Cape Town's Seasonal Guide to Care & Longevity

Cape Town’s winters are known for their cool temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. While cozy fires and indoor living take centre stage during this season, your outdoor furniture still needs attention. Left exposed, winter elements like moisture, mildew, and salt-laden air can damage furniture finishes, fabric integrity, and structural stability.

At Creative Living, we’re passionate about helping you extend the lifespan of your outdoor living investments—season after season. Here’s how to properly protect your outdoor furniture in Cape Town's winter months.

1. Know the Risks:

What Cape Town Winters Do to Outdoor Furniture

Unlike freezing climates, Cape Town’s winters are more about dampness than frost. Moisture is your biggest enemy. Persistent rain can saturate cushions and wooden surfaces, while cold mornings often bring dew and fog that settle on metal parts, promoting rust. Add in coastal wind and salt from the ocean, and your patio can become a harsh environment for unprotected furniture.

Taking preventive steps now will reduce wear, mould growth, and corrosion—and save you money in the long run.

2. Clean Thoroughly Before Storing

Before winter sets in, give all outdoor furniture a deep clean:

• Wash metal and plastic furniture with mild soap and water.
• Clean wooden pieces with a suitable wood cleaner and allow them to dry completely.
• Remove and wash cushion covers per manufacturer instructions.

Mildew often begins from existing dirt or moisture. Proper cleaning removes the grime that can turn into mould under covers or in storage.

Explore maintenance-friendly furniture options.  

3. Invest in High-Quality Waterproof Covers

If you plan to leave your furniture outside during winter, covers are your first line of defence. Choose covers that are:

• Waterproof and UV resistant
• Breathable to prevent condensation
• Fitted or adjustable to avoid wind uplift

Avoid using plastic tarps, which trap moisture and can cause mildew. Creative Living offers purpose-built outdoor covers designed to keep your furniture protected without compromising airflow.

Shop durable outdoor furniture covers. 

4. Indoor Storage

If you have space, store cushions, umbrellas, and lightweight furniture in a garage, shed, or storage box during the rainy season. Stackable chairs, foldable tables, and compact loungers make winter storage simple.

Creative Living’s outdoor storage benches and boxes provide an ideal solution for space-saving, waterproof storage that blends in with your patio décor.

Browse outdoor storage solutions 

5. Treat Natural Wood and Metal

Wood furniture like teak or eucalyptus should be sealed with a weatherproof oil or sealant to prevent swelling and cracking. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly before applying any finish.

Powder-coated aluminium is naturally rust-resistant, but it’s still smart to inspect joints and screws for signs of wear. Consider applying a protective spray or wax coating for added winter resilience.

6. Use Your Furniture Year-Round—with Precautions

Just because its winter doesn’t mean your patio has to go unused. Keep one or two seating pieces covered and ready for those rare, sunny winter days. Pair with waterproof throws and lanterns for a cozy outdoor escape, even in June or July.

Protecting your outdoor furniture in Cape Town’s winter climate doesn’t require much effort—but it makes all the difference. With proper cleaning, smart storage, and quality covers, your pieces will be ready to shine come spring.

At Creative Living, we offer premium, weather-ready outdoor furniture and accessories made for South African living. Whether you're in Sea Point, Constantia, or Somerset West, we have everything you need to weather winter beautifully.

Read more about our Cape Town Outdoor Living Series

1.       Best Outdoor Furniture for Cape Town Weather

2.       Rust-Resistant Picks for Coastal Homes 

3.       Fabric & Material Guide for Local Weather

4.     Protecting Outdoor Furniture in Winter