Stellenbosch - Population, Climate and Geography

Stellenbosch has a population of well over 130 000 people, if students are taken into account. The vibrancy of the town with its road-side cafes and restaurants, its markets geared specifically for tourists and the many university residences and student life in general make for an interesting cultural and inter-generational mix of people that traverse the streets of the town on a daily basis. There is much to do in the town and numerous outdoor activities are available for the more energetic. World-class sports, health and recreational facilities are available and the region boasts six great golf courses.

Stellenbosch is located approximately 50 kilometres east of Cape Town in a hilly region of the Cape Winelands and is sheltered in a valley at an average elevation of 136 metres, flanked on the west side of the town by Papegaaiberg (Parrot Mountain – really a hill), and to the south and east by Stellenbosch, Simonsberg, Jonkerhoek and the Great Drakenstein mountains. The soils are dark alluvial to clay sand and, together with the well-drained, hilly terrain and Mediterranean climate, prove ideal for viticulture.

In terms of the climate, summers are dry and hot, with some February and March days exceeding 35°C. Cool, windy and rainy days characterise winter, with daytime temperatures averaging 16°C. One can observe snow a couple of times during the winter months on the surrounding mountains. Spring and Autumn are “shoulder” seasons and daytime temperatures average out in the early to mid 20°C’s.