Cape Town marine weather forecast
Cape Town (ZACPT) is a port in South Africa at 33°55.0′S 18°25.0′E. Today (Sep 16): SSE wind 15–21 kn, waves 3.5–3.8 m, from the NOAA GFS run 2026-09-16 18z. The live chart on this page shows current conditions and plans weather-optimized departures from this harbor.
Port facts (NGA World Port Index)| Position | 33°55.0′S 18°25.0′E |
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| UN/LOCODE | ZACPT |
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| Harbor size | Large |
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| Harbor type | Coastal breakwater harbor |
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| Shelter | Good |
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| Channel depth | 16 m |
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| Anchorage depth | 23 m |
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| Tide range | 1 m |
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| Pilotage | Compulsory |
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| Time zone | Africa/Johannesburg |
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Facilities & services (NGA World Port Index)| Tugs | Assistance and salvage available |
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| Supplies | Fuel oil, diesel, water, provisions |
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| Repairs | Major (hull, machinery, electrical) |
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| Medical facilities | Available |
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10-day marine forecast — Cape Town
| Date | Wind | Gusts | Waves |
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| SSE 15–21 kn | 29 kn | 3.5–3.8 m |
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| SSE 14–20 kn | 28 kn | 2.8–3.4 m |
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| SE 11–14 kn | 27 kn | 2.7–3.0 m |
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| SSE 7–8 kn | 14 kn | 2.6–2.8 m |
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| SSE 3–6 kn | 8 kn | 2.6–2.8 m |
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| SSE 5–5 kn | 6 kn | 2.3–2.5 m |
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| SSW 8–8 kn | 15 kn | 1.9–2.1 m |
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| S 12–12 kn | 22 kn | 3.0–3.0 m |
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| S 15–15 kn | 23 kn | 3.9–3.9 m |
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| S 17–17 kn | 25 kn | 2.7–2.7 m |
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Forecast from the NOAA GFS model run , waves from ECMWF WAM. Updated with each model cycle; the live chart below recalculates for your departure time and vessel.
What to watch in the forecast
Across the loaded 10-day outlook, the strongest daily modeled wind reaches 21 kn on Sep 16. The highest modeled significant wave height is 3.9 m on Sep 24. Compare the dated model run with official forecasts and warnings before departure.
Frequently asked
How is the weather at Cape Town right now?
As of the NOAA GFS run 2026-09-16 18z: SSE wind 15–21 kn, waves 3.5–3.8 m. The 10-day outlook is in the forecast table on this page and updates with each model cycle.
How big is the harbor at Cape Town?
Cape Town is classed as a large harbor (coastal breakwater harbor), with good shelter in the NGA World Port Index.
How deep is the approach to Cape Town?
Per the NGA World Port Index, the entrance channel carries about 16 m and anchorage depths run about 23 m. Verify against current official charts before entry.
What restricts entry to Cape Town?
Entry is affected by tidal windows, overhead clearance limits. Check the live forecast on this page and official notices before approach.