Conventional local wisdom used to be that spring (September and October) and autumn (April and May) are the best times to visit Cape Town. They are usually balmy in-between seasons, with little wind, when nature is at its showiest. If you’re into flowers or whale watching, or seeing the vineyards at their best, these are great seasons to be in the Cape.

Although winter rainfall is the norm, some climatic change seems to have reduced the rainfall and in between the showers, perfect days or even weeks can be enjoyed as winter then becomes a perfect green season when temperatures can reach a summery 26 C (80 F) or higher.

Whatever the season, be warned of the old joke. "Cape Town has four seasons — sometimes in the same day!" So, if you plan to go hiking or be outdoors, check the weather forecasts in local papers or on radio.

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Local Sport, Recreation & Entertainment:

Social Services:

Beach Buddies
Blue Buddies
Business/Tourist Association
Crime Watch
Domestic Animal Rescue Group
Friends of the Library
Heritage Trust
Hout Bay Round Table
Lions Club of Hout Bay
National Sea Rescue Institute
Rotary Club of Hout Bay

Other Services

Bread-on-Wheels
Car Rentals
Driving School
Internet Shop
Library
Museum
Numerous Professional Services
Tourist Information
Weighless

Hospitals, Medical & Complementary Health Services:

Hout Bay is well served by many doctors and specialists. City Park Hospital and Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic, both private hospitals, and Victoria Hospital, a state hospital, are within 20 minutes of Hout Bay. Hout Bay Day Hospital and Hout Bay Clinics are the local facility, along with the Medical Centre, which houses several practitioners and one of the three pharmacies in the village.

In addition, the following services are also available:

Chiropractic
Dentists
Dietetics
General Practitioners
Homeopathy
Naturopathy
Occupational Therapy Optometry
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Reflexology

Pets

Veterinary Clinics (2)
Doggy parlour (2)

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Schools in Hout Bay

Bayside Christian High
Hout Bay Christian School
Hout Bay Secondary Kronendal Primary
Llandudno Primary
Moravian School
Sentinel Primary
School for the Deaf
International School of Cape Town
Nursery schools, chreches and playgroups

Churches in Hout Bay

Anglican
Baptist
Catholic
Hout Bay International
HB Mosque
Llandudno United Church
NG Kerk
New Apostolic Church
Valley Church
Verenigde Gereformeerde Kerk

Restaurants and Pubs

Diners have a wonderful choice of restaurants; from candlelight cuisine and dining "al fresco" to fresh fish and chips on the rocks; from intimate bistros and vibey coffee bars to sunset picnic feasts along Chapman’s Peak Drive overlooking the Bay. No matter what your mood you’re sure to find the food to match.

Shops

There is a wide variety of goods and services available in Hout Bay. These include, among others, grocery, deli, stationery, gift, video, photography, art, antique, clothing, toys, handyman, liquor, florists, travel, laundry, beauty, hairdressing, health, specialty and shoes.

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Special Interest Places in Hout Bay:

Forests
Hout Bay, literally meaning "Bay of Wood" was so named due to the beautiful indigenous forest seen here in 1652. Sadly, today it is vastly reduced. Luckily a few special environments have been restored like the now protected area of Orangekloof. A large variety of tree species such as the protected Milkwood, the Hard Pear, Assegai, Camphor Bush, Kershout, Keurboom, Rooiels, Silver tree, Stinkwood and Yellowwood can be found here.

Mountains, Flora and Fauna
The mountain peaks that shelter Hout Bay are ancient sentinels that have loomed protectively over the Bay for millions of years. They offer numerous footpaths and an almost endless number of hikes, with stunning views.

There are 6 Floral Kingdoms in the world of which the Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest, yet it comprises some 8 600 species, 68% of which grow nowhere else on earth. Protea are among the many Fynbos species. While such diversity is naturally accompanied by abundant bird life, the watchful hiker may also catch a glimpse of a duiker, grysbok, steenbok or klipspringer.

Walking Trails
Hout Bay lies in a verdant valley surrounded by dunes, mountains and shoreline. Enjoy the many walking trails — as a casual stroller or as an adventurous hiker along the more strenuous routes — because there is something for everyone. Books and maps are available at information offices.

