cape town weather 18 dec 2018

Photo: Pixabay

Cape Town Weather: Rain possible on Tuesday after scorcher

Cape Town’s weather is going to play rain hide and seek on Tuesday. The good news is that whatever happens, it should be a bit cooler.

cape town weather 18 dec 2018

Photo: Pixabay

Yep, it’s that time of the year when Capetonians are frantically checking the forecast. While we’re unlikely to dry out like bokkoms, the dam levels are dipping. And it’s not even February yet.

Naturally, even the slightest hint of rain means Cape Town folk are thrilled to bits. Especially when the promise of showers come after two scorching days.

Sunday was a belter and Monday (the public holiday) looks set to be the same with highs of around 28 degrees. That’ll feel more like 32 and the further away from the coast you go, the hotter it’s gonna get.

Tuesday’s forecast, though, offers some intrigue. Will it rain or won’t it? We’ve played this game before.

If you haven’t played this game with us, here’s the warning: we endeavour to make sure the information published here is as up to date as possible. But you know, weather… it changes. So if you get caught without a brolly swanning about on the promenade, don’t write in, ok?

Rain in Cape Town on Tuesday, 19 December 2018

Different sources, slightly different forecasts. First, Accuweather.com puts the chance of rain between 55-58%.

accuweather cape town tuesday 18 dec
Photo: AccuWeather.com
Cape Town rain 18 dec 2018
Photo: Ventusky

Our usual go-to for all things pretty and rainy, VentuSky, also suggests there is a good chance of rain, but it’s not going to be much, not on Tuesday anyway.

Cape Town rain 18 dec 2018
Photo: Ventusky

The radar does show that there’s a chance a front – with thunderbolts and lightning to boot – will move in on Wednesday morning, but it’s too early to take this as gospel.

Finally, two more sources – yr.co and BBC – suggests a similar pattern. Spots of rain here and there.

bbc forecast cape town
Photo: BBC


The BBC forecast is the least optimistic of the lot, suggesting a much earlier landfall and that it will all be done and gone by Wednesday.

Yr also presents a timid forecast, with a chance that it migh rain but not that much.

yr cape town 18 dec
Photo: YR.co

Cape Town forecast: 18 December 2018

Long story short, all forecasts agree on one thing: Tuesday will bring some reprieve from the scorching heat.

Those who live or grew up in the Mother City will know that this “will it won’t it” rain game isn’t exactly anything new. They’ll also know that while it might be hosing down it Newlands, the sun might be blazing over in Blouberg.

Our advice? Make sure you pack for all four season. But, if you’re familiar with Cape Town’s weather, you already knew that.