Johannesburg when to go?
Summer also draws festive holidaymakers to Joburg in droves, sending accommodation prices sky high. Therefore, March through November is a cheaper and less crowded time to travel. If you’re interested in Johannesburg’s cultural side, you may want to schedule your trip around one of the city’s many annual events or festivals instead. Read on for our season-by-season recommendations.
Johannesburg’s southern hemisphere location means that its seasons are opposite from what visitors from North America and Europe are used to. Summer lasts from December to February and is characterized by hot days, frequent afternoon thunderstorms and plenty of rain. Winter (June to August) sees mild, dry days with abundant sunshine and chilly nights. Having said that, Johannesburg is rarely cold by northern hemisphere standards. The last time it snowed was in August 2012 and it was enough of a phenomenon to make national news. If you plan on traveling in summer, make sure to pack your sunscreen as Johannesburg ranks highly on the international UV Index.
Despite the fact that weather-wise, the best time to travel is from May to September, Johannesburg is at its busiest in December and January. At this time, schoolchildren have broken up for their long summer holidays and people travel from all over South Africa to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their families. At this time, hotels, restaurants, tours and domestic flights are all more expensive and top Johannesburg attractions like Gold Reef City and Constitution Hill are at their most crowded.
South African schools also have holidays around Easter time, towards the end of June/beginning of July and around the last week of September. Dates change from one year to the next, so check the official school calendar before booking your trip if avoiding crowds is a priority. Because most overseas visitors limit their time in Johannesburg to transfers in and out of O.R. Tambo International Airport, the city is not as busy during the northern hemisphere summer holidays (June to August) as other South African destinations.
Summer is the hottest and most humid time of year in Johannesburg with average maximum temperatures of 79 F/26 C in January. January also sees an average of four inches of precipitation, making it the wettest month as well — although rainfall is usually confined to brief afternoon showers. This is peak season in Joburg and you should make sure to book accommodation and tours well in advance.
On the plus side, the soaring temperatures provide a welcome respite from the northern hemisphere winter and the atmosphere is decidedly festive. Keep an eye out for Christmas markets and events as well as a full spectrum of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Public holidays include December 16 (the Day of Reconciliation), December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day).
Events to check out:
Fall in Johannesburg is defined by near-perfect weather. It’s drier than summer and warmer than winter — although temperatures vary greatly as the season progresses, with average maximums of 75 F/24 C in March to 64 F/18 C in May. To be on the safe side, pack for warm days and cooler nights. Shoulder season rates also mean you’ll be able to save money and attractions are far less crowded than they are in summer.
This is also the season with the most public holidays including March 21 (Human Rights Day), April 27 (Freedom Day) and May 1 (Workers’ Day). Good Friday and Easter Monday are also designated as public holidays, although Easter Monday is known as Family Day in South Africa. The run-up to Easter is usually full of farmers’ markets and open-air concerts and you’ll be able to join the locals in making the most of the last warm weather before winter.
Events to check out:
Winter is the coldest time of year in Johannesburg with average maximum temperatures peaking at 61 F/16 C in July and average minimum temperatures plunging to 41 F/5 C at night. However, this season is also the driest and sunniest, crowds are at an absolute minimum and you’ll pay low season rates for hotels and other amenities. It’s a great time to travel for those on a budget and for anyone who doesn’t like heat or humidity.
Public holidays for this season include August 9 (Women’s Day) and June 16 (Youth Day). Youth Day marks the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising of 1976, when apartheid police opened fire on protesting students in the Johannesburg township of Soweto. As such, it’s a particularly poignant time to visit apartheid landmarks including the Apartheid Museum, Mandela House and of course, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum.
Events to check out:
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Johannesburg because it coincides with the annual flowering of the city’s jacaranda trees. The best places to see the purple blooms include Munro Drive in Houghton and Jameson and Victoria Avenues in Melrose. September and October are also prime months for game-viewing in nearby Pilanesberg National Park because natural water sources are depleted, causing animals to gravitate to the waterholes where they’re easier to spot.
The weather gets increasingly warm and wet as the season progresses. While September sees an average of 1.06 inches of precipitation, November sees an average of 4.61 inches. If you’re traveling towards the end of spring, make sure to pack a raincoat. There is only one public holiday during this time: September 24. Although it’s officially Heritage Day, many South Africans regard it as Braai Day — an excuse to fire up the grill and invite friends and family over for steak and boerewors.
Events to check out:
If there’s one country that has it all, it is South Africa. The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. Winter mornings and nights are cold. May and September are wonderful because it is less cold and, especially in September, the wildlife viewing is excellent. South Africa makes a year-round destination. Occupying the tip of the continent, this spectacular nation possesses a rich diversity and balance of urban splendour and wholesome nature, adrenaline rushes and tranquil moments, luxurious escapades and bargain experiences.
The country is blessed with an ever-changing landscape across its 9 provinces, reflected in its varied climatic zones. The Western and Eastern Cape follow the spectacular coastline, Northern Cape bleeds into the semi-arid Kalahari Desert, the ocean meets the mountains in KwaZulu Natal, while the North-West and its surrounding regions take you into the wild. Still, the country remains predominantly sunny, with a warm summer, mild winter and quick transitional spring and autumn seasons. Whether you’re looking for beaches, wildlife, culture, cities or mountains, this guide on the best time to visit South Africa lets you plan the perfect trip, with a look at the annual weather and experiences from across the country.
Peak Season - South Africa welcomes most of its visitors during the summer months, from November to March, given its location in the southern hemisphere. This is the season when beaches are most packed, and the cities are most alive.