Hout Bay Beach
A safe bathing beach that is ideal for the whole family. Dogs and horses are welcome as long as their owners observe certain rules and regulations. The fresh Atlantic waters, white sands and scenic beauty of Hout Bay Beach make swimming, wind surfing, sailing and scuba diving all popular pastimes. For those who prefer more passive beach experiences, there are three restaurants next to the beach, for your pleasure. Be sure to bring your binoculars for a close-up of the Southern Right Whales and the dolphins that have been seen in increasing numbers in the bay between June and November.

Harbour and Fisheries
Plenty of year-round activity in our working habour, which was originally built in the 1930’s. Fishing boats land their seasonal catches on the quayside. Snoek, crayfish, tuny and many others are often sold to bystanders at bargain prices. The marina is home to an array of private boats and yachts as well as licensed craft that offers charters and cruises. Trips to Duiker Island to view seals and seabirds, deep sea fishing charters, diving expeditions and sunset cruises are just a few of the many choices on offer. The fishing industry has a rich history and has grown in leaps and bounds over the last hundred years. In spite of developments and modernization of the Harbour area, it still retains much of the old world atmosphere characteristic of a small fishing village. The SA Fisheries Museum at the entrance to the harbour tells the story of Hout Bay’s major industry. The Harbour is also home to magnificent fresh fish markets and an impressive array of wharf-side shops and restaurants.

Yacht Club
Built in 1978, the Club today boasts 124 moorings and a unique atmosphere with the emphasis on family and fun. Temporary memberships are available The Atlantic Boat Club is a totally autonomous entity and focuses on power boats. Club membership fees are reasonable and visitors are welcome.

Disa River
Meanders from the heights of Disa Gorge in the Orange Kloof down through the alluvial plain below and finally empties into the Bay

The Wetlands
Through the work of the Hout Bay Heritage Trust the restoration of this flood plain is currently underway.

Hout Bay Dunes
These beautiful protected dunes form a "saddle" over the mountain area between Hout Bay and Llandudno and are a natural landmark in the area.

Chapman’s Peak Drive
Carved into the solid rock of the mountain, Chapman’s Peak Drive curves along the craggy coastline, high above the sea, and is considered to be one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. Apart from its scenic attraction, the drive forms part of the route of two of the country’s biggest sporting events, the Two Oceans Marathon and the Argus Cycle Tour, both of which attract thousands of entries from all over the Country. There are numerous dramatic viewing spots and picnic sites along the route that attract lovers of nature and beauty. Watch the comings and goings of fishing boats and other craft, enjoy wonderful sunsets or take picturpostcard shots of the bay. While at present the pass has been temporarily closed as a through road, pending extensive repair works, it is open from the Hout Bay side to hikers and motorists alike for six (6) exquisite kilometers as a site seeing attraction. It is anticipated that road repairs will allow the road to be re-opened by mid 2003.

Historical Buildings and Sites
There are many historical buildings and sites in Hout Bay with many of them having been declared National Monuments or under the stewardship of the Hout Bay Heritage Trust, The National Monuments Council and/or the Hout Bay Museum.

Oakhurst Estate
This is the only grape producing estate in the Hout Bay Valley.

World of Birds
Here visitors can stroll through airy aviaries of brightly plumed birds (more than 30 000) and examine them at close quarters. The aviary is much more than a tourist attraction though — it also acts a sanctuary for injured birds, which are brought in from all over the Peninsula.

Galleries/ Art and Crafts
Over the years, due to its inherent beauty and its relaxed lifestyle, Hout Bay has drawn a wide array of artists. Their talents can be appreciated by visiting local galleries and shops, which carry displays from paintings and pottery to metalworks both functional and beautiful. Hout Bay also hosts a colourful and vibrant weekly craft market on the village green.

Hout Bay Museum
Much of the atmosphere of Hout Bay’s past can be revived and felt by a visit to the local museum. Photographs, files and artifacts that chronicle the history of every aspect of life are cared for and lovingly displayed. The Museum also provides guided walks and environmental classes for school groups.

Annual Festivals
Hout Bay hosts several annual events and participates yearly in several others that span the Peninsula of which it is a part. Amongst these are the Snoek Darby, the Tuna Power Derby, the Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon, the Hout Bay Half Marathon and the Gun Run.

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