Johannesburg in January
In January, Johannesburg averages 26°C (78°F) during the day and 15°C (58°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (120 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Johannesburg, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Johannesburg
January is one of the warmest months in Johannesburg (3rd of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (23°C). January runs roughly the same as December (25°C) and cools 1°C in February (25°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Johannesburg
Times shown for Johannesburg local time (Africa/Johannesburg), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Johannesburg — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Johannesburg's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Johannesburg in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (High season) and Johannesburg's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Johannesburg
This is a busy month in Johannesburg — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Southern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Johannesburg
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Johannesburg in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 78°F | 15°C / 58°F | 120 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 58°F | 107 mm | 21 | — |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 76 mm | 19 | — |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 10°C / 50°F | 50 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 20°C / 67°F | 7°C / 45°F | 16 mm | 5 | — |
| June | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 40°F | 6 mm | 3 | — |
| July | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 38°F | 4 mm | 3 | — |
| August | 21°C / 69°F | 7°C / 44°F | 5 mm | 4 | — |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 10°C / 50°F | 12 mm | 6 | — |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 53°F | 47 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 26°C / 78°F | 13°C / 56°F | 81 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 25°C / 78°F | 15°C / 58°F | 127 mm | 21 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Johannesburg in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Johannesburg in January?
In January, Johannesburg averages a high of 26°C (78°F) and a low of 15°C (58°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Johannesburg in January?
January is quite rainy in Johannesburg, with about 23 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Johannesburg?
January is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Johannesburg in January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Johannesburg for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.