- Temperature
- 4–27°C
Updated September 2026 · Sources cited: weather-and-climate.com, weather-atlas.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Afternoon thunderstorms in summer (Dec–Feb) are intense but short-lived (1–2 hours), usually passing by evening.
- Winter mornings are cold (3–4°C) despite mild daytime temperatures; pack layers that peel off easily.
- Best for outdoor activities: March–May (autumn) and September–October (spring). October features 70,000 blooming jacaranda trees throughout northern suburbs.
- High UV index in summer (12); winter UV is milder (5). Use sunscreen year-round due to altitude and equatorial proximity.
- Air quality declines in winter months (June–July) due to temperature inversions trapping pollutants; consider this if sensitive to haze.
Peak Month
- Month
- January
Daytime High
- Celsius
- 27
- Fahrenheit
- 81
Nighttime Low
- Celsius
- 16
- Fahrenheit
- 61
Off Peak Month
- Month
- June
Daytime High
- Celsius
- 16
- Fahrenheit
- 61
Nighttime Low
- Celsius
- 4
- Fahrenheit
- 39
Humidity
Highest in January–February (68–70%), lowest in August–September (34–46%).
Johannesburg enjoys a subtropical highland climate tempered by altitude (1,700 m). Summers (November–March) are pleasantly warm with afternoon thunderstorms; winters (June–August) are mild and sunny during the day with cold nights. The city receives about 779–832 mm of rain annually, concentrated October–March.
Snowfall
Very rare. Light snow occasionally falls in early mornings during cold snaps, but accumulation is uncommon. Last significant events: June 2007 and August 2012.
Sunshine
Abundant year-round: ~3,100 hours annually. July sunniest (284 hours/month), February cloudiest (225 hours/month).
Best Months
April, May, September, October. Mild temperatures (19–25°C), low rainfall, excellent visibility for sightseeing.
Worst Months
December–February (hot, humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms) and June–July (cold nights 3–4°C, though dry and sunny during day).
Rainfall Pattern
Summer rainy season (October–March) features dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that typically pass within 1–2 hours. December is wettest (140 mm). Winter (May–September) is dry; July driest (3.6 mm).
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Johannesburg
Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.