Weather in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant economic hub, is known for its dynamic weather, characterized by mild, sunny days and cool nights, thanks to its high-altitude location on the Highveld at 1,753 meters above sea level. The city experiences distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and dry, cool winters, making it a year-round destination for travelers and residents. Understanding Johannesburg’s weather patterns is essential for planning outdoor activities, business trips, or daily commutes in this bustling metropolis. This evergreen guide provides a detailed overview of the weather in Johannesburg, covering seasonal trends, monthly breakdowns, and practical tips for 2025. Curated with data from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), local climate reports, and traveler insights from platforms like Tripadvisor, this article ensures you’re prepared for the City of Gold’s climate. Whether you’re packing for a safari or navigating Sandton’s urban jungle, here’s everything you need to know about Johannesburg’s weather.

Weather in Johannesburg

Key climate features include:

  • Summer (November–March): Warm (18–26°C), humid, and rainy, with 70% of annual rainfall. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, often with lightning, as Johannesburg is part of South Africa’s “lightning capital.”

  • Winter (June–August): Cool (4–17°C), dry, and sunny, with frost possible in open areas. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 0°C in June and July.

  • Spring (September–October): Mild (10–22°C), with increasing rainfall and blooming jacaranda trees, creating a purple canopy in suburbs like Houghton.

  • Autumn (April–May): Pleasant (8–20°C), with decreasing rainfall and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities.

Humidity averages 60–70% in summer and drops to 40% in winter, while UV levels remain high year-round due to altitude, requiring sunscreen even on cloudy days.

Monthly Weather Breakdown

January

  • Temperature: 15–26°C (avg. high: 26°C, low: 15°C)

  • Rainfall: 125 mm (13 rainy days)

  • Description: Peak summer, with warm days and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity is high (70%), and lightning strikes are common. Pack lightweight clothing, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes for sudden showers.

  • Activities: Indoor attractions like the Apartheid Museum or Sandton City Mall are ideal during rain.

February

  • Temperature: 14–25°C (avg. high: 25°C, low: 14°C)

  • Rainfall: 90 mm (11 rainy days)

  • Description: Still warm and wet, with occasional heatwaves (up to 30°C, as in February 2025). Thunderstorms taper off late in the month. Breathable fabrics and hats are recommended.

  • Activities: Visit Gold Reef City for a mix of indoor and outdoor fun.

March

  • Temperature: 13–24°C (avg. high: 24°C, low: 13°C)

  • Rainfall: 80 mm (10 rainy days)

  • Description: Transition to autumn, with milder temperatures and less frequent rain. Evenings cool down, so bring a light jacket.

  • Activities: Explore the Maboneng Precinct’s open-air markets, which thrive in clearer weather.

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April

  • Temperature: 10–22°C (avg. high: 22°C, low: 10°C)

  • Rainfall: 40 mm (6 rainy days)

  • Description: Pleasant autumn weather with sunny days and crisp nights. Ideal for outdoor activities, with low humidity (50%).

  • Activities: Hike in the Melville Koppies or visit the Johannesburg Botanical Garden.

May

  • Temperature: 7–20°C (avg. high: 20°C, low: 7°C)

  • Rainfall: 15 mm (3 rainy days)

  • Description: Cool and dry, with clear skies and chilly nights. Layered clothing is essential, especially for early mornings.

  • Activities: Enjoy wine tastings in Muldersdrift, where crisp weather enhances the experience.

June

  • Temperature: 4–17°C (avg. high: 17°C, low: 4°C)

  • Rainfall: 5 mm (1 rainy day)

  • Description: Winter begins, with cold nights and sunny days. Frost is possible in open areas like Midrand. Pack warm coats and scarves.

  • Activities: Indoor venues like Montecasino’s theaters are perfect for winter evenings.

July

  • Temperature: 4–17°C (avg. high: 17°C, low: 4°C)

  • Rainfall: 5 mm (1 rainy day)

  • Description: Coldest month, with clear skies and minimal rain. Daytime sun is warm, but nights can dip below 0°C. Warm layers are a must.

  • Activities: Visit the Cradle of Humankind for educational tours in comfortable daytime weather.

August

  • Temperature: 6–19°C (avg. high: 19°C, low: 6°C)

  • Rainfall: 10 mm (2 rainy days)

  • Description: Winter ends, with warming days and cool nights. Early spring blooms begin. Light jackets suffice for evenings.

  • Activities: Explore Soweto’s cultural sites, like the Hector Pieterson Museum, in mild weather.

September

  • Temperature: 9–22°C (avg. high: 22°C, low: 9°C)

  • Rainfall: 20 mm (3 rainy days)

  • Description: Spring arrives, with mild temperatures and occasional showers. Jacarandas bloom, adding vibrancy to suburbs.

  • Activities: Attend outdoor festivals or visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

October

  • Temperature: 11–24°C (avg. high: 24°C, low: 11°C)

  • Rainfall: 50 mm (7 rainy days)

  • Description: Warmer and wetter, with spring showers signaling summer’s approach. Pack versatile clothing for fluctuating weather.

  • Activities: Enjoy rooftop bars in Rosebank, which open as weather warms.

November

  • Temperature: 13–25°C (avg. high: 25°C, low: 13°C)

  • Rainfall: 100 mm (10 rainy days)

  • Description: Summer begins, with warm days and increasing thunderstorms. Humidity rises to 65%. Waterproof gear is essential.

  • Activities: Visit the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, balancing indoor and outdoor stalls.

December

  • Temperature: 14–26°C (avg. high: 26°C, low: 14°C)

  • Rainfall: 110 mm (12 rainy days)

  • Description: Warm and wet, with festive energy. Thunderstorms are frequent but brief. Pack sunscreen and raincoats.

