🇿🇦 Cape Town vs Johannesburg 🇿🇦

Cape Town, South Africa vs Johannesburg, South Africa — a side-by-side climate comparison to help you pick. Johannesburg is the warmer of the two — about 1 degree warmer on average across the year. Cape Town is drier, with roughly 61 fewer rainy days a year.

Climate at a glance

🇿🇦 Cape Town🇿🇦 Johannesburg
Avg annual high22°C23°C
Hottest monthFebruary (27°C)October (26°C)
Coldest monthJuly (7°C low)July (4°C low)
Rainy days / year89150
SnowRareRare
Best months to visitApril, October, NovemberMay, August, September

🇿🇦 Cape Town

Best around April, October, November. Hottest in February (27°C), coldest lows in July (7°C).

🇿🇦 Johannesburg

Best around May, August, September. Hottest in October (26°C), coldest lows in July (4°C).

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Town or Johannesburg warmer?

Johannesburg is warmer overall, averaging about 1 degree higher across the year.

Which is rainier, Cape Town or Johannesburg?

Johannesburg is rainier — Cape Town sees about 61 fewer rainy days per year.

When is the best time to visit Cape Town vs Johannesburg?

Cape Town is best around April, October, November; Johannesburg is best around May, August, September.

Not sure? Find your ideal destination by climate →