How to Spend a Windy Day in Camps Bay and Clifton

When the south-easter blows, Cape Town's Atlantic seaboard doesn't shut down—it just moves indoors, and these are the spots worth knowing.

Camps Bay: sheltered lunches and the promenade when it drops

The south-easter—locals call it the Cape Doctor—funnels through Camps Bay at 40–60 km/h on bad days, usually from October to March. Your first move is to get off the sand and onto Victoria Road, where the strip between The Bay Hotel and the Camps Bay Retail Park has cafés and restaurants with glassed-in terraces. A long lunch here is the standard move; a two-course meal for two typically runs R500–R900. Book a table rather than walking in, because every other visitor has the same idea on a windy day.

If the wind drops after 3pm, the Camps Bay promenade and tidal pool are pleasant for a stroll, and the beach is at its best for walking rather than swimming. The sea is cold—14–18°C—so most people admire it from the pavement. For accommodation, hotels along Victoria Road put you within a two-minute walk of lunch and the beach, which matters when you are dodging gusts.

Clifton: the four beaches and how to choose

Clifton's four beaches are separated by granite boulders and have their own microclimates. First Beach is the most exposed and the windiest; Fourth Beach is the most sheltered and the busiest, popular with families. On a strong south-easter, Second and Third are usually the calmest. Access is via steep stairs from Clifton Road, so pack light. There are no shops on the sand—buy water and snacks on Kloof Street or in Sea Point before you arrive, since the nearest convenience stores are a drive away.

If you want a beach day despite the wind, aim for a morning start before 10am, when the breeze is often lighter, and choose Fourth Beach for shelter. The rest of the day, shift to the Sea Point promenade—the walk from Clifton to Sea Point takes about 30 minutes on foot—which is more protected and has cafés and public pools. I would book a hotel in Clifton only if you plan to walk to the beaches; otherwise Camps Bay gives you more indoor options.

Beyond the beaches: where to go when the wind wins

When the wind is too much, head inland. The V&A Waterfront is a 15–20 minute drive from Camps Bay (about 8 km) and offers the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Zeitz MOCAA museum and the Watershed craft market—all indoors. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is 20–25 minutes by car and is more sheltered in the valleys, though the treetop walkway can still be breezy. A taxi from Camps Bay to the Waterfront costs roughly R120–R180; ride-hailing apps are reliable in this area.

For a quieter indoor day, the Iziko South African Museum and the Company's Garden in the city centre are worthwhile and less crowded on windy weekdays. If you are travelling with children, the Blue Train Park in Mouille Point is a good fallback when the promenade is too gusty. In winter (June–August), the wind is often replaced by rain, so check the forecast before committing to a beach plan.

Where to stay and what to skip

For a windy-day trip, I would book a hotel in Camps Bay over Clifton. The bay has more restaurants, a supermarket and easier transport links, so you are not stranded when the beach is unusable. Clifton suits travellers who want privacy and are prepared to walk for supplies. Rates in Camps Bay range from about R1,200 to R3,500 per night in high season (December–February), and Clifton is generally higher—often R2,500 to R6,000. Book well ahead for December, when demand peaks.

Skip the open-top city sightseeing bus on a windy day—it is uncomfortable and the views are not worth it. Also skip trying to swim at Clifton's First Beach when the south-easter is blowing; the sand stings and the water is cold. Instead, use the day to explore the Atlantic seaboard's cafés and galleries, and save the beach for a calmer morning. The Cape Doctor usually eases by late afternoon, so plan your outdoor time for then.

Questions, answered

How windy does it get in Camps Bay and Clifton?

The south-easter can reach 40–60 km/h on exposed days, mostly between October and March. Clifton's Fourth Beach is more sheltered, while Camps Bay's promenade is exposed. Check a wind forecast before planning a beach day.

What is there to do indoors near Camps Bay and Clifton?

The V&A Waterfront, about 8 km away, has the Two Oceans Aquarium and Zeitz MOCAA. Kirstenbosch is a 20–25 minute drive. In the city centre, the Iziko South African Museum and Company's Garden are good rainy-day options.

Which area is better for a windy-day stay, Camps Bay or Clifton?

Camps Bay is more practical, with restaurants and a supermarket along Victoria Road. Clifton is quieter and more expensive, with steep stairs to the beaches. I would book Camps Bay for easier access to indoor options and transport.

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