Climate and monthly weather forecast
Soweto, South Africa

Distinguished by the Köppen climate classification as Cwb, Soweto experiences a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. The township, located on the elevated terrain inland of Johannesburg, South Africa, sees quite a noticeable range in temperatures throughout the year. Soweto's annual weather cycle is typically made up of fairly warm to hot summer months and cooler winter months. Coupled with this, the locale exhibits a distinct rainy season and a prolonged dry spell.

Over the calendar year, the difference in temperature is rather conspicuous, with average high temperatures ranging from 16.9°C (62.4°F) in June to 26.4°C (79.5°F) in January. The lower limit of temperature also exhibits a similar trend, descending to 1.2°C (34.2°F) in June and July, and soaring back up to 14.4°C (57.9°F) in January. The precipitation pattern consistently points to a cyclical rhythm, dry winters and rainy summers, with an annual high of 136mm (5.35") in January and a notable dry period with a low around 7mm (0.28") from June to August. In terms of daylight, there is a gradual variation throughout the year, ranging from a minimum of approximately 10.5 hours in June to a maximum of approximately 13.8 hours in December.

Notably, Soweto experiences warm summers and dry winters, a pattern that is attributed to the temperate highland tropical climate. The prevalence of this climatic pattern influences the overall temperature range, periodic rainfall, and the amount of daily sunshine, which altogether make Soweto's climate quite distinctive.

Depending on preferences, the ideal time to visit Soweto may vary. However, an advantageous time to visit would be during the transition months of Spring and Autumn due to pleasant temperatures and moderate rainfall. Specifically, October and November see an increase to comfortable temperatures from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F) and a relatively low rainfall (about 73mm (2.87") to 84mm (3.31")), which might be the optimal period for outdoor activities.

The coldest period, June and July, when the temperatures drop to a lower limit of approximately 1.2°C (34.2°F), might be considered less favorable. Additionally, travelling in summer, specifically in January, may also be challenging due to high temperatures (up to 26.4°C (79.5°F)) with high rainfall (up to 136mm (5.35")), resulting in uncomfortable hot and humid conditions.

The period of September to November heralds the advent of Spring in Soweto. The weather during this period experiences a significant warming trend, with average temperatures increasing from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F). Rainfall also begins to ramp up during these months, from 24mm (0.94") in September to 84mm (3.31") in November, indicating a transition from the dry season to the rainy season. The amount of daylight increases correspondingly from 12 to 13.4 hours.

The sweltering months of Summer in Soweto span December through February. Temperatures during these months peak, with average highs fluctuating between 25°C (77°F) and 26.4°C (79.5°F). This period also marks the zenith of rainfall, with the rainfall amount escalating from 115mm (4.53") in December to 136mm (5.35") in January, before receding back to 101mm (3.98") in February. However, daylight hours remain fairly stable, varying between 13.4 to 13.8 hours, providing ample sunlight.

During the autumn months of March to May, Soweto experiences a gradual cooling trend, with temperatures descending from 24.7°C (76.5°F) in March to 19.6°C (67.3°F) in May. Rainfall also decreases significantly during this period, from 84mm (3.31") to a marginal 20mm (0.79"). Concurrently, daylight hours recede from 12.2 hours in March to about 10.8 hours by May.

June to August mark the winter months in Soweto and it sees the lowest temperatures, dropping to a frigid lower limit of 1.2°C (34.2°F) in June and July. High temperatures also plummet during this period, to reach a yearly minima of 16.9°C (62.4°F) in June. Coinciding with the chill, the rainfall reduces dramatically to a minimal 7mm (0.28") for these three months. Daylight hours reach their annual minimum during this period, hovering around 10.5 to 10.7 hours.

Despite being in the middle of summer, Soweto experiences a significant amount of rainfall in January. The weather remains predominantly hot during the day while the evenings cool down considerably. The heat, paired with the recorded high of 26.4°C (79.5°F) and 136mm (5.35") of rain, attest to this. Weather in January »

As Soweto transitions from January to February, a slight reduction in temperature takes place. Simultaneously, rainfall decreases compared to the previous month, resulting in an overall drier weather pattern. Despite this, nature remains in full swing, as evidenced by the generous daylight periods that barely change. Weather in February »

March in Soweto sees a significant drop in temperatures accompanied by a decrease in rainfall compared to the preceding months. The weather begins to cool down to a certain degree during the day, but the most noticeable impact is the less frequent rainfall. Weather in March »

Entering April, Soweto witnesses a definitive move towards the colder months, with temperatures declining further from March. Rainfall also continues its downward trend, leading to a pronounced reduction in humidity. As the summer heat subsides, the highest temperature drops to 22.1°C (71.8°F), accompanied by 63mm (2.48") of rain. Weather in April »

Mid-autumn in Soweto brings about further cooling and drying up of the weather. The decline in temperature, reflecting in cooler evenings and mornings, suggests the impending arrival of winter. Rainfall becomes increasingly rare, and the city experiences a significant decrease in daily sunshine. Weather in May »

June officially marks the beginning of winter in Soweto. A noticeable chill seeping into the evenings and early mornings signifies this change. The coolest weather of the year starts to set in, with the conditions remaining dry. Daylight begins to increase after reaching its annual low, signaling longer days ahead. Weather in June »

In July, Soweto's winter continues in full swing, characterized by colder nights and limited precipitation. The drop in temperatures, natural beauty of the dry period, and longer daylight hours make for a unique combination. Wintery weather at its peak sees a recorded high temperature of 17.3°C (63.1°F) and a mere 7mm (0.28") of rainfall. Weather in July »

August sees a gradual transition from the cold, dry winter to the relatively warmer spring in Soweto. The city begins to warm up slightly, although nights remain chilly. The noticeable increase in sunlight and temperature are early indicators of the upcoming spring season. Weather in August »

In Soweto, September brings the onset of spring along with an increase in temperature. There's a palpable change in the air as the city starts to shake off its winter chill. Along with warmer weather, the city experiences a significant increase in rainfall compared to the preceding months. Weather in September »

October sees further warming of Soweto's climate in accordance with the advancing spring season. Rainfall escalates substantially compared to the previous month, replenishing the city's greenery. The increase in temperature complements the longer daylight hours, resulting in sunny and inviting days. Weather in October »

November's weather in Soweto is characterized by further heat with an increase in rainfall toward the end of spring. The city continues to warm up, and there is a corresponding increase in rainfall from the previous month. This weather pattern is signified by a high temperature of 25.3°C (77.5°F) and 112mm (4.41") of rain. Weather in November »

The commencement of summer in December brings Soweto's highest temperatures of the year. Simultaneously, the city experiences an upsurge in rainfall, typical of a summer season. The hotter temperatures, combined with a high volume of rain, make for humid conditions. Weather in December »