A British actress and content creator living in Cape Town has sparked amused reactions online after pointing out how cold South African homes can feel during winter.Tara Berwin shared a video of her husband indoors, bundled up in winter clothing, including a beanie and jacket, despite being inside the house.
She expressed her surprise that even when outdoor temperatures were around 14°C, the indoor environment felt significantly colder, to the point where she could reportedly see her breath inside the home.Her comments resonated widely with both locals and other expatriates, many of whom quickly joined the discussion to explain the phenomenon.Capetonians pointed out that many homes in the region are designed for warm, dry summers rather than cold, damp winters.As a result, most houses lack central heating and proper insulation, allowing icy winds and cold air to seep indoors easily.This creates the familiar winter experience of feeling warmer outside in the sun than inside a living room.
Social media users also shared their own contrasting experiences, with one commenter noting that temperatures which feel freezing in Cape Town might feel comfortable or even warm in other colder regions like the Faroe Islands.The discussion turned into a light-hearted comparison of global climates and human adaptability.
Locals further emphasised that Cape Town winters are defined less by extreme temperatures and more by dampness, wind, and poorly insulated buildings that trap the cold.
The post ultimately highlighted a shared seasonal reality for many residents: during winter, the real challenge is not the weather outside, but staying warm inside their own homes.