Best time to visit Johannesburg

March to May and September to November. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

March to May and September to November

Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are named most for Johannesburg. One source dissents and picks the December to January festive season.

“The best time to visit Johannesburg is during the spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) seasons.” jimjamsafaris.com
“For the best sightseeing weather, plan your visit during autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November)” approachtours.com
“Johannesburg is at its best in autumn.” drifttravel.com

3 of the 10 travel guides we read name these months.

Johannesburg month by month

Average high and low in Johannesburg, and days with rain

January78°F / 59°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Peak of summer and the warmest weather of the year, about 26 C by day and 15 C at night, with likely afternoon thunderstorms.Average high about 26 C (79 F), occasional afternoon thunderstorms.One source calls the festive season the best time: hot and sunny, lush from storms, and the city is pleasantly empty as locals head to the coast.
February78°F / 59°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…Warmth continues; afternoon thunderstorms still regular; very green.Average highs about 25 C (77 F); rainfall is common.Rainy season: heavy afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans, with flooded roads and humidity.
Best timeMarch76°F / 56°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…Average highs about 24 C (75 F), less rain; Joburg Arts Alive Festival.Called Johannesburg at its best: warm days, cool evenings, fewer storms and golden trees.
Best timeApril71°F / 51°F · 5 rainy daysChecking fares…Called Johannesburg at its best: warm days, cool evenings, fewer storms and golden trees.About 22 C (72 F), generally dry, autumn colors.
Best timeMay67°F / 46°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…Called Johannesburg at its best: warm days, cool evenings, fewer storms and golden trees.Daytime averages about 20 C (68 F), clear skies, minimal rain.Dry sunny winter days with chilly nights, often near freezing.
June63°F / 41°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Dry sunny winter days with chilly nights, often near freezing.About 16 C (61 F) by day, chilly nights.Called the worst time by one source: dry and near-freezing at night, most buildings lack central heating, dust can bother allergies.
July60°F / 38°F · 0 rainy daysChecking fares…Dry sunny winter days with chilly nights, often near freezing.Coldest month, daytime highs about 15 C (59 F), clear skies.Called the worst time by one source: dry and near-freezing at night, most buildings lack central heating, dust can bother allergies.
August68°F / 44°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Dry sunny winter days with chilly nights, often near freezing.Temperatures rising again, averaging about 17 C (63 F).Called the worst time by one source: dry and near-freezing at night, most buildings lack central heating, dust can bother allergies.
Best timeSeptember75°F / 50°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…Spring arrives, about 20 C (68 F); Johannesburg Pride Festival.Spring brings blooming jacaranda trees.Africa Endeavours names September and October the best time for South Africa overall.
Best timeOctober77°F / 53°F · 7 rainy daysChecking fares…Spring brings blooming jacaranda trees.Warmer, around 23 C (73 F), with more rain.From October the city is hot with frequent short afternoon thunderstorms; plan outdoor activities for morning and midday.
Best timeNovember77°F / 56°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Spring brings blooming jacaranda trees.Gateway to summer, about 25 C (77 F).From October the city is hot with frequent short afternoon thunderstorms; plan outdoor activities for morning and midday.
December78°F / 58°F · 13 rainy daysChecking fares…One source calls the festive season the best time: hot and sunny, lush from storms, and the city is pleasantly empty as locals head to the coast.From October the city is hot with frequent short afternoon thunderstorms; plan outdoor activities for morning and midday.Rainy season: heavy afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans, with flooded roads and humidity.

Weather: Johannesburg averages from NOAA (1961 to 1990 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Johannesburg from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

December to FebruaryHot, with school holidays; this is South Africa overall.
May to OctoberSafari peak season, when lodges book far ahead; this is South Africa overall.

Quietest

Spring and autumnFewer crowds and better hotel deals than summer.
Christmas periodLocals leave for the coast, so the city is pleasantly empty.

Watch for

October to MarchQuick afternoon thunderstorms; keep a rain jacket handy.
May to SeptemberFreezing nights and morning frost; snow is extremely rare.
June to AugustDry air and dust in winter.

Questions people ask

What is the best month to go to South Africa?: Africa Endeavours picks September and October; Traveloka also calls September to October a great period. Best timing depends on region and activity.

Best time to visit Johannesburg

March to May and September to November

Johannesburg month by month

Every date to Johannesburg from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Johannesburg

March to May and September to November

Johannesburg month by month

Every date to Johannesburg from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places