Johannesburg, South Africa Climate & Monthly Averages

South Africa 🇿🇦 · oceanic climate
Annual avg
61°
Hottest month
December
Coldest month
July
Rainy days / yr
86
Sunshine
10.7 h/day
Right now: 64° and smoky haze - see live conditions

The climate of Johannesburg

Weather in Johannesburg is shaped by its oceanic climate - expect mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. December afternoons typically reach 79°F (26°C), while July highs hover near 63°F (17°C). Annual precipitation averages 23.9 inches (606 mm) over about 86 rainy days.

Climate quick facts

  • Hottest month: December - highs near 79°F (26°C)
  • Coldest month: July - highs near 63°F (17°C)
  • Record high: 97°F (36°C) · Record low: 25°F (-4°C) (2015–2024)
  • Wettest month: January (14 rainy days) · Sunniest: January (11.6 h sun/day)
  • Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall

Temperatures through the year

The warmest stretch of the year centers on December. Highs average 79°F (26°C) and overnight lows stay near 59°F (15°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 63°F (17°C) and lows around 39°F (4°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 97°F (36°C) and dropped as low as 25°F (-4°C).

Rain, sun and snow

January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain over 14 days, while August is the driest. January brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.6 hours of sun a day.

Monthly climate table

Monthly averages for Johannesburg based on 2015–2024 weather data.
MonthHighLow Rain daysPrecipitation SunshineHumidity
January 78° 58° 14 4.6 in 11.6 h/day 66%
February 77° 58° 13 4.1 in 11.0 h/day 68%
March 76° 56° 9 2.4 in 10.7 h/day 65%
April 71° 51° 8 2.2 in 10.1 h/day 65%
May 68° 45° 2 0.6 in 9.8 h/day 54%
June 63° 40° 1 0.3 in 9.8 h/day 51%
July 63° 39° 0 0.1 in 10.2 h/day 46%
August 70° 44° 1 0.1 in 10.6 h/day 40%
September 76° 50° 3 0.5 in 11.2 h/day 39%
October 79° 53° 7 1.5 in 11.1 h/day 46%
November 79° 56° 11 3.0 in 11.5 h/day 56%
December 79° 59° 16 4.3 in 11.3 h/day 64%

Johannesburg month by month

Johannesburg weather in January

January brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 14 wet days - typically the wettest month and the sunniest month of the year in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg weather in February

February brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 13 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in March

March brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 9 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in April

April brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 8 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in May

May brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 2 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in June

June brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 40°F (4°C), about 1 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in July

July brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 0 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg weather in August

August brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 1 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg weather in September

September brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 3 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in October

October brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 7 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in November

November brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 11 wet days.

Johannesburg weather in December

December brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 16 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Johannesburg.

Seasons in Johannesburg

Spring (September through November)

Spring in Johannesburg brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 53°F (12°C); expect showers on roughly 21 days across the season.

Summer (December through February)

Summer in Johannesburg is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 58°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season.

Fall (March through May)

Fall in Johannesburg is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and nights around 51°F (10°C); expect showers on roughly 19 days across the season.

Winter (June through August)

Winter in Johannesburg is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 65°F (18°C) and nights around 41°F (5°C); precipitation is infrequent.

Climate questions, answered

What is the average temperature in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg averages 61°F (16°C) across the year, with typical daytime highs of 73°F (23°C) and nighttime lows around 51°F (10°C).
Is Johannesburg hot in summer?
Only mildly - the December average high is a comfortable 79°F (26°C).
Is Johannesburg cold in winter?
More cool than cold - expect July nights near 39°F (4°C), with real freezes the exception.
How many rainy days does Johannesburg get in a year?
Roughly 86 wet days a year. January carries the most rain; August the least.

Best time to visit Johannesburg

The best time to visit Johannesburg is generally April to September, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 68°F (20°C).

Pack for Johannesburg with rain gear if you travel around January. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - December nights average 59°F (15°C).

Johannesburg temperature records (2015-2024)

Highest recorded
97°
in January
Lowest recorded
25°
in July
Annual precipitation
23.9"
Snowy days / yr
0

Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.