Johannesburg Weather by Month
Johannesburg, South Africa has a mild, sunny climate with warm summers and cool, dry winters. Rainfall is strongly seasonal: the wettest period runs from October through March, while June and July are the driest months. Temperatures are generally comfortable, although summer afternoons can become quite warm.
Johannesburg Weather by Month
You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Johannesburg.
January – Warm and Wet Summer Weather
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 57°F (14°C)
Rainfall: 5.11 inches
Rainy days: 13
Daylight: 13.5 hours
January is one of the warmest and wettest months in Johannesburg. Average daytime temperatures reach about 79°F, while nighttime temperatures remain relatively mild at around 57°F.
Rainfall is high at approximately 5.11 inches, spread across about 13 rainy days. With around 13.5 hours of daylight, January has long, warm summer days, although afternoon thunderstorms can occur.
Best for:
- Summer sightseeing
- Outdoor activities between rain showers
- Exploring parks and gardens
- Enjoying long daylight hours
February – Warm and Rainy Summer Weather
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 57°F (14°C)
Rainfall: 4.14 inches
Rainy days: 10
Daylight: 13 hours
February remains warm and relatively wet in Johannesburg. Daytime temperatures average around 79°F, with cooler evenings near 57°F.
Rainfall decreases slightly from January to about 4.14 inches, with approximately 10 rainy days. The combination of warm temperatures and long daylight hours makes February a good month for exploring the city, provided you plan around occasional rain.
Best for:
- City sightseeing
- Outdoor attractions
- Parks and gardens
- Summer travel
March – Warm with Frequent Rain
Average high: 75°F (24°C)
Average low: 54°F (12°C)
Rainfall: 3.57 inches
Rainy days: 10
Daylight: 12.5 hours
March brings slightly cooler temperatures while Johannesburg remains in its rainy season. Average highs reach around 75°F, while lows fall to approximately 54°F.
Rainfall averages 3.57 inches, with around 10 rainy days. Daylight decreases to about 12.5 hours as autumn approaches, but conditions are still generally pleasant for sightseeing.
Best for:
- Comfortable sightseeing temperatures
- Wildlife and nature excursions
- Exploring Johannesburg’s attractions
- Early autumn travel
April – Mild and Less Rainy Autumn Weather
Average high: 72°F (22°C)
Average low: 50°F (10°C)
Rainfall: 1.46 inches
Rainy days: 5
Daylight: 11.5 hours
April marks a noticeable transition toward Johannesburg’s drier and cooler season. Average highs are around 72°F, while nighttime temperatures drop to about 50°F.
Rainfall falls significantly to approximately 1.46 inches, with only about 5 rainy days. The reduced rainfall and mild daytime temperatures make April one of the more comfortable months for outdoor activities.
Best for:
- City sightseeing
- Walking tours
- Outdoor attractions
- Comfortable autumn travel
May – Cool and Mostly Dry
Average high: 68°F (20°C)
Average low: 43°F (6°C)
Rainfall: 0.50 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 11 hours
May brings cooler and much drier conditions to Johannesburg. Daytime temperatures average around 68°F, while nights can become noticeably chilly at around 43°F.
Rainfall is very limited at only 0.50 inches, with approximately 1 rainy day. With mild afternoons and dry weather, May is a good month for exploring the city without the frequent summer showers.
Best for:
- Sightseeing in dry weather
- Walking tours
- Outdoor excursions
- Quiet city visits
June – Cool and Very Dry Winter Weather
Average high: 63°F (17°C)
Average low: 37°F (3°C)
Rainfall: 0.33 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 10.5 hours
June is one of the coolest and driest months in Johannesburg. Average daytime temperatures reach around 63°F, while nighttime temperatures can fall to approximately 37°F.
Rainfall is minimal at just 0.33 inches, with about 1 rainy day. Johannesburg’s winter is typically dry and sunny, although mornings and evenings can feel quite cold.
Best for:
- Sunny winter sightseeing
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking during mild afternoons
- Dry-weather travel
July – Coldest and Driest Month
Average high: 63°F (17°C)
Average low: 37°F (3°C)
Rainfall: 0.13 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 10.5 hours
July is the driest month of the year in Johannesburg and is also among the coolest. Average highs are around 63°F, while lows fall to approximately 37°F.
