10 Fun Things to Do in Cape Town on Windy Days: from kitesurfing & wind sports to indoor activities

Wondering what to do in Cape Town on a windy day? Don't let the windy weather blow your vacation in Cape Town. There are plenty of wind sports and fun things to do when the gusty Cape Town wind blows. From kitesurfing and windsurfing to paragliding and sailing, there is no shortage of exciting windy day activities.

Here are 10 mind-blowingly fun activities to enjoy when the winds pick up in this beautiful South African city.

1. Windsurfing in Cape Town

Cape Town windsurfing

Cape Town is a great place for windsurfing, with its strong winds and amazing scenery. It's known as one of the top windsurfing destinations in the world and offers a wide range of spots for beginners to experienced riders. Each spot has its own unique characteristics and is often suitable for various levels of experience. Whether you’re looking for an adrenalin-filled ride or an easier session, there is always something perfect for everyone in Cape Town!

Best Places for Windsurfing in Cape Town, South Africa 

The most popular windsurfing spots in Cape Town include Big Bay Beach, Melkbosstrand Beach, Bloubergstrand Beach, Milnerton Lagoon, and False Bay.

2. Kitesurfing in Cape Town

Kitesurfing in Cape Town

Kitesurfing is a great way to experience the beauty of Cape Town, South Africa. Several spots in the area offer ideal conditions for kitesurfers. Every spot offers distinct features that can cater to kitesurfers of different levels. Whether you are a novice seeking a serene session or an advanced surfer looking for an intense ride, Cape Town has something that'll blow you away!

Best Places for Kitesurfing in Cape Town, South Africa: 

The best and most popular places to go kitesurfing in Cape Town include Bloubergstrand Beach, Big Bay Beach, Melkbosstrand Beach, Milnerton Lagoon, and False Bay. 

Kitesurfing and windsurfing are two of the most popular water/wind sports in Cape Town due to the high winds. The combination of the less-icy Indian Ocean waters and the constant breeze makes it the perfect place for wind and kitesurfing. There are plenty of lessons available for both beginner and intermediate-level surfers so you can jump right into either sport with confidence.

3. Paragliding in Cape Town

Cape Town paragliding

Cape Town is one of the ultimate places to go paragliding! With its beautiful scenery and zesty wind, it's no wonder so many people come to experience this amazing sport in the Mother City of South Africa. The best places to go paragliding in Cape Town include Signal Hill, Table Mountain, Blouberg Beach, and Lion's Head. All of these destinations offer a thrilling journey full of breathtaking views and exciting adventures!

While there are lots of places around the world where paragliders can take off, there is something special about doing it here in Cape Town with its stunning mountain-city-ocean scenery at your feet.

Best Places for Paragliding in Cape Town, South Africa: 

Some of the best places to go paragliding in Cape Town include Signal Hill, Table Mountain, Blouberg Beach, and Lion's Head.

4. Sailing in Cape Town

The strong winds make Cape Town an ideal spot for sailing enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for something low-key or more intense, there are sailing charters available for all levels of experience. You can also rent boats if you’d prefer to explore on your own terms or join one of the many regattas held throughout the year.

Get ready to explore the seas around Cape Town! There are plenty of great places to go sailing in this beautiful city. Enjoy stunning views of the iconic Table Mountain as you cruise along the coastline!

Cape Town sailing wind sport

Best Places for Sailing in Cape Town: 

Some of the best areas for sailing in Cape Town are Table Bay, Hout Bay, Clifton Beach, and Granger Bay.

5. Hang Gliding in Cape Town

Hang gliding is an extreme sport that requires skill and bravery but also offers breathtaking views over Table Mountain National Park when done correctly. This activity is best suited for those who have previous experience but if you’re up for a challenge then try tandem hang gliding with an experienced instructor by your side!

Hang gliding in Cape Town is a thrilling experience and one that you'll never forget! You can usually go hang gliding as long as there's enough wind - make sure you check the wind forecasts before scheduling a flight.

