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Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a vibrant city with a lively atmosphere. The best times to visit are during the dry winter months from May to August when the weather is mild and pleasant.

 

High Season in Johannesburg

Johannesburg experiences a high season in December and January, with many tourists visiting during the summer holidays.

a view of a city with a train in the foreground
Simon Hurry @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Johannesburg

The shoulder season in Johannesburg is in September, October, and November, when temperatures are warming up but the crowds are still relatively low.

Low Season in Johannesburg

The low season in Johannesburg is during the rainy summer months from December to February, when the weather can be hot and humid.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Johannesburg over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Johannesburg in Spring

Spring in Johannesburg is from September to November. The weather starts to warm up, and the city is in full bloom with colorful flowers. It's a great time to explore outdoor attractions and enjoy the pleasant temperatures.

aerial photography of urban city skyline during daytime
Clodagh Da Paixao @ Unsplash

Johannesburg in Summer

Summer in Johannesburg is from December to February. The weather is hot and humid, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It's the low tourist season, but the city hosts various cultural events and festivals.

Johannesburg in Autumn

Autumn in Johannesburg is from March to May. The temperatures start to cool down, making it a comfortable time to visit. The city is less crowded, and you can enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing without the summer heat.

Johannesburg in Winter

Winter in Johannesburg is from June to August. The weather is mild and dry, perfect for outdoor exploration. While it can get chilly in the evenings, it's a great time to visit attractions, go on safaris, and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Johannesburg for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Johannesburg in January

→ 14 to 26 °C (57 to 79 °F)

January in Johannesburg is hot with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It's the peak of the summer season, with tourists enjoying outdoor activities and festivals.

Johannesburg in February

→ 13 to 25 °C (56 to 77 °F)

February in Johannesburg is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It's the low tourist season, but cultural events and festivals still take place.

cityscape during daytime
Jacques Nel @ Unsplash

Johannesburg in March

→ 12 to 23 °C (53 to 74 °F)

March in Johannesburg is warm and pleasant, with occasional afternoon showers. It's a great time to visit outdoor attractions and enjoy the comfortable temperatures.

Johannesburg in April

→ 8 to 19 °C (46 to 67 °F)

April in Johannesburg is mild and dry, with pleasant temperatures. It's an ideal time to explore the city's attractions and enjoy outdoor activities.

Johannesburg in May

→ 3 to 16 °C (37 to 61 °F)

May in Johannesburg is cool and dry, with mild temperatures. It's the start of the dry season, making it a great time for safaris and outdoor exploration.

Johannesburg in June

→ -1 to 13 °C (31 to 55 °F)

June in Johannesburg is cool and dry, with mild temperatures during the day. It's the perfect time to visit attractions, go on safaris, and experience the city's vibrant nightlife.

Johannesburg in July

→ -2 to 13 °C (29 to 55 °F)

July in Johannesburg is cool and dry, with mild temperatures. It's an excellent time for outdoor activities, exploring the city, and enjoying the cultural events.

city skyline under blue and white cloudy sky during daytime
tebogo losaba @ Unsplash

Johannesburg in August

→ 2 to 17 °C (36 to 62 °F)

August in Johannesburg is cool and dry, with mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit attractions, go on safaris, and experience the vibrant nightlife.

Johannesburg in September

→ 6 to 22 °C (42 to 71 °F)

September in Johannesburg is mild and dry, with pleasant temperatures. It's the shoulder season, with fewer crowds and comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

Johannesburg in October

→ 9 to 24 °C (48 to 75 °F)

October in Johannesburg is warm and dry, with pleasant temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city's attractions, outdoor activities, and enjoy the comfortable weather.

Johannesburg in November

→ 11 to 24 °C (52 to 76 °F)

November in Johannesburg is hot and dry, with warm temperatures. It's the end of the shoulder season, with fewer crowds and comfortable weather for outdoor exploration.

Johannesburg in December

→ 13 to 25 °C (56 to 77 °F)

December in Johannesburg is hot and humid, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It's the high tourist season, with many cultural events and festivals taking place.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Johannesburg for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Johannesburg offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Whether you prefer staying in the city center or near the attractions, there are plenty of choices to suit every traveler's needs.

city skyline under cloudy sky during night time
Thomas Bennie @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Johannesburg has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trains, and taxis. It's recommended to use reputable taxi services or Uber for ease and safety. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the city and its surrounding areas.

Johannesburg Airport

OR Tambo International Airport is the main airport serving Johannesburg. It's well-connected to domestic and international destinations. There are various transportation options available from the airport, including airport shuttles, taxis, and car rentals.

Airport to City Center

The best way to get from OR Tambo International Airport to the city center is by airport shuttle or taxi. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to drive.

Is Johannesburg Safe?

Johannesburg, like any major city, has areas with higher crime rates. It's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-populated and tourist-friendly areas, avoid displaying valuable items, and use reputable transportation options for added safety.

According to the Global Peace Index, South Africa ranks 130th among all countries in the world in 2023. South Africa achieved a score of 2.40 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Johannesburg

The best time to visit Johannesburg is during the dry winter months from May to August when the weather is mild and pleasant. You can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city without the summer heat.

Best Johannesburg Visit Length

A recommended duration to explore Johannesburg is at least 3-4 days. This allows you to visit the major attractions, go on safaris, and experience the city's vibrant culture and nightlife.

Must-See Attractions in Johannesburg

Some must-see attractions in Johannesburg include the Apartheid Museum, Nelson Mandela Square, Constitution Hill, and the Lion Park. Don't miss the opportunity to go on a safari and explore the nearby Cradle of Humankind.

Johannesburg Nightlife: What to Do

Johannesburg has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of options for dining, entertainment, and live music. Popular areas for nightlife include Melville, Sandton, and Rosebank.

Getting Around Johannesburg Efficiently

Getting around Johannesburg is easy with the well-developed public transportation system. You can use buses, trains, and taxis for convenient travel within the city. Uber is also available for reliable and safe transportation.

Johannesburg 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by visiting the Apartheid Museum to learn about South Africa's history. Afterward, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Maboneng, known for its art galleries and trendy cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Constitution Hill and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Top of Africa.

  1. Apartheid Museum
  2. Maboneng
  3. Constitution Hill
  4. Top of Africa
city buildings under cloudy sky during daytime
Tembinkosi Sikupela @ Unsplash

Day 2

Spend the day exploring the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Sterkfontein Caves, where important fossil discoveries were made. Continue to the Lion Park to see lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife up close.

  1. Cradle of Humankind
  2. Sterkfontein Caves
  3. Lion Park

Day 3

Start your day by visiting Nelson Mandela Square, known for its statue of Nelson Mandela. Explore the nearby Sandton City Mall for shopping and dining. In the afternoon, take a tour of Soweto to learn about the city's history and visit the iconic Vilakazi Street.

  1. Nelson Mandela Square
  2. Sandton City Mall
  3. Soweto
  4. Vilakazi Street