Only about 0.13 inches of rain is recorded, and the data shows no rainy days. The dry, generally sunny conditions make July particularly appealing for travelers who prefer predictable weather, although warm clothing is useful for early mornings and evenings.
Best for:
- Dry-weather sightseeing
- Safari and wildlife trips
- Hiking and outdoor activities
- Clear winter days
August – Cool and Dry with Warming Temperatures
Average high: 68°F (20°C)
Average low: 43°F (6°C)
Rainfall: 0.28 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 11 hours
August marks the beginning of warmer temperatures as Johannesburg moves toward spring. Average highs rise to around 68°F, while nighttime lows reach about 43°F.
Rainfall remains very low at approximately 0.28 inches, with only 1 rainy day. The combination of dry weather, increasing temperatures, and slightly longer days makes August a comfortable month for exploring Johannesburg.
Best for:
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Wildlife experiences
- Hiking
- Spring travel
September – Mild and Increasingly Warm Spring Weather
Average high: 75°F (24°C)
Average low: 48°F (9°C)
Rainfall: 1.22 inches
Rainy days: 3
Daylight: 12 hours
September brings a clear shift toward warmer spring weather. Average daytime temperatures climb to around 75°F, while nights remain cool at approximately 48°F.
Rainfall increases to about 1.22 inches, but there are only around 3 rainy days. With 12 hours of daylight, September offers a good balance of warmth, sunshine, and relatively limited rainfall.
Best for:
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Parks and gardens
- Hiking
- Springtime city trips
October – Warm and Increasingly Wet
Average high: 77°F (25°C)
Average low: 52°F (11°C)
Rainfall: 3.20 inches
Rainy days: 9
Daylight: 12.5 hours
October is a warm spring month in Johannesburg, with average highs of about 77°F and lows around 52°F.
Rainfall rises considerably to approximately 3.20 inches, with about 9 rainy days. Despite the increasing showers, the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours make October a lively time to visit.
Best for:
- Spring sightseeing
- Outdoor attractions
- Parks and gardens
- Warm-weather activities
November – Warm and Wet Summer Weather
Average high: 77°F (25°C)
Average low: 54°F (12°C)
Rainfall: 3.97 inches
Rainy days: 12
Daylight: 13.5 hours
November is warm and noticeably wetter as Johannesburg moves into summer. Average highs reach around 77°F, while nighttime temperatures average approximately 54°F.
Rainfall increases to nearly 4 inches, with around 12 rainy days. Johannesburg also enjoys about 13.5 hours of daylight, providing plenty of time for sightseeing between rain showers.
Best for:
- Summer travel
- Outdoor attractions
- Nature experiences
- Long sightseeing days
December – Warmest and Wet Summer Weather
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 55°F (13°C)
Rainfall: 4.44 inches
Rainy days: 13
Daylight: 13.5 hours
December is one of the warmest and wettest months in Johannesburg. Average daytime temperatures reach about 79°F, while nighttime lows remain comfortable at around 55°F.
Rainfall averages approximately 4.44 inches, with about 13 rainy days, making December one of the wettest periods of the year. However, the city also experiences its longest daylight hours, with around 13.5 hours of daylight.
Best for:
- Summer holidays
- Outdoor sightseeing between showers
- Parks and nature
- Long summer days
Johannesburg Weather by Month: Quick Overview
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79°F (26°C) | 57°F (14°C) | 5.11 in | 13 | 13.5 hrs |
| February | 79°F (26°C) | 57°F (14°C) | 4.14 in | 10 | 13 hrs |
| March | 75°F (24°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.57 in | 10 | 12.5 hrs |
| April | 72°F (22°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 1.46 in | 5 | 11.5 hrs |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 0.50 in | 1 | 11 hrs |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 37°F (3°C) | 0.33 in | 1 | 10.5 hrs |
| July | 63°F (17°C) | 37°F (3°C) | 0.13 in | 0 | 10.5 hrs |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 0.28 in | 1 | 11 hrs |
| September | 75°F (24°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 1.22 in | 3 | 12 hrs |
| October | 77°F (25°C) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.20 in | 9 | 12.5 hrs |
| November | 77°F (25°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.97 in | 12 | 13.5 hrs |
| December | 79°F (26°C) | 55°F (13°C) | 4.44 in | 13 | 13.5 hrs |
Overall: Johannesburg’s wettest months are January, December, and February, while June and July are cool and extremely dry. For travelers seeking a combination of warm temperatures and relatively low rainfall, April, May, September, and early October offer particularly appealing conditions.