  • Activities: Explore Zoo Lake’s holiday events, ideal for families.

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Extreme Weather and Climate Trends

Johannesburg occasionally faces extreme weather, influenced by its location and global climate shifts:

  • Thunderstorms: Summer storms bring lightning, hail, and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas like Alexandra. SAWS reports 10–15 lightning deaths annually in Gauteng.

  • Heatwaves: February 2025 saw temperatures hit 30°C, increasing water demand and straining infrastructure, per Johannesburg Water reports.

  • Droughts: The 2015–2018 drought reduced Vaal Dam levels, impacting water supply. Climate models predict more frequent dry spells by 2030.

  • Frost: Winter frost in open areas like Midrand can damage crops and affect informal settlements, where heating is limited.

Climate change is intensifying these patterns, with SAWS noting a 0.5°C temperature rise since the 1990s and more erratic rainfall. Residents and visitors should monitor SAWS alerts for severe weather warnings.

Practical Tips for Navigating Johannesburg’s Weather

To make the most of Johannesburg’s climate, follow these tips:

  • Packing Essentials:

    • Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen), waterproof jackets, umbrellas, and sturdy shoes for rain. Sunscreen (SPF 50) and hats are crucial due to high UV levels.

    • Winter: Warm layers (coats, scarves, gloves), especially for nights. Moisturizers combat dry skin caused by low humidity.

    • Spring/Autumn: Versatile clothing (T-shirts, light jackets, jeans) for temperature swings. Sunglasses protect against bright sunlight.

  • Stay Hydrated: Johannesburg’s altitude increases dehydration risk, especially in summer. Carry a reusable water bottle (750 ml recommended).

  • Monitor Weather: Check SAWS (weathersa.co.za) or apps like AccuWeather for daily forecasts, particularly during summer storms.

  • Plan Activities:

    • Summer: Schedule outdoor activities (e.g., hiking in Klipriviersberg) for mornings to avoid afternoon rain. Indoor backups like Constitution Hill are wise.

    • Winter: Maximize daytime sun for visits to places like the Lion & Safari Park. Evening indoor dining in Melville suits cold nights.

  • Driving Safety: Summer rains make roads slippery, especially on the M1. Use low beams in heavy rain and avoid flooded areas, as advised by SAWS.

  • Health Precautions: Apply sunscreen year-round (UV index 8–11) and use insect repellent in summer to prevent mosquito bites, common during wet months.

Best Suburbs for Weather-Dependent Activities

Johannesburg’s suburbs offer unique weather-related advantages:

  • Sandton: Ideal for indoor activities during summer rains, with malls like Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. Winter’s clear skies suit rooftop dining at The San Deck.

  • Melville: Perfect for autumn and spring walks along 7th Street’s cafes, with jacaranda blooms enhancing October visits.

  • Soweto: Winter’s sunny days are great for cycling tours or visiting Vilakazi Street. Summer requires indoor options like the Hector Pieterson Museum.

  • Midrand: Open spaces suit winter outings to Nirox Sculpture Park, but summer storms demand caution due to lightning risks.

  • Rosebank: Year-round appeal, with the Rosebank Sunday Market thriving in autumn and indoor art galleries like Everard Read for rainy days.

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Weather Impacts on Daily Life and Economy

Johannesburg’s weather shapes its lifestyle and industries:

  • Water Supply: Summer heatwaves, like February 2025’s, increase demand, straining Johannesburg Water’s infrastructure, with 37% of water lost to leaks, per 2024 reports.

  • Agriculture: Winter frost and summer droughts affect Gauteng’s maize and vegetable farms, raising food prices, as noted by AgriSA.

  • Tourism: Spring and autumn attract visitors for mild weather, boosting sites like the Cradle of Humankind. Summer rains deter outdoor safaris, shifting focus to indoor museums.

  • Construction: Rain delays projects in summer, while winter’s dry conditions accelerate building, per industry reports.

  • Public Health: Summer mosquitoes increase malaria risk in nearby areas, though Johannesburg’s altitude limits this. Winter’s dry air exacerbates respiratory issues, per local clinics.

How to Stay Safe During Extreme Weather

Johannesburg’s weather can pose risks, so take these precautions:

  • Thunderstorms: Stay indoors during lightning storms, avoiding open fields or tall trees, as SAWS advises. Unplug electronics to prevent surge damage.

  • Heatwaves: Wear hats, drink 2–3 liters of water daily, and avoid midday sun (11 AM–3 PM). Check on vulnerable neighbors, like the elderly.

  • Flooding: Avoid driving through flooded roads, common in Alexandra. Follow SAWS alerts for flash flood warnings.

  • Frost: Use heaters safely in informal settlements to prevent fires, a concern raised by Johannesburg EMS in 2024.

  • Travel Safety: Use Uber or Gautrain during heavy rain to avoid risky public transport, especially in the CBD.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s weather in 2025 offers a dynamic mix of sunny winters, rainy summers, and mild transitional seasons, shaped by its high-altitude subtropical climate. With temperatures ranging from 4°C in July to 26°C in January, and 713 mm of rainfall mostly in summer, the city demands versatile planning. Pack for sun and rain, monitor SAWS forecasts, and choose activities wisely—indoor museums for summer showers, outdoor hikes for autumn’s clarity. Suburbs like Sandton and Melville cater to weather-dependent plans, while safety measures ensure comfort during storms or heatwaves. By understanding seasonal patterns and preparing for extremes, residents and visitors can thrive in the City of Gold. For real-time updates, visit weathersa.co.za or follow SAWS on social media, and embrace Johannesburg’s climate with confidence.