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Travel advice for South Africa
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 03.06.2024
Wondering about the weather in Johannesburg in August ahead of booking your trip? The first touch of spring is in the air during this low-season month. Expect dry sunny days and cold nights – ideal for outdoor exploration and wildlife-watching in the city’s environs by day, and enjoying bars and entertainment by night. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting South Africa's second biggest city in August.
Created by local experts
If you’re not keen on intense heat or peak-season crowds, August is a good time to visit Johannesburg.
During this month, the city starts to shift from winter to spring. This means the weather in Johannesburg in August offers clear, sunny days and cool nights – perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, and exploring the city's markets and botanical gardens as spring begins to blossom.
In addition, August being dry season means it’s a great month to watch wildlife in nearby game reserves, as animals are more likely to be found around water sources.
If that wasn’t enough reason to visit, August sits in the off-peak tourist season – all the better for bagging a bargain, and encountering smaller crowds at top attractions.
Keen to visit Johannesburg? Browse our customisable South Africa itineraries, or talk to our local experts.
The weather in Johannesburg in August sees daytime temperatures increase slightly on June and July, averaging around 19°C (66°F).
At the same time, night-time temperatures can drop to around 4°C (39°F), so come prepared with layers for the chilly mornings and evenings.
Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on when to go to South Africa. And if you are also planning to visit Cape Town read our guide to the best time to visit Cape Town and prepare for your trip.
You can expect Johannesburg to be pretty crowd-free in August compared with the tourist high seasons. These peak periods fall between September and April — coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer months — and in December and January.
That said, though August falls within the tail-end of the city's winter low season, you might see a slight increase in visitor numbers towards the end of the month as the weather warms up.
As for the costs, lower demand tends to mean lower costs for flights, accommodation and tours, with better bargains to be had the earlier you visit in August.
Set on taking a trip at this time of year? Read up on the best places to visit in August.
If you’re thinking of heading to Johannesburg — or elsewhere in South Africa — browse our customisable South Africa itineraries before booking your trip.
Curated with the guidance of a local expert, they eliminate all the hassle of planning and booking. Check out these sample itineraries for inspiration.
To be fully prepared for your trip, be sure to check out our tips for visiting South Africa.
As Johannesburg begins to transition from winter to spring, spending August in the city means you can enjoy a rich array of varied experiences — with fewer fellow tourist hampering your style.
We’re talking everything from making the most of the dry season to watch wildlife in nearby reserves, to spending the mild days exploring markets, museums and historic sites.
August is an especially rewarding month to visit nearby game reserves and wildlife parks in the Gauteng region, like the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and the Lion and Safari Park.
The cooler mornings and evenings provide excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, as do dry season conditions that draw animals to water sources.
August is also a top time to hike and bike in the great outdoors without having to deal with intense heat. Take your pick from hiking in the Melville Koppies and cycling in Emmarentia Dam.
Editor's tip: for a more sedate experience in the city itself, stroll the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, both of which will be starting to bloom in August.
Take advantage of the mild daytime weather to discover Johannesburg's rich history through visits to the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Mandela House in Soweto.
Editor’s tip: take a guided bike tour of Soweto to learn about the history of South Africa's most famous township in fascinating, exhilarating style.
Still haven't decided where you're going this summer? Explore our list of the best August holiday destinations.
Spend chillier mornings visiting indoor attractions like the Johannesburg Art Gallery, Wits Art Museum, or contemporary art spaces in the Maboneng Precinct.
Come the afternoon, hit outdoor markets to experience local culture and cuisine at the likes of the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein and the Rosebank Sunday Market.
Editor’s tip: discover the city’s incredible street art on a tour.
Take a night-time tour of Johannesburg Observatory — the clear winter skies provide excellent conditions for observing the stars.
Still making up your mind? Read our first-timers guide to Johannesburg.
Before you head to South Africa, also be sure to read our guide on whether South Africa is safe, which contains everything you need to know about travel safety.
To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Johannesburg around the year.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 03.06.2024
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting South Africa