20 FAQs About Johannesburg Weather
1. What is the weather like in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has a mild, generally sunny climate, with warm and rainy summers and cool, dry winters. Most of the city’s annual rainfall occurs between October and March, while winter months are much drier.
2. What is the best month to visit Johannesburg?
September, October, and April are good choices for comfortable temperatures and relatively manageable rainfall. September is particularly pleasant because temperatures are warming while rainfall is still relatively low.
3. What is the hottest month in Johannesburg?
January is generally the hottest month. Average daytime highs are around 79°F (26°C), although temperatures can occasionally rise considerably higher.
4. What is the coldest month in Johannesburg?
July is typically the coldest month, with average daytime temperatures around 63–64°F (17–18°C). Overnight temperatures can fall to around 37°F (3°C) based on the data provided.
5. Does Johannesburg get cold in winter?
Yes. Johannesburg winters are generally dry and sunny during the day but chilly at night. June and July can have nighttime lows close to freezing, so warm layers are useful, especially in the early morning and evening.
6. Does it snow in Johannesburg?
Snow is very rare in Johannesburg. Winter is normally dry, with sunshine and chilly nights rather than regular snowfall.
7. When is the rainy season in Johannesburg?
The rainy season generally runs from October through March, with December, January, and February among the wettest months.
8. What is the wettest month in Johannesburg?
December or January is generally the wettest month, depending on the climate dataset used. The data you provided shows January with about 5.11 inches (129.9 mm) of rainfall, while other long-term datasets place December slightly higher.
9. What is the driest month in Johannesburg?
July is typically the driest month. Your data shows only about 0.13 inches (3.2 mm) of rainfall and no rainy days in July. Other climate datasets similarly identify July as the driest month.
10. Does Johannesburg get rain every day in summer?
No. Although summer is the rainy season, rainfall often comes as afternoon or evening thunderstorms rather than continuous rain throughout the day. Summer can still have plenty of sunshine between showers.
11. Is Johannesburg humid?
Johannesburg can feel more humid during the summer rainy season, but it is generally less humid than many tropical cities. Winter is notably dry, with very low rainfall and lower humidity.
12. How warm is Johannesburg in summer?
Summer daytime temperatures are typically around 75–79°F (24–26°C). January, February, and December are among the warmest months.
13. How cold is Johannesburg in winter?
Winter afternoons are generally mild, with highs around 63–68°F (17–20°C). Nights are much colder, with lows commonly around 37–43°F (3–6°C) in June through August based on your data.
14. Which month has the most sunshine in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg receives abundant sunshine throughout the year. August and September have around 10 hours of sunshine per day in some climate datasets, while winter also tends to have clear, sunny conditions.
15. How many hours of daylight does Johannesburg get?
Daylight varies considerably by season. Johannesburg has roughly 10.5 hours of daylight in June and July and around 13.5–13.8 hours in December and January.
16. Is Johannesburg weather good for outdoor activities?
Yes. Johannesburg is well suited to outdoor activities for much of the year. April, May, August, September, and early October offer a particularly good combination of comfortable temperatures and relatively limited rainfall.
17. What should I wear in Johannesburg in summer?
Lightweight clothing is usually appropriate during the day. Because summer thunderstorms are common, it is also useful to bring a light rain jacket or umbrella. Comfortable shoes are recommended for sightseeing.
18. What should I wear in Johannesburg in winter?
Bring layers, a warm jacket, and warmer clothing for mornings and evenings. Days can be pleasantly sunny while temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
19. Is Johannesburg rainy in December?
Yes. December is one of Johannesburg’s wettest months. Your data shows approximately 4.44 inches (112.7 mm) of rainfall and 13 rainy days, while other long-term datasets also rank December among the wettest months.
20. What is the best time of year for Johannesburg weather?
For a balance of pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall, and good outdoor conditions, April–May and September–October are excellent periods to consider. Winter is also attractive if you prefer dry, sunny weather, but temperatures are cooler, particularly at night.
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