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At a glance

  • Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, which illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s troubled past and chronicles the struggle towards democracy
  • Urban renewal projects like Maboneng and Newtown boast some of the best restaurants, bars and art galleries in Johannesburg
  • Visit Vilakazi Street in Soweto and the former homes of two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
  • Visit Freedom Park, the Voortrekker Monument and other historical sites in South Africa’s handsome administrative centre, Pretoria

Overview

Johannesburg, known also as the ‘City of Gold’, has much to offer visitors, from an insight into the country’s troubled history and apartheid past, to trendy neighbourhoods like Maboneng, which boasts countless cafes, restaurants and art galleries.

When to visit

  • January
    29ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    126mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is the peak of the summer season with hot days interspersed with spectacular thunderstorms that usually occur in the afternoons.
  • February
    29ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    107mm
    Average Rainfall
    As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot with notable rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon. The moody skies make for some excellent photography.
  • March
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    91mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures start to cool from the height of the summer season. It's still hot during the day but evenings and early mornings are cooler,
  • April
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    14ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    51mm
    Average Rainfall
    Days are still warm, dry and clear throughout the country, making it a good time to visit. Evenings are early mornings are cool.
  • May
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    14mm
    Average Rainfall
    May heralds the end of the summer season in South Africa, with the onset of cooler weather. However, it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evenings and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, however daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild.
  • June
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    7ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    4mm
    Average Rainfall
    June sees the first proper month of winter in South Africa. Days are clear and sunny, but evenings and mornings are cold.
  • July
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    6ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are cold, and layers are recommended.
  • August
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    9ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    This is the peak of the dry season. Early mornings and evenings are very cold, and layers are recommended, but days are sunny with clear blue skies.
  • September
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    26mm
    Average Rainfall
    September, like August, is still dry. The days are getting warmer but mornings and evenings are still chilly.
  • October
    ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    mm
    Average Rainfall
    October heralds the end of the dry season in many parts of South Africa and temperatures are on the rise. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and greenery. Days are warm with cooler mornings and evenings.
  • November
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    115mm
    Average Rainfall
    November sees a return of the wetter weather and a rise in temperatures. Rainfall tends to come in spectacular thunderstorms that usually occur in the late afternoons in short sharp downpours.
  • December
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    130mm
    Average Rainfall
    December is summer in South Africa, with warm temperatures and increased rainfall. Days are hot with afternoons often bringing spectacular thunderstorms.

Accommodation