Best Places for Hang Gliding in Cape Town: 

The best places to go hang gliding in Cape Town include Lion's Head, Signal Hill, Blouberg Beach, and Table Mountain. 

6. Tunnel Walking Tours in Cape Town

If you can't stand the wind then you may find the idea of going underground more appealing. Tunnel tours are an exciting way to explore the hidden depths of Cape Town and escape the wind at the same time! You can take a guided tour through the tunnels underneath Signal Hill or along the Grand Parade - both offer unique perspectives of the city.

Cape Town tunnel tours

At Signal Hill, you'll be able to gain insight into how these tunnels were used as communication channels during WWII and get a glimpse of Cape Town's history. On the Grand Parade, you'll learn more about how these historic sites were used for military defence in past centuries.

7. Visit Sheltered Outdoor Places in Cape Town

For those who want to be outdoors and can brave a little wind but aren't up for full-on wind sports. There are plenty of tucked-away places in Cape Town that are slightly (sometimes completely) sheltered from the winds, depending on which way the wind is blowing and how fiercely. Check on Windguru or talk to the locals who know where the sheltered spots are in different wind conditions. 

Clifton Beach, Cape Town

These often sheltered, less windy places include Kirstenbosch Gardens, Clifton Beach, the V&A Waterfront, and Kalk Bay.

8. Indoor Rock Climbing or Indoor Bowling in Cape Town

When the Cape Town wind blows relentlessly heading indoors doesn't mean hiding under the covers. You can still get active at the indoor rock climbing gym or go indoor bowling.

For more details about these (and other fun) indoor Cape Town activities for windy days, see our popular post about Things to do in Cape Town on a Rainy Day

9. Museums, art, coffee, and eating out in Cape Town

Cape Town is home to a respectable number of interesting museums and art galleries, each offering unique exhibits and experiences. Then there's the plethora of eateries, local breweries, coffee houses, cafes, and delis.

The South African National Gallery, located at the Company Gardens, houses a collection of Pan-African artwork along with colonial and contemporary works. The Iziko Slave Lodge is based in the same area and offers insight into the history of slavery in South Africa.

Cape Town Company ardens

The District Six Museum tells the story of the once-vibrant inner-city community that was forcibly removed from its home under the Apartheid regime. The South African Jewish Museum houses a plethora of exhibits relating to Jewish history in South Africa while the GeoScience Centre features educational materials on geology, palaeontology, seismology, and astronomy. Finally, don't forget to check out Zeitz MOCAA while you're in Cape Town (the art capital of South Africa) to see the largest collection of contemporary art from the African continent.

10. Take a Day Trip from Cape Town

The top three contenders for day trips out of the city are the Cape Winelands, the Cape Whale Coast, and the Big 5 Aquila Game Reserve near Cape Town.

Don't forget to check the weather forecast for the destinations you're eyeing before you set out on your day trip or weekend getaway. Sometimes these areas are completely still (not a drop of wind) when the wind is howling in Cape Town. Other times, it's windy there too, but just not as gale force. 

Aquila Safari near Cape Town

The best places to visit in the Cape Winelands include Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl.

On the Cape Whale Route, you'll want to stop in Bettie's Bay to see the penguins and Hermanus for whale-watching (in season). A little further along the coast you'll get to Gansbaai where you can dive with Great White Sharks.

For a Big 5 Safari in Cape Town, Aquila is the best option for day trips. If you're taking an overnight break from the city Inverdoorn Game Reserve is an excellent choice, and if you're heading off for the weekend you can't beat Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Montagu.

Fun Things to Do in Cape Town on a Windy Day

With so many activities in Cape Town, windy days don't have to be boring days! Take advantage of the thrilling wind sports and both indoor and outdoor windy day activities.

Whether it's kitesurfing on a breezy day or visiting art galleries when the Cape Doctor is in town, the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town will totally wow you in any weather. 

Cape Town from Blouberg Beach