6 Western Cape getaways to enjoy — even on a rainy weekend

Rain in the Western Cape doesn’t mean your plans are ruined—it simply calls for a smarter approach. This isn’t the kind of place that slows down when the sun hides.

The province offers plenty of indoor treasures, dramatic scenery, and cosy hideaways to transform a rainy weekend into a memorable getaway.

Here are the top spots to explore when the weather turns gloomy but you still want a weekend to remember.

1. Franschhoek, Western Cape: Wine, fireplaces, and no regrets

Rain? Good. That’s your cue to head to Franschhoek. This town was built for bad weather. Cosy wine farms like Haute Cabrière, La Motte, and Le Lude welcome guests with tastings in stone-walled cellars warmed by crackling fires.

If you’re not into wine, head to the Franschhoek Motor Museum, where you can admire vintage cars under shelter while misty mountain views frame the scene.

Pro move: Book a fireside table at Le Coin Français or Protégé and settle in for a long, slow lunch.

2. Cape Town’s inner layers: Culture under cover

Rain transforms Cape Town into a whole new city—and it’s one worth exploring. Begin your day at Zeitz MOCAA, where contemporary African art fills a striking architectural space. Then slip into Truth Coffee, where bold brews meet bold steampunk style.

If you’re feeling energetic, head to Clay Café in the City to paint your own ceramics while the rain taps outside. Or lose yourself at the Two Oceans Aquarium—it’s more mesmerising than you might expect.

End the day at the Labia Theatre with a glass of wine and a film. Cape Town’s grit and creativity shine brightest when its streets glisten.

3. Cederberg, Western Cape: Stormy isolation and ancient rock art

If you crave silence when it rains, head north to the Cederberg. While the crowds vanish with the sunshine, the wild landscape remains untouched.

Book a stone cottage at Kagga Kamma or Cederberg Ridge, and spend your days hiking to San rock art shelters or gazing over stormy valleys with a glass of red wine in hand.

You’ll feel completely alone in the best possible way.

4. Riebeek Valley: Small town, big comfort

Riebeek-Kasteel offers the perfect setting for a slow-paced weekend. You’ll find wine, of course, but also olive oil tastings, art galleries, and a bakery that will make you rethink store-bought bread for good.

Book a room at The Royal Hotel for colonial charm and top-notch gin cocktails, or choose a self-catering spot and cook up a cosy fireside meal using fresh ingredients from the town square.

When it rains in Riebeek-Kasteel, no one rushes, and that’s exactly the charm.

5. Montagu: Soak, sip, and stay put

Montagu’s hot springs are non-negotiable when the temperature drops. Book into Avalon Springs or a self-catering stay nearby, and alternate between soaking in steaming water and sipping wine under shelter.

In town, The Rambling Rose serves comfort food that’s anything but basic. The Montagu Museum tells the story of a town that’s been around since ox wagons ruled the roads.

It’s peaceful, slow, and proud of it.

6. The Elgin Valley, Western Cape: Cider, forest, and fog

Just an hour from Cape Town, Elgin transforms into an even more magical place when it rains. Mist drifts over the orchards while you settle into a cabin or eco-pod, feeling like you’ve slipped away to another world.

Everson’s Cider does tastings in a rustic barn, while Peregrine Farm Stall covers the baked goods side of your soul. Go for a forest walk in Cape Nature’s Hottentots Holland Reserve – just don’t forget your rain jacket.