Best time to visit · Johannesburg · South Africa
The best time to visit Johannesburg
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Britfan97, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Johannesburg are April–May and September–October, when days are warm and dry, evenings are mild and jacarandas bloom in October. Winter (June to August) is sunny and ideal for safaris at Pilanesberg and Kruger but cold at night. Summer brings short, heavy afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day rain.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–May and September–October
- Shoulder season
- March, June–August and November
- Warmest month
- January (avg high 26°C (79°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 16°C (61°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~12 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–June and December
Seasons
Johannesburg's altitude gives it a sunny, temperate climate. Summers (October to March) are warm with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms; winters (June to August) are dry and sunny with cold, often frosty nights.
December–February
Summer
Warm days with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms; the city is quieter in late December and early January while residents are at the coast.
March–May
Autumn
Settled, sunny weather and cooling evenings; one of the most comfortable times for sightseeing and day trips.
June–August
Winter
Dry, bright days and cold, sometimes frosty nights; excellent game viewing in nearby reserves.
September–November
Spring
Warming days, purple jacarandas in October and the return of summer storms from late October.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C | 15°C | 12 | 13.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 25°C | 14°C | 10 | 13 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 24°C | 13°C | 9 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 21°C | 10°C | 6 | 11.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 19°C | 6°C | 2 | 10.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 16°C | 4°C | 1 | 10.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 17°C | 4°C | 1 | 10.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 20°C | 6°C | 1 | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 23°C | 9°C | 3 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 25°C | 12°C | 8 | 12.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 25°C | 13°C | 11 | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 26°C | 14°C | 12 | 13.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| March | Human Rights Day — public holiday (21 March) |
| April | Freedom Day — anniversary of the 1994 election (27 April) |
| June | Youth Day — commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising, with events in Soweto (16 June) |
| July | Mandela Day — volunteering and community events (18 July) |
| August | National Women's Day — public holiday (9 August) |
| September | Heritage Day — public holiday, widely celebrated with braais (24 September) |
| October | Jacaranda bloom across Johannesburg and Pretoria (usually October to early November) |
| November | Soweto Marathon (usually November) |
| December | Day of Reconciliation — public holiday (16 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May–June and December, and the sights are quietest in May–June and December.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Johannesburg?
The best times to visit Johannesburg are April–May and September–October, when days are warm and dry, evenings are mild and jacarandas bloom in October. Winter (June to August) is sunny and ideal for safaris at Pilanesberg and Kruger but cold at night. Summer brings short, heavy afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day rain.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Johannesburg?
Usually in May–June and December. Dry and sunny, with cold nights starting; a good month for Pilanesberg and Kruger as vegetation thins.
+What is the rainiest month in Johannesburg?
January, with about 12 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Johannesburg get?
The warmest month, January, averages highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F).