Clifton 4th Beach
Western Cape, South Africa
Clifton 4th Beach in Western Cape, South Africa holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though March, October, and November offer the best conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Check…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Clifton 4th Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Clifton 4th Beach?
Clifton 4th Beach in Western Cape, South Africa holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though March, October, and November offer the best conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Check with local authorities before your visit for current safety information. The Blue Flag certification comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, so families and environmentally minded travelers can be confident about conditions here.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Western Cape, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout South Africa certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Clifton 4th Beach faces west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in March, October, November. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Feb | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Mar | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Apr | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Jul | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Aug | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Sep | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Dec | 19°C | 16°C | High |
The best time to visit Clifton 4th Beach is March, October, November. Air temperatures peak around 13.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 10.5°C in July.
How crowded does Clifton 4th Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in South Africa, Clifton 4th Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Clifton 4th Beach open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Clifton 4th Beach
Is Clifton 4th Beach safe to swim?Clifton 4th Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Clifton 4th Beach?Peak water temperature at Clifton 4th Beach reaches around 10.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 21.2°C.
What is the beach like at Clifton 4th Beach?Clifton 4th Beach on the Western Cape coast of South Africa. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Clifton 4th Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Clifton 4th Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Clifton 4th Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Clifton 4th Beach
How do I get to Clifton 4th Beach by car?Clifton 4th Beach is approximately 3.98 km from Cape Town. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Clifton 4th Beach?The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) (CPT), approximately 21.0 km away.
Can I get to Clifton 4th Beach by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Cape Town. The nearest recorded bus stop is 73 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Clifton 4th Beach?Clifton 4th Beach lists The "Blue Train" as the nearest railway station, 4.69 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Clifton 4th Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Clifton 4th Beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Clifton 4th Beach
- Public toilets Public toilets 189 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 199 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 460 m
Bus near Clifton 4th Beach
- Clifton 3rd Bus stop 73 m
- Clifton 3rd Bus stop 120 m
- Clifton 4th Bus stop 149 m
- Clifton 4th Bus stop 182 m
- Clifton 2nd Bus stop 364 m
Cafés near Clifton 4th Beach
- The Bungalow Restaurant 344 m
Parking near Clifton 4th Beach
- Parking Parking 89 m
- Parking Parking 148 m
- Parking Parking 199 m
- Parking Parking 224 m
- Parking Parking 238 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.5 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 73 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | -33.9403°N, 18.3763°E |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), South Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
Clifton 4th Beach FAQ
Is Clifton 4th Beach suitable for children?
Clifton 4th Beach has a child-friendly score of 4/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in South Africa.
Is Clifton 4th Beach free to access?
Access to Clifton 4th Beach is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Western Cape, South Africa, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Clifton 4th Beach?
The best time to visit Clifton 4th Beach is March, October, November. The peak season typically runs High season: January, February, December, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 10.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Clifton 4th Beach?
Clifton 4th Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Clifton 4th Beach?
Clifton 4th Beach is located in Western Cape, South Africa. It is approximately 3.98 km from Cape Town. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) (CPT), 21.0 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Clifton 4th Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 3 toilet locations near Clifton 4th Beach, including 189 m away, 199 m away, and 460 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Clifton 4th Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 73 m from Clifton 4th Beach (Clifton 3rd), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Clifton 4th Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Clifton 4th Beach, including The Bungalow (344 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Clifton 4th Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 89 m from Clifton 4th Beach, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in South Africa, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore South AfricaWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Clifton 4th Beach
- WESSA
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.