Devil's Peak (Cape Town)
Mountain Table Mountain range peak overlooking Cape Town
East of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak offers craggy hiking routes ascending from Rhodes Memorial and city suburbs; hikers gain panoramic views over Cape Town, the harbour and False Bay.
Devil’s Peak is a mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, forming the eastern buttress of the Table Mountain massif and rising to about 1,000 meters above sea level. It is part of the well-known Table Mountain range and is visible from much of the city.
The mountain is popular for hiking and scrambling, with multiple routes to the summit that offer panoramic views over central Cape Town, Table Bay and Robben Island. Slopes are covered in native fynbos vegetation and link into the wider trail network of the Table Mountain National Park.
The peak and its lower slopes host a number of cultural and commemorative sites and have long been used for outdoor recreation by residents and visitors. Trails and viewpoints were developed in the 19th and 20th centuries as the city expanded.
Devil’s Peak sits immediately east of Table Mountain above Cape Town’s city centre, within Table Mountain National Park and a short drive from the central business district. It forms a conspicuous part of the city’s mountainous skyline.
- Best time to visit: Early morning hikes often provide the best light and clearer views over Cape Town and Table Bay, while afternoons can be windy or hazy.
- Park and access: The peak lies within Table Mountain National Park and is accessible via several marked trails from the city and from nearby suburbs.
What to See #
- Rhodes Memorial: A stone memorial and viewpoint located on the lower western slopes, completed in the early 20th century and commonly used as a trailhead for routes up the mountain.
How to Get to Devil's Peak (Cape Town) #
From central Cape Town, drive or take a taxi to the suburb of Vredehoek or the road up to Tafelberg Road; marked trailheads for Devil’s Peak begin near these access points. Public transport and tours to Table Mountain areas can be used in combination with a short taxi to the trailhead.
Tips for Visiting Devil's Peak (Cape Town) #
- Start early to avoid the afternoon southeasterly winds that can make the ridge sections uncomfortable.
- The Leopard Trail (if used) offers good lower-angle views of Table Mountain and the city below.
Best Time to Visit Devil's Peak (Cape Town) #
Devil's Peak is best visited in cooler months or mornings; wind and sudden cloud can affect ridgeline visibility and safety.
Weather & Climate near Devil's Peak (Cape Town) #
Devil's Peak (Cape Town)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (688 mm/year).
January
January is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall, mostly sunny skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.