Best Time to Visit Johannesburg (Weather, Events, & More)

Planning your next adventure to South Africa and wondering about the best time to visit Johannesburg? You're in luck! Johannesburg, a vibrant hub of art, culture, and history, offers a unique experience throughout the year. However, certain months enhance your visit, making it even more enjoyable. Let's dive into when you should book your trip to truly experience the City of Gold at its best.

Best Overall Time to Visit Johannesburg

If you're pondering the best time to visit Johannesburg, aim for the spring months from September to November or the autumn stretch from March to May. During these periods, the weather is wonderfully mild, and the city is less crowded, allowing you to explore its vibrant streets, lush gardens, and outdoor cafes comfortably. Plus, these months offer the perfect backdrop for Johannesburg's lively festivals and events.

Visiting Johannesburg during the low season, which includes the winter months from June to August, has its perks and downsides. On the plus side, you'll benefit from lower travel costs and fewer tourists, making it easier to delve into the city's rich history and culture without the crowds. However, the cons include chillier temperatures, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially if you're keen on spending a lot of time outdoors.

Monthly Overview of Johannesburg

Detailed Monthly Analysis

Here’s what to expect in Johannesburg in each month of the year:

Johannesburg in January

Visiting Johannesburg in January is a vibrant experience, as the city buzzes with the energy of summer. It's warm and sunny, but also the peak of the rainy season, so you might encounter afternoon thunderstorms that cool things down and bring a refreshing change to the day.

• Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Exploring local markets, attending the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival, visiting art galleries

Johannesburg in February

Visiting Johannesburg in February is a vibrant experience, as the city is in the midst of its summer season. The weather is warm and it's relatively wet, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cool down the air. It's a great time to explore the city's indoor attractions or enjoy the lush, green landscapes just after a rain shower.

• Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
• Days of Rainfall: 14 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Exploring museums, attending the Soweto Wine Festival, visiting local art galleries

Johannesburg in March

Visiting Johannesburg in March is a delightful experience as you're catching the tail end of summer. The weather is warm but not excessively hot, perfect for exploring the vibrant city and its surroundings. While it's still the rainy season, the showers are generally less frequent and intense compared to the peak summer months, allowing for plenty of enjoyable outdoor activities.

• Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
• Days of Rainfall: 10 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Exploring botanical gardens, outdoor festivals, visiting local markets

Johannesburg in April

Visiting Johannesburg in April is a delightful experience as you're catching the tail end of summer with mild weather and fewer rain showers. It's a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions without the intense heat of mid-summer or the chill that winter can bring.

• Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
• Days of Rainfall: 4 days
• Season: Transition from wet to dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Visiting botanical gardens, outdoor festivals, city tours

Johannesburg in May

Visiting Johannesburg in May is a delightful experience as you're catching the city in its autumn season. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the vibrant streets and rich history without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter.

• Average Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
• Days of Rainfall: 2 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Visiting the Apartheid Museum, exploring the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, attending the Bassline Africa Day Concert

Johannesburg in June

Visiting Johannesburg in June is a pleasant experience as you're right in the middle of the dry season. The weather is mild and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city without the worry of rain. June is also the beginning of South Africa's winter, so the temperatures are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings.

• Average Temperature: 9°C / 48°F
• Days of Rainfall: 1 day
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Game drives in nearby reserves, visiting the Apartheid Museum, exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Maboneng

Johannesburg in July

Visiting Johannesburg in July means you're arriving in the heart of the South African winter. It's a cool and dry month, perfect for exploring the city without the intense heat or rainfall that can come at other times of the year. With clear skies and mild weather, it's an ideal time to enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities.

• Average Temperature: 10°C / 50°F
• Days of Rainfall: 2 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Game drives in nearby reserves, visiting the Apartheid Museum, exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Maboneng

Johannesburg in August

Visiting Johannesburg in August is a delightful experience as you're catching the city in the heart of its dry season. The weather is mild and sunny, perfect for exploring the vibrant streets, rich history, and stunning landscapes without the interruption of rain.

• Average Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
• Days of Rainfall: 2 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Wildlife watching at nearby reserves, visiting the Apartheid Museum, exploring the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, attending the Arts Alive Festival

Johannesburg in September

Visiting Johannesburg in September is a delightful experience as you're catching the city in early spring. The weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the outdoors and enjoying the vibrant city life. It's a great time to witness the city as it blooms and shakes off the winter chill.

• Average Temperature: 16°C / 61°F
• Days of Rainfall: 3 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Visiting botanical gardens, outdoor festivals, game drives in nearby reserves

Johannesburg in October

Visiting Johannesburg in October is a delightful experience as you're catching the city in its springtime. The weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring the vibrant streets and lush gardens. October in Johannesburg is relatively dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

• Average Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
• Days of Rainfall: 9 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Visiting botanical gardens, outdoor festivals, exploring art galleries

Johannesburg in November

Visiting Johannesburg in November is a vibrant experience as the city begins to warm up. The weather is pleasant, not too hot, perfect for exploring the outdoors and enjoying the city's many events and attractions. It's springtime, so the city is blooming, and there's a buzz in the air with the approach of summer.

• Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
• Days of Rainfall: 9 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Visit the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, explore local markets like Neighbourgoods Market, attend the Soweto Wine Festival.

Johannesburg in December

Visiting Johannesburg in December is a vibrant experience, as the city buzzes with festive energy and summer warmth. It's the beginning of the summer season, so expect warm days perfect for exploring the outdoors and enjoying the city's many events and markets. While occasional afternoon thunderstorms are common, they rarely dampen the festive spirit.

• Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Christmas markets, outdoor concerts, wildlife park visits

Special Events in Johannesburg to Look Out For

Johannesburg Art Fair

• Date: Early September
• Description: A leading international art fair in Africa, showcasing the best contemporary African art, with galleries and artists from around the continent.

Joy of Jazz

• Date: Late September
• Description: Johannesburg's biggest annual jazz festival, featuring local and international artists, and attracting jazz lovers from all over the world.

Soweto Marathon

• Date: First Sunday of November
• Description: Known as 'The People's Race', this marathon goes through the historic Soweto township, celebrating the vibrant spirit of this significant part of Johannesburg.

Rand Show

• Date: Easter Weekend
• Description: One of the largest consumer exhibitions in South Africa, offering a range of activities from science fairs to military displays and top-class entertainment.

FNB Art Joburg

• Date: Mid-September
• Description: A contemporary art fair that focuses on African art, providing a platform for galleries and artists to showcase their work to a global audience.

MTN Bushfire Festival

• Date: Late May
• Description: Although held in nearby Eswatini, many from Johannesburg attend this event for its eclectic mix of music, arts, and cultural activities that promote social change.

Johannesburg Pride

• Date: Late October
• Description: The oldest pride event in Africa, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, live music, and various events promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Pro Tips for Traveling to Johannesburg

• Cash vs. Card: While credit cards are widely accepted in Johannesburg's urban areas, it's wise to carry some cash for smaller shops and informal markets.
• Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary in Johannesburg. Aim for 10-15% at restaurants, and consider tipping your taxi driver and hotel staff to show appreciation.
• Water Safety: Tap water in Johannesburg is generally safe to drink, but if you have a sensitive stomach, sticking to bottled water might be a better choice.
• Public Transportation: Utilize the Gautrain for fast and safe travel between major areas like the airport, Pretoria, and Sandton. For other areas, metered taxis or ride-sharing apps are recommended over minibuses.
• Cultural Sensitivity: South Africa has 11 official languages and a complex history. Showing respect and openness to learning about diverse cultures will enhance your experience.
• Must-Try Foods: Don't leave without trying local dishes like biltong (dried, spiced meat), boerewors (a type of sausage), and a traditional South African braai (barbecue).
• Safety First: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Avoid flashy displays of wealth and keep valuables secure.
• Local Markets: Visit local markets like Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein for crafts and fresh local food. Bargaining is not common, so pay the asking price unless it’s indicated otherwise.
• Respect Wildlife: If you visit conservation areas or nature reserves, maintain a safe distance from wildlife and follow all guidelines provided by tour guides or park authorities.
• Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases in Zulu or another local language can be helpful and is greatly appreciated by locals.

Johannesburg Travel FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Johannesburg?
Yes, whether you need a visa to visit Johannesburg depends on your nationality. Many visitors can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days, including those from the US, UK, EU, and Canada. It's crucial to check the latest visa requirements from the South African embassy or consulate before your trip.

What currency is used in Johannesburg?
The currency used in Johannesburg is the South African Rand (ZAR). It's advisable to have some local currency for everyday expenses, although credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

What should I pack for a trip to Johannesburg?
Pack according to the season. Summers (November to March) are hot and rainy, so bring lightweight, breathable clothing and a raincoat or umbrella. Winters (June to August) are mild but can be chilly, especially in the evenings, so pack warm clothing. Always include comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.

Do I need to speak a local language to visit Johannesburg?
No, you don't need to speak any of the local languages. English is widely spoken throughout Johannesburg, making it easy for tourists to communicate. However, learning a few phrases in Zulu or another local language can enhance your experience.

Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
While Johannesburg has areas that are less safe, tourists can enjoy a safe visit by taking precautions. Stay in well-known tourist areas, be cautious with personal belongings, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable transportation services.

Is Johannesburg accessible for those with disabilities?
Johannesburg is becoming more accessible for those with disabilities, but it still varies by location. Modern buildings and major tourist attractions generally have good accessibility, but some older buildings and smaller venues may not be fully equipped. It's a good idea to check accessibility options ahead of your visit.

What type of outlet is used in Johannesburg?
In Johannesburg, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type M, which is a large 15 amp plug, and type D and N plugs are sometimes found as well. It's recommended to bring a universal adapter if your devices use different plugs.