Johannesburg

Johannesburg Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Johannesburg.

Climate overview of Johannesburg

You will always experience pleasant temperatures in Johannesburg. It has a subtropical highland climate and winter is sunny and mild. Summers are warm and get pretty wet. During summer it usually does not get any warmer than 30°C (86°F) and in winter temperatures are most days higher than 16°C (61°F). During the night it can cool off quite a bit.

Johannesburg Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Johannesburg — and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Johannesburg

In Johannesburg, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 27°C (81°F) in January to a pleasant 20°C (68°F) in July.

Nighttime temperatures range from 16°C (61°F) in January to 4°C (39°F) in July.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Johannesburg

On average, Johannesburg receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 779 mm (31 in). The seasons in Johannesburg bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives high rainfall, with an average of 140 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 14 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 3.6 mm (0.1 in) over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Johannesburg Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Johannesburg

Johannesburg enjoys sunny spells year-round. July sees up to 9.5 hours of daily sunshine, perfect for a sunny trip. February, the least sunny month, still offers a generous 7.5 hours of sun despite this cloudier time of the year.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Humidity in Johannesburg by Month

Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

What sets Johannesburg apart is its consistently pleasant climate year-round, maintaining comfortable temperatures between 20°C (67°F) and 27°C (80°F) in every single month. While you can visit anytime, the driest periods offer the most favorable conditions.

With rainfall ranging from 4 mm (0.2 in) to 140 mm (5.5 in), the drier months like July are particularly ideal for exploring.

Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Johannesburg

What is the best time to visit Johannesburg?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Johannesburg. In contrast, January, February, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Johannesburg has a distinct dry season from May to September.

What temperatures can I expect in Johannesburg?

Daytime highs range from 20°C (68°F) in July to 27°C (81°F) in January. Nighttime lows range from 4°C (39°F) to 16°C (61°F).

How much rain does Johannesburg get?

Annual rainfall is around 779 mm (31 in). December is the wettest month with 140 mm (5.5 in), while July is the driest with 3.6 mm (0.1 in).

How sunny is Johannesburg?

Johannesburg receives around 3,126 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 284 hours, while February is the cloudiest with just 225 hours. Overall, Johannesburg enjoys abundant sunshine.

Johannesburg 3-Day Forecast

Johannesburg 3-Day Forecast

Johannesburg on the map

Johannesburg is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.

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