Shoulder Season - Spring and autumn are the two shoulder seasons for tourism in South Africa, during which plenty of tourists still flock its shores and parks. In fact, many prefer these months between March to May and September to November.
Low Season - Winters are generally considered the low tourist season, between May to September, although it is the ideal weather for certain regions, and so remains an active season for tourists to visit.
Disclaimer — These seasons, temperatures and climatic conditions are estimates and may vary.
Temperature - Summers in South Africa bring dry or wet weather, hot or humid temperatures, depending on where you are. Generally speaking, the temperatures stay within the comfortable 25-27 °C range.
Weather - While the coasts are hot and sunny, the regions up north can witness frequent thunderstorms. Weather in the Western and Eastern Cape can be best described as ocean bliss (almost Mediterranean like). While Kruger and KwaZulu Natal see the bush transform into lush greenery, with rainfall and sunshine taking turns to bless the earth in the same day.
Significance - This is peak season for a reason! Spectacular Cape Town, the picturesque Winelands, the enchanting Garden Route, birding and birthing season in Kruger National Park — South African summers offer the perfect blend of culture, pleasure, wildlife and adventure. From beach-only vacations to self-drive getaways, romantic escapades to family safari days, this is a season that lets you fulfil any dream holiday in the sparkling rainbow nation.
Things to know before the visit - Whale watching tours continue till November, so be sure to book yourself a seat if you are visiting during this time. January is a great time to check out the Battlefields of Natal, as it is the anniversary of two significant battles. Festivals such as Up The Creek and We Love Summer, are highlight events of the season that make for great experiences.
Tips - Local holidays in December see South Africa at its busiest, with tourism also at its peak. Any summer tour must be booked in advance to catch the most popular activities and attractions. This is a generally hot and dry season so pack light clothes that will keep you cool. For the wildlife regions, some rain protection is must.
Temperature - The heat of the summer makes way for autumnal cool, making daytime temperatures a very enjoyable 20-23 °C.
Weather - The weather stays warm across most of South Africa, and the rain in the north begins to subside. Periods of wind add a cooling touch to the air, which is crisp and clear. The rivers and lakes of the bush are filled to the brim, while the coasts continue to play host to sun chasers.
Significance - The short transition from summer to winter offers travellers two months of great weather and even better activities, without the rush of peak season. There’s no better time to combine a visit to different regions — Cape Town and the Garden Route is much more relaxed and still idyllically sunny, the Winelands are in full harvest season, wildlife spotting is on the rise at national parks like Kruger and Madikwe, while the spectacular Kalahari is at its greenest, offering fine views of the Savannah.
Things to know before the visit - South Africa’s incredible wildlife experiences truly come alive in the autumn. But it’s not just the perfect conditions for safari rides that one can enjoy. It is also one of the best times to go hiking around the Drakensberg Mountain, attend the once-in-a-lifetime AfrikaBurn Festival in Tankwa Karoo National Park, and relax at the Cape Winelands Harvest Festivals around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Tips - If you plan to attend any of the festivals or events, do book your tickets in advance. Look for deals on stay and travel in and around Cape Town, as the rush of peak season reduces. Pack a jacket, as the bright days can quickly turn to windy or chilly nights.
Temperature - Cool winters take over South Africa between the months of May and September, though the sun is never too far away from showing its face. Average day temperatures sit between 10-15°C.
Weather - Unlike other winter holidays you might have gone on, the weather here remains pleasant with chilly spells and plenty of sunlight to bask in. The rains have subsided, except for an odd shower here and there — never enough to dampen plans.
Significance - One hesitates to call this a low season of tourism in South Africa, considering how spectacular the conditions are for a host of wildlife experiences, from big game spotting at Kruger and Phinda, to whale watching off the coast of Hermanus. The famous Drakensberg Mountain and Elephant Coast are also great spots for a winter visit, with milder climate and a thrilling list of activities to stay engaged.
Things to know before the visit - With the bush drying up as the season progresses, animals flock to the watering holes, making them easy to spot. That’s one of the main reasons why tourists love a winter tour of South Africa. Apart from the safaris, the wildflowers of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and events such as the J-Bay Open Surf Competition are big attractions.
Tips - Pack comfortable daywear as well as a few layers to keep yourself warm when temperatures drop. Since this is the lowest tourist season, book early for great deals on travel and accommodation.
Temperature - Expect pleasant springtime temperatures if you are visiting between September and November, at an average of around 14-16°C.
Weather - Spring sees some cold days and others quite warm, especially as the season progresses. However, this is picture-perfect weather for both indoor and outdoor activities, across the vastly different regions of the country.
Significance - There are countless reasons to plan a spring visit to South Africa, including witnessing the famed Flowers of Namaqualand, escaping into the blossoming desert around the Cederberg Mountains, chilling out Cape Winelands, going whale watching in Hermanus. The only drawback is that the increasing heat around the wildlife regions of Kruger and beyond, tend to put off visitors. However, if you can bear the weather, the chances of sightings are high.
Things to know before the visit - Spring sees the start of festival season, with attractions such as Rockin’ the Daisies music and lifestyle fest just beyond Cape Town, Durban International Blues Festival, Hermanus Whale Festival and the Street Food Festival in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These are great experiences to add memorable moments to your tour.
Tips - South Africa can actually get quite packed in the months of spring, so early bookings are advised. Do carry some warm layers, just in case you chance upon a cold day.
The best times to visit Johannesburg are from March to May and September to November. During these low season months, crowds lessen, prices drop and the weather is relatively warm and dry.
