Cape Town International Airport

FACT / CPT

Cape Town, ZA

Last Updated
May 14, 13:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 22 min ago
13:00Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
18°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 9°C
9 kt
320°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1022 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FACT 141300Z 32009KT CAVOK 18/09 Q1022 NOSIG

Weather Briefing

VFR

Cape Town International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the northwest (320°) at 9 knots. Runway 34 is favored with a 8-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 18°C (64°F) with a dewpoint of 9°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Mist. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Mist between 03:00Z and 06:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1022 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1017 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (151 ft)
Pressure Alt
-112 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 284 ft
ISA Deviation: +3.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FACT 141000Z 1412/1518 30008KT 9999 FEW035 TX20/1412Z TN10/1504Z FM142100 VRB03KT 9999 BKN020 PROB30 TEMPO 1503/1506 2000 BR BKN012 FM151200 18010KT CAVOK
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
13:21Z BASE
+0h
VFR 300° 8 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
21:00Z FM142100
+8h
MVFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 2,000 ft

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
ACT
01
19
16
34 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
01/19 10,502 ft 200 ft ASP 346°
8.1 kt 3.9 kt
26° angle
✈️ 16/34
Active: 34
5,581 ft 151 ft ASP 136°
8.5 kt 3.1 kt
20° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - FACT

6,260 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
85.2%
MVFR
6%
IFR
5.6%
LIFR
3.2%

Cape Town International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 85.2% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 12.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 43 knots. Temperature extremes range from 6°C to 41°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are December, November, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 12.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 43 kt
Calm Winds: 0.1%
Direction Distribution:
E
1%
N
8.6%
S
47.3%
W
3.4%
NE
2%
NW
13.4%
SE
6.5%
SW
17.8%

Temperature Range

Average: 19.6°C
Range: 6°C to 41°C
6°C 41°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 3.2%

Best Months for VFR

December November October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 01/19
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.7 kt
Runway 16/34
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.3 kt

Statistics computed from 6,260 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Cape Town International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FACT
IATA Code: CPT
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 151 ft MSL

Location

City: Cape Town
Country: ZA
Latitude: -33.964802°
Longitude: 18.601700°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-1

Runway Information

Runway 01/19
Length: 10,502 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 16/34
Length: 5,581 ft
Width: 151 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Cape Town International Airport

Overview

Cape Town International Airport (FACT) serves as the primary airport for Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Located at coordinates -33.964802, 18.601700, this large airport provides critical aviation infrastructure at an elevation of 151 feet mean sea level. The airport supports significant commercial and potentially regional aviation operations.

Flying Conditions

The airport features two paved runways: a primary runway 01/19 measuring 10,502 feet and a secondary runway 16/34 measuring 5,581 feet. These runway configurations provide flexibility for aircraft operations under varying wind conditions. Pilots should anticipate potential wind variations typical of coastal airport environments.

Notable Features

Cape Town's airport is situated in a coastal region with complex terrain surrounding the airport, including mountainous landscapes to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The airport's significant runway length allows for accommodating large commercial aircraft. Terrain and coastal proximity will likely influence local meteorological conditions and approach dynamics.

Approach Considerations

With two runways oriented in different directions, pilots have multiple approach options based on prevailing wind conditions. The longer 01/19 runway provides substantial landing and takeoff capabilities for larger aircraft. Careful attention to wind direction and potential terrain-induced turbulence is recommended during approach and departure procedures.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.