Weather in Johannesburg
High and bright, with storms common in Gauteng and winter nights that can reach freezing.
Johannesburg lies at 1,694 m, and the national government's own framing is that this altitude keeps average summer temperatures below 30C. South African temperatures run lower than other countries at similar latitudes because of elevation.
The Western Cape takes its rain in winter, and the rest of the country, Gauteng included, is a summer rainfall region. Thunder and lightning storms are common in Gauteng.
In winter, night-time temperatures can drop to freezing point or lower in some places. South African Tourism notes that the mild, short winters mean many buildings and homes have no central heating, which is why visitors often find winter colder than the numbers suggest.
There is a year-round risk of flooding across South Africa, and wildfires can happen in urban as well as rural areas during hot, dry weather.
Planned power cuts have reduced significantly but can still happen, and they take out traffic lights and security systems such as alarms and electric fencing. The FCDO notes a higher risk of crime where security systems or public lighting do not work, and that carjacking and robbery are common after dark around traffic lights, junctions and driveways.
- South African Government: geography and climate · checked 2026-09-03
- South African Tourism: South Africa's climate · checked 2026-09-03
- FCDO: South Africa travel advice, safety and security · checked 2026-09-03