Johannesburg, South Africa: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Located in the southern hemisphere, Johannesburg experiences seasons on the opposite schedule of American and European calendars. (Winter occurs in June, July, and August, while December and January are the heart of summer.) The city is located on South Africa's eastern plateau at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet. Johannesburg weather is characteristic of a subtropical highland climate: the days are dry and full of sunshine, generally speaking, thanks to the city's high altitude.

Summer: The temperature regularly hits 80 degrees F on January afternoons The average temperature is 72 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 4.5 inches.

Fall: Crisp weather, sunny days, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm characterize Johannesburg weather in fall. The average temperature is 62 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 2.2 inches.

Winter: Johannesburg weather may be chilly in winter, but the sun shines nearly everyday and there's little precipitation. Highs stay up in the 50s, and temperatures regularly dip down into the 20s at night, creating frost. Snow is unlikely. The average temperature is 55 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 0.2 inches.

Spring: April is still cold, like winter, but May and June are warm and sunny in Johannesburg. The average temperature is 70 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3 inches.

Looking for local weather reports? Try the Saturday Star (www.thestar.co.za).

When to Go: Peak Season
Summertime is delightful in Johannesburg. It's important to note, of course, that summer starts in early December and lasts through February, as South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere. Temperatures climb into the 90s on some summer afternoons, but in general, the days are sunny and comfortable. Outdoor music performances and ethnic festivals enliven city streets, and tourists head to the parks, gardens, and caverns. Tourists and locals alike stand in line for tables at outdoor cafes and restaurants, though you'll be up against slightly smaller crowds in December, when many Johannesburg residents flee the city for their own summer vacations.

When to Go: Off Season
April to September are Johannesburg's winter and off season. Even though it doesn't rain much and the sun shines brightly, winds can be icy cold and neither tourists or locals linger for long on the city sidewalks. The city still sees a good number of tourists from Europe and the US, as the seasons are opposite and many visitors are traveling on their summer vacations, but in general you'll find more affordable rates at hotels and inns about town. The off season is a great time to visit the Apartheid Museum and the Origins Centre, though you'll be sharing space with traveling student groups.

When to Go: Shoulder Season
Spring and fall (September through November and April through June, respectively) are usually temperate and lovely in Johannesburg. The spring season is slow to start, but as the days warm up and the jacaranda trees begin to bloom, more and more locals take to the streets for outdoor events like the annual Arts Alive festival in April. These months often bring sudden afternoon thunderstorms that bring bursts of rain to the city's greenery; these usually don't affect sightseeing much, as the storms are quick to blow through. Hotel rates are often slightly discounted from their peak season rate during these shoulder seasons, and tourists often have a wider selection to choose from.

• Sun

   

  Rain

  82  61

• Mon

   

  Showers

  70  53

• Tue

   

  Scattered Thunder- storms

  80  53

• Wed

   

  Showers

  75  56

• Thu

   

  Scattered Showers

  82  56

• Fri

   

  Scattered Thunder- storms

  81  59

• Sat

   

  Scattered Thunder- storms

  81  59

Get more information on Johannesburg weather.