Worst time to visit Johannesburg
Some months in Johannesburg are clearly tougher for travel — extreme heat, cold, drenching rain, or peak storm season. Here's what to skip.
Months to avoid
| Month | Why |
|---|---|
| January | extremely wet (23 rain days) |
| February | extremely wet (21 rain days) |
| March | extremely wet (19 rain days) |
| April | very wet (14 rain days) |
| November | extremely wet (18 rain days) |
| December | extremely wet (21 rain days) |
What to expect in the worst months
January. 23 rain days out of 31 means roughly 74% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
February. 21 rain days out of 28 means roughly 75% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
March. 19 rain days out of 31 means roughly 61% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
Better times to go
Better months: May (20°C, 5 rain days) · August (21°C, 4 rain days) · September (25°C, 6 rain days)
Better in the same region in January
If you're set on Africa in January, these cities have more comfortable conditions in the same window:
If you still have to go — what to bring
- Wet: Real rain shell (not a "water-resistant" jacket), packable umbrella, dry-bag for electronics, quick-dry layers. Pre-book indoor museums and food halls.
Related Johannesburg guides
The positive counterpart: which months are great and why.