The climate of Johannesburg
Boasting a Köppen climate classification of "Cwb",
Johannesburg claims a Temperate Highland Tropical Climate with dry winters. It settles roughly at an altitude of 1,753 meters above sea level and located by 26.2041°S latitude, 28.0473°E longitude.
Over the course of a year, temperatures constantly present significant variations. Highs follow a semi-cyclical pattern, reaching a peak of 25.6°C (78.1°F) in
January, dwindling to 16°C (60.8°F) in
June, and climbing back to 25.2°C (77.4°F) in
December. Lows oscillate likewise, peaking at 14.7°C (58.5°F) in January, down to 4.1°C (39.4°F) in June and
July, and returning to 13.9°C (57°F) in December.
Humidity ranges from a maximum level of 70% in
February, dips down to 46% between
August and
September, and steadily climbs back up to 69% by January. Rainfall displays an inverse relationship with humidity, soaring to an annual high of 125mm (4.92") in January, plunges to an annual low of 4mm (0.16") in July, then journeys back upwards to 105mm (4.13") by December.
The city basks in ample daylight throughout the year, ranging from 10.5 hours in June up to 13.8 hours by December. Meanwhile, the sunshine hours remain fairly consistent averaging above 8 hours per day, with slightly more hours recorded in the middle months. UV Index fluctuates between a low of 5 during winter and escalates to a maximum of 12 during summer, signifying a high protection caution.
The best time to visit Johannesburg
The favourable time to explore
Johannesburg is from
September to
April. During these months, daily high temperatures reach 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F), with the daily sunshine stretch of around 9 hours. The UV Index hits low-to-moderate levels, assuring less risk of sunburn. Rainfall remains minimal, especially between September and
November, permitting outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Johannesburg
The unfavourable season to visit
Johannesburg would be in the colder months, namely
May through to
August. The weather phenomenon is dominated by lower temperatures, diving to lows of 4.1°C (39.4°F). Coupled with relatively higher rainfall in May and decreased daylight hours, this period may not be ideal for traveller who seek outdoor adventures.
Spring weather in Johannesburg
Following the cold winter, spring ushers in pleasantly warmer temperatures, rising from lows of 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 9.3°C (48.7°F) and highs from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) between
August and
October. Steadily increasing daylight hours and consistent sunshine assure delightful days, while the relative humidity level ascends from 46% to 56%. Rain invades mildly with the monthly average from 6mm (0.24") to 27mm (1.06").
Summer weather in Johannesburg
Signified by the onset of
December, the summer in
Johannesburg exhibits high temperatures, reaching an enviable 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F). Decent daylight hours abound, from 13.4 to 13.8 hours, in combination with bountiful sunshine averaging about 8 hours. The city experiences increased rainfall, up to 125mm (4.92") in
January, and relative humidity levels regularly hover around 69% - 70%, making it slightly humid.
Autumn weather in Johannesburg
Autumn ushers in a transition period,
March to
May. The temperatures exhibit a steady decline from highs of 24°C (75.2°F) to 18.9°C (66°F) and lows from 13.1°C (55.6°F) to 7.2°C (45°F). The increased daylight hours, ticking around 10.8 to 12.2 hours, ensure amply lit days. However, rainfall soars to 91mm (3.58") in March, before plummeting to a low of 13mm (0.51") by May.
Winter weather in Johannesburg
Winter, which runs from
June to
August, sees the temperature hover around lows of 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 6.2°C (43.2°F) and highs of 16°C (60.8°F) to 19.4°C (66.9°F). It's also the driest period in
Johannesburg, with rainfall at its barest minimum, 4mm (0.16") to 6mm (0.24"). Despite reduced daylight hours, the city boasts about 9 hours of sunshine. The UV Index is also at its mildest, making winter a safe haven from the scorching sun.
Weather in January
January in
Johannesburg,
South Africa, experiences summer to its fullest, with the highest UV index of 12 throughout the year. Humidity levels show a significant increase this month, resulting in mornings filled with dew. Visitors and locals can expect intermittent rainfall, a common feature of summer months in Africa, creating a pleasant coolness in the afternoon hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Johannesburg's weather remains comparatively consistent with that of
January. With the humidity levels remaining high, the city enjoys mild mornings filled with fresh summer vibes. Though rainfall lessens, it remains a common occurrence averaging a still significant 90mm (3.54").
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals an onset of the autumn season in
Johannesburg, with a subtle cooling commencing in weather conditions. With lesser frequency and amount of rainfall, dry days become more common, creating bright, crystal clear skies throughout the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings further changes to
Johannesburg's climate, introducing welcome freshness to the city's weather. With rainfall amounts dwindling to just 54mm (2.13"), April experiences a considerable decrease from the previous month, marking the beginning of the city's dry season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in a significant transition in weather conditions in
Johannesburg, as winter begins to encroach upon the city. Rainfall drops substantially this month, falling from 54mm (2.13") to a mere 13mm (0.51"), exemplifying the aridity of the coming winter months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June represents the heart of winter in
Johannesburg, with a marked drop in temperatures. Alongside the cooled temperatures, June observes the minimum levels of humidity and rainfall, with precipitation measuring just 9mm (0.35"). Despite the chill, residents continue to enjoy the city's winter sun, crystal clear skies, and longer sunlit hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the winter spell in
Johannesburg, with temperatures reflecting the chill of the season. Rainfall touches the yearly low, measuring an insignificant 4mm (0.16"), indicating virtually arid conditions throughout. Due to the decreased humidity and rainfall, the city enjoys bright, clear skies and plentiful sunshine.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Johannesburg signals the end of the winter season and the onset of spring. The return of slightly milder weather begins with a gradual increase in temperatures. With an insignificant increase in rainfall to 6mm (0.24"), the weather continues to stay predominantly dry and clear.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the arrival of spring in
Johannesburg, bringing noticeable climatic changes. With the rainfall gradually increasing to 27mm (1.06"), September provides relief from the dry conditions of the past months. The temperature too sees a moderate spike, adding to the pleasantness of the season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Johannesburg,
October experiences the full swing of spring, showing a significant increase in temperatures and rainfall. The precipitation rises to 72mm (2.83"), a substantial increase from the 27mm (1.06") recorded in
September.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Johannesburg showcases the passing spring season and the arrival of early summer. The city sees another increase in rainfall reaching 117mm (4.61"), coupled with a surge in humidity. November provides ideal weather conditions to witness Johannesburg in all its liveliness and colour.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes summer in
Johannesburg, accompanied by a further rise in temperatures and continued high precipitation of 105mm (4.13"). The sun blazes down, with the UV index hitting the top of the scale. The heightened humidity offers a tropical charm to the city's appeal, while the extended daylight hours maximize time for outdoor activities.
Weather in December » [Resources]