Quick Answer: The Best Time to Visit Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a surprisingly pleasant climate: warm summers with late-afternoon storms, crisp sunny winters and comfortable shoulder seasons.
The best time to visit Johannesburg is generally March–May and September–November. You get mild days, less rain and very comfortable conditions for exploring the city.
- Best overall months: March–May, September–November
- Cheapest months: February, May, August
- Busy periods: December holidays, Easter, July school holidays and big event weekends
- Best for outdoor exploring: April–May, September–October
- Best for budget trips: February, August, early May
- Most unpredictable weather: December–January (heat and storms)
Johannesburg by Season
Summer (December – February)
- Weather: Warm to hot with afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime highs often around 26–30°C.
- Vibe: Busy malls, active nightlife and lots of events, especially over the festive season.
- Prices: Higher around Christmas, New Year and school holidays.
- Best for: Nightlife, shopping, restaurants and New Year's celebrations.
Good if: You don't mind occasional storms and prefer a lively city feel.
Autumn (March – May)
- Weather: Mild, dry and very comfortable. Some of the best temperatures of the year.
- Vibe: Relaxed but active – ideal for sightseeing and outdoor dining.
- Prices: Often good value, especially for midweek trips.
- Best for: First-time visitors, families and anyone who wants stable weather.
This is one of the top times to visit Johannesburg.
Winter (June – August)
- Weather: Dry and sunny with cold mornings and evenings. Daytime highs around 16–20°C.
- Vibe: Clear blue skies and crisp air almost every day.
- Prices: Frequently lower, making winter a smart choice for budget travellers.
- Best for: Safari day trips, hiking and photography with clear skies.
Note: You'll need layers, but winter days in Johannesburg often feel warmer than the temperature suggests.
Spring (September – November)
- Weather: Warming up again with colourful jacarandas in bloom and long sunny days.
- Vibe: Outdoor events, markets and a busy social calendar.
- Prices: Reasonable, rising slightly closer to December.
- Best for: Photographers, lifestyle travellers and anyone who enjoys outdoorsy city breaks.
Another excellent time to explore Johannesburg.
Month-by-Month Weather & Travel in Johannesburg
Here's an at-a-glance look at Johannesburg through the year.
January
Hot, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Busy around New Year and back-to-school shopping.
February
Warm but with fewer storms than January. Often one of the cheaper months to fly.
March
Mild days and cooler evenings. Great for outdoor exploring and city sightseeing.
April
Comfortable temperatures and many public holidays. Easter can be a bit busier.
May
Dry, sunny and crisp. Excellent for city walks, rooftop drinks and markets.
June
Mid-winter. Cold mornings and nights, but bright sunny days with clear skies.
July
Similar to June, with school holidays bringing more local family travel.
August
End of winter: still dry, sometimes windy, but a very good month for cheaper flights.
September
Spring begins; jacarandas start to bloom, and temperatures climb.
October
Warm, lively and great for being outdoors. Occasional early thunderstorms.
November
Hotter days and more frequent storms, but still more affordable than December.
December
Festive, busy and sometimes stormy. Expect higher prices over the holidays.
Cheapest Months for Flights to Johannesburg
Domestic trips into Johannesburg are often cheapest in:
- February
- May
- August
- Early November
More expensive periods include mid-December to early January, Easter, big event weekends and some school holidays.
Money-saving tips:
- Look for midweek flights from Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha.
- Consider off-peak times of day (very early or late departures).
- Book earlier if you're travelling for a major concert, sports match or conference.
Once you know when you're travelling, you can compare real-time fares on the VistaVoyage Flights page.
Events, Festivals & Peak Periods in Johannesburg
A few examples of times when Johannesburg can feel busier (and more expensive) than usual:
- Rand Show: Big expo in April that draws crowds.
- Major concerts and sports events: International tours, derbies and finals can push up hotel rates.
- Soweto Marathon: Usually in November, with many visitors heading into the city.
- Jacaranda season (Joburg & Pretoria): Late September to early November.
If you're flexible, check dates around these events for potentially lower prices.
Best Time to Visit Johannesburg (By Travel Style)
- Best time for outdoor exploring: April–May, September–October.
- Best time for families: March–April and September (outside the busiest holiday weeks).
- Best time for couples: May, October and November.
- Best time for budget travellers: February, August and early May.
- Best time for nightlife: December–March.
- Best time for photographers: September–November (jacarandas) and June–August (clear winter skies).
Weather & Safety Tips for Johannesburg
- Storms: In summer, expect late-afternoon thunderstorms. Carry a light jacket or umbrella if you're out all day.
- Sun: At higher altitude, the sun feels strong even in winter. Sunscreen is still important.
- Temperature swings: Winter mornings and nights can be very cold compared to the daytime; pack layers.
- Safety: Use trusted e-hailing services, keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone in quiet areas at night.
Where to Stay in Johannesburg
Johannesburg has distinct neighbourhoods with different vibes. Popular areas include:
- Sandton: Business hub with major malls, hotels and a safe, upmarket feel.
- Rosebank: Trendy, walkable and great for restaurants, markets and galleries.
- Melrose Arch: Secure, modern mixed-use precinct with dining and nightlife.
- Fourways / Montecasino: Good for families who want entertainment and a resort-like feel.
Once you've picked your area, you can use the VistaVoyage Hotels page to compare Johannesburg stays.