Month guide · Johannesburg · South Africa
Johannesburg in October
What October is really like in Johannesburg: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Tim giddings, Public domain
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Johannesburg. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 12.8 hours of daylight. Jacaranda trees turn streets purple across the northern suburbs and Pretoria; the first summer storms arrive.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 25°C (77°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 12.8 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 4th-warmest month in Johannesburg: days average 25°C (77°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with September (23°C (73°F)), October is warmer; by November highs stay near 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 05:32
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:14
- Daylight
- About 12.8 hours
Summer (December–February). Warm days with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms; the city is quieter in late December and early January while residents are at the coast.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 4 for crowds (the peak is October at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in October). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Jacaranda bloom across Johannesburg and Pretoria (usually October to early November)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Neighbourhood · Maboneng
Maboneng street art and galleries
Maboneng's converted warehouses around Fox Street hold galleries, studios, cafés and an independent cinema, and large murals by South African and international artists cover the walls.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Food
- Shopping
- Photo spot
Landmark · Sandton
Nelson Mandela Square
Visit at dusk when the restaurants fill up, and combine it with shopping at Sandton City.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Kids
Museum · Braamfontein
Origins Centre
At the University of the Witwatersrand, this museum explores human origins in Africa and holds one of the finest collections of southern African rock art.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Art
- Rainy day
Museum · Orchards
Satyagraha House
Read up on Gandhi's arrest and time at the Old Fort first; Constitution Hill and this house tell two halves of the same story.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
What to pack
For highs near 25°C, lows near 12°C and 8 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Johannesburg?
One of the best months to visit Johannesburg, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and September. Compare every month.
Johannesburg in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Johannesburg?
It is one of the best months to visit Johannesburg. Jacaranda trees turn streets purple across the northern suburbs and Pretoria; the first summer storms arrive.
+How warm is Johannesburg in October?
Average highs are around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Johannesburg in October?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.