Yes, Camps Bay is at its busiest during December and January. This is peak season, and public holidays within this period, such as Reconciliation Day on 16 December, bring some of the busiest beach days of the entire year.
What to expect
The beach fills up with umbrellas, families, and groups from early morning on warm days. Victoria Road and the restaurant strip stay busy well into the evening, with a festive, lively atmosphere throughout. Most restaurants stay open through the festive period, though a few close on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
Parking gets difficult
Finding street parking during this period is hard, especially in January. Arriving before 8am gives you the best chance of a spot. Outside of that, Uber is the easier option, or the secure undercover parking garage at The Promenade on Victoria Road.
Why walking distance matters more at this time of year
Parking is at its most difficult over the festive season, so staying within walking distance of the beach makes a real difference. All of our properties are within walking distance of the beach and the restaurant strip, so you can avoid the parking stress altogether and simply walk down whenever you like.
A few honest things to know before booking this time of year
- Property rentals are at their most expensive during the festive season, more than any other time of year.
- Traffic around Camps Bay and the wider Atlantic Seaboard is at its heaviest.
- Restaurant reservations are harder to get, and popular spots book up well in advance.
If your travel dates are flexible, booking outside the festive season, such as late summer in February or March, gives you the same warm weather with fewer crowds, easier restaurant bookings, and better value.
What guests often ask
Should I avoid Camps Bay over the festive season? Not necessarily. It is the most lively, festive time to experience the area, with restaurants and bars busy every night. It just costs more, and needs more planning around parking, traffic, and restaurant bookings, than a quieter month would.
