Blouberg beach
In the coastal suburbs to the north of Cape Town Bloubergstrand is perfectly located for some epic sunset views. As the sun sets, stand on the beach, with waves crashing against the rocks in the foreground, to see Table Mountain and Lions Head silhouetted against a pastel-painted evening sky. If you’d like a drink or supper with your view take a seat at On the Rocks Restaurant, almost literally on the rocks of the beach.
Approx 20 minutes by car north from V&A Waterfront.
Sunset Beach
The aptly named Sunset Beach is an upmarket residential area in the northern suburb of Milnerton. The long white beach is popular with windsurfers and kite surfers and is well known for its picture postcard views of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the city across the bay. It’s just south of Bloubergstrand.
Approx 20 minute drive north from the V&A Waterfront.
Llandudno beach
A secluded and scenic beach with white sand, blue sea and granite boulders forming the cove. Popular with experienced surfers, this beach is a peaceful alternative to trendy Camps Bay, in an upscale residential area, but without the cafes and restaurants. Great sunset views.
25 mins by car south from V&A Waterfront, 15 mins south from Camps Bay.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
If you’re driving back to Cape Town from a visit to Cape Point you are in the perfect position, on the coast side of the road, to see a memorable sunset from Chapman’s Peak Drive. This winding scenic toll road stretches for 9 km along the cliffs on the west of the peninsula between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. It has panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean and Hout Bay with plenty of pull offs to linger and drink in the views.
Approx 45 minutes by car from V&A Waterfront to Noordhoek and the southerly end of the Chapmans Peak Drive toll road.
Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay majors in sunrises, since it is on the east side of the peninsula, but it also sees wonderful sunset colours across the water. It’s worth a visit to the Brass Bell, with its water’s edge setting beside False Bay, for cocktails, oysters or fish and chips as the sky turns multi-coloured.
Approx 40 minutes by car from V&A Waterfront to Kalk Bay.
Cape Town Hotels with sunset views
O’Two Hotel
Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar and pool at this contemporary luxury hotel on the coast at Mouille Point. It lies just north of Sea Point.
- 34 rooms including penthouse suites
- Panoramic views from heated rooftop pool and bar
- Wellness spa and fitness center
- Close to restaurants and bars
- 8 mins drive to V&A Waterfront
Click here for reviews and to book O’Two Hotel
The Winchester by Newmark
This recently refurbished Cape Dutch style historic hotel, is a local landmark on the Sea Point promenade. Enjoy sundowners at Harvey’s Bar looking out over the ocean.
- 76 rooms including suites
- Ocean views and picturesque courtyard
- Pool and spa
- Dining options include Shoreditch Restaurant and Courtyard Terrace
- 10 mins drive to V&A Waterfront
Click here for reviews and to book The Winchester
Airbnb in Sea Point
Sea Point is a great choice if you’re planning a self-catering stay in Cape Town. Plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops mean you can ‘live like a local’ with ease. Plus Cape Town sunsets are just moments away on Sea Point Promenade.
- Sam’s newly renovated apartment on Regent Road is an Airbnb Guest Favourite and a super- affordable option
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Just a few minutes walk from Sea Point Promenade and the sunsets
- 10 mins drive to V&A Waterfront
- NB when you book this apartment, email Sam to let him know you saw this post on Map&Family. 🍾 You’ll get a welcome bottle of bubbly! 🍾
Click here for reviews and to book 2 bedroom apartment in Sea Point
Marly Boutique Hotel and Spa
Stylish, spacious five-star boutique hotel on the buzzing Camps Bay beachfront. A rooftop pool with the Baptiste bar and lounge has 360° views of ocean and mountains, perfect for sunset gazing!
- 38 rooms with ocean or mountain views
- Outdoor pool, spa and gym
- Beachfront location
- Five restaurants surrounding hotel and part of the group
- 15 mins drive to V&A Waterfront
Click here for reviews and to book Marly Boutique Hotel and Spa
SOUL Atlantic Palms
Luxury guesthouse on Sunset beach in the northern suburbs near Bloubergstrand. With beautiful views of Table Mountain and Robben Island across the bay and wonderful sunsets.
- 13 rooms
- Direct access to beach
- Outdoor pool, outdoor shower, surf equipment to hire
- 20 mins drive to V&A Waterfront
Click here for reviews and to book SOUL Atlantic Palms
Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
Get inspiration for your trip to Cape Town South Africa with our guide to more than 100 great things for couples to do in Cape Town here.
Find out more about Sea Point, the buzzing seaside suburb that Time Out has voted one of its Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World.
And discover the fun and unique experiences you can enjoy in Cape Town in Winter
About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission
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