Summer is the hottest, driest, and windiest time of year. Average daytime highs reach about 26 to 28°C, and temperatures often exceed 30°C. Start early, and take more water than you think you need. Streams are often dry, so they are not a reliable source. Most hiking routes receive direct sun for much of the way, so apply high factor sunscreen before you set out.

The wind eases and temperatures cool from the high 20s in March to the low 20s by May. The first rains arrive, but many days are calm and clear, and autumn is widely regarded as the best season to hike the mountain.

Winter brings the most rain, with storms likely. Daytime highs average around 18°C, with nights falling to about 7°C, and the summit is colder still. Wet rock is slippery, so pack waterproof layers and prepare for all four seasons in a single day. Days are shorter, so hikes start a little later in the morning.

Spring is spectacular for hiking. The fynbos comes into bloom and the streams are running. Daytime highs rise from about 20°C in September to the mid 20s by November, and the days grow longer.

The southeaster, known locally as the Cape Doctor, is the strong summer wind that sweeps across the Cape Peninsula. It earned its nickname because it clears the city’s smoke and pollution. On the mountain it can blow hard enough to make hiking dangerous, and on exposed sections it can knock a hiker off balance.

The southeaster is also responsible for the famous Tablecloth cloud. The wind picks up moisture as it crosses False Bay and is forced up the slopes of the mountain. As the air rises it cools, and the moisture condenses into cloud over the summit. The cloud then spills over the cliffs toward the city, where the warmer air makes it evaporate.

The Tablecloth brings cool mist and low temperatures to the summit, even on a hot summer’s day, which is why warm clothing is always recommended. It is also vital to the mountain’s plants, supplying moisture through the dry summer.

Cloud limits views and makes navigation harder. A sudden descent of cloud can cause hikers unfamiliar with the mountain to lose their way, and cloud also drops the temperature sharply. On the right day, cloud can also produce some of the most memorable moments on the mountain.

There is no fixed wind speed at which the cableway closes. The decision rests with the cableway operator, and depends on wind speed and direction, visibility, and conditions on the cables.

The cableway’s website shows live conditions, including whether the cableway is running, and its app provides real time weather updates. You can also contact the cableway on +27 21 424 8181 before your trip. If you plan to ride the cableway down, always be prepared to hike down if it closes.

Treat any forecast as an indication, not a guarantee. The summit is usually around 5 to 7 degrees cooler than the city, and the wind increases drastically with height. A beautiful day in the city does not mean the same conditions on the mountain. Check the forecast again on the morning of your hike, as conditions can change after you set off.

These forecasts are useful for checking conditions before your visit:

• Windguru: a dedicated Table Mountain forecast with detailed wind information
• Windfinder: detailed wind speed and direction
• Yr: a reliable long range forecast from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute
• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway: live conditions at the summit and the operating status of the cableway

Allowing a few spare days in your itinerary is the best protection against Table Mountain’s changeable weather.