Is Table Mountain tablecloth happening right now?
As of today, out of season, returns ~October. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
The Table Mountain "tablecloth" is an orographic stratus/banner cloud that forms when moist, southeasterly air is forced up Table Mountain’s slopes, cools, and condenses.
It often builds in the afternoon on summer southeaster (the local "Cape Doctor") and can pour slowly over the plateau before dissipating.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Maclear's Beacon (upper plateau / summit viewpoint) |
| Platteklip Gorge trailhead (Tafelberg Road) |
| + 2 more spots, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.