Johannesburg — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Johannesburg.
Johannesburg climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 15°C | 114mm | 58% |
| Feb | 25°C | 15°C | 109mm | 58% |
| Mar | 24°C | 13°C | 86mm | 56% |
| Apr | 21°C | 10°C | 38mm | 49% |
| May | 18°C | 7°C | 13mm | 43% |
| Jun | 16°C | 4°C | 7mm | 40% |
| Jul | 17°C | 4°C | 4mm | 38% |
| Aug | 20°C | 6°C | 6mm | 38% |
| Sep | 23°C | 9°C | 26mm | 42% |
| Oct | 24°C | 12°C | 71mm | 52% |
| Nov | 25°C | 14°C | 107mm | 57% |
| Dec | 25°C | 15°C | 120mm | 60% |
Climate overview
Johannesburg sits on the Highveld, South Africa's high interior plateau, at roughly 1,750 metres above sea level. That altitude is the key to its climate. Although the city lies at a subtropical latitude, it never gets as hot as the coast, and the thin, dry air lets temperatures fall sharply after sunset. It is classed as subtropical highland (Cwb).
Because Johannesburg is in the Southern Hemisphere, summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August. Average highs range from 26°C in January to 16°C in June. Annual rainfall is about 710 mm, and almost all of it falls in the warm half of the year, mainly as short afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are sunny and almost completely dry — July averages about 4 mm.
Köppen classification: Cwb — subtropical highland
Johannesburg through the seasons
Summer
December – FebruarySummer days are warm rather than hot, with highs of 25–26°C and lows around 15°C. A typical pattern is a bright morning, clouds building after midday and a thunderstorm in the late afternoon, often with spectacular lightning and sometimes hail. December and January are the wettest months at about 114–120 mm.
Autumn
March – MayRainfall drops quickly after March, and skies become clearer and calmer. Highs ease from 24°C in March to 18°C in May, and nights become noticeably cooler. Many residents consider April and May the most pleasant months of the year.
Winter
June – AugustWinter is dry, sunny and crisp. Afternoons reach a comfortable 16–20°C, but nights fall to about 4°C, and frost is common in the suburbs. Indoor heating is often limited in South African homes, so evenings can feel colder indoors than visitors expect. Dry grass and still air can bring dusty or smoky days.
Spring
September – NovemberTemperatures rise to 23–25°C and the city's jacaranda trees bloom purple in October. The first thunderstorms usually return in October, and rainfall increases steadily through November.
What makes Johannesburg's weather distinctive
Highveld thunderstorms are Johannesburg's signature weather. They tend to build quickly in the afternoon, deliver heavy rain, hail and frequent lightning for half an hour or so, then clear. Lightning is a real hazard on the open plateau, and hail can damage cars, so locals plan outdoor activities for the morning in summer.
The other feature is the large daily temperature range in winter. A sunny 18°C afternoon can be followed by a near-freezing night, which is why layers matter more than a single heavy coat. Snow is rare but not unknown; it fell in parts of the city in 2012 and again in 2023.
Best time to visit Johannesburg
April to September is the best time to visit Johannesburg for dry, sunny weather and clear skies — ideal for city sightseeing and for combining a trip with safaris in nearby parks, where the dry season makes wildlife easier to spot. October is also lovely for the jacarandas. Summer is green and warm, but expect afternoon storms.
What to pack
- A warm jacket and layers for cold winter mornings and nights
- Light clothing for summer days
- A compact umbrella or rain jacket for summer storms
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat — UV is strong at high altitude
- Moisturiser and lip balm for the dry winter air
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Johannesburg?
Rarely. Light snow falls only every few years, most recently in 2023, and it usually melts within a day.
When is the rainy season in Johannesburg?
From October to March, mostly as afternoon thunderstorms. Winters, from May to August, are very dry.
How cold is Johannesburg in winter?
Days are mild at 16–20°C, but nights in June and July fall to about 4°C and frost is common.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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