Cape Town gets most of its rain in winter (June to August). Table Mountain’s summit records about 4 times more rain than the city, so you’re quite likely to experience rain when hiking Table Mountain over this period. Not that you’re guaranteed to get dry conditions during the other months, but it’s more likely.
While it’s possible to hike Table Mountain in the rain, it’s not as pleasant as you might have liked it to be. Views are limited or non-existent due to low cloud, the rock is slippery, and you’re wet and cold. But if you’re determined to hike up and you don’t have any spare days to fall back on, and you’re kitted out with warm layers and rain-jacket, and you don’t mind not getting views, then it’s still an exhilarating experience sprinkled with special rewards. Table Mountain hiking offers more than just views. The singular topography and vegetation offers interest and for some intrigue. Exercise aside, you also get a sense of achievement.
Some Table Mountain hikes are better in rainy conditions in that they are cooler, offers more nature and contains waterfalls or cascades not present in the drier months. Few people venture up the mountain in the rain, so you have the whole mountain to yourself. The ever-present clicking and chirping of frogs, the trickle of water, the sough of the rain on the rocks and vegetation all creates a meditative mood that most hikers don’t get to experience.
Making use of a Table Mountain guide always enhances the experience of hiking Table Mountain while adding safety, and even more so in adverse conditions. The mountain is not to be trifled with in the best of conditions, so it makes a lot of sense to make use of a guide to get the most out of the experience in winter. Rain or shine, a Table Mountain hike will provide you with fond memories.
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