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Travel advice for South Africa
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 03.06.2024
Looking to wise up on the weather in Johannesburg in January? This month sees the city in peak summer mode. Despite the possibility of showers — afternoon storms are common — the month is stacked with sunny days that are ideal for exploring the city and surrounding nature reserves when they're lush and green. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting South Africa's second-biggest city in January.
Created by local experts
If you like it hot and aren’t averse to thunderstorms, January is a good time to visit Johannesburg.
Less crowded from mid-January, when school holidays end, you’ll be able to enjoy exploring the city’s galleries, gardens, parks, and markets in a more chilled style.
This being rainy season, said gardens and parks will be gloriously green, as will the nearby nature and wildlife reserves. As such, they provide a lush backdrop for hiking, biking, and wildlife-watching adventures.
Two points of note. Firstly, temperatures are high in January, especially around midday, so stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Secondly, come prepared for the afternoon thunderstorms — plan indoor activities or sightseeing for the afternoons, and pack a light raincoat.
Keen to visit Johannesburg? Browse our customisable South Africa itineraries, or talk to our local experts.
In January, Johannesburg sees average daytime temperatures ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F).
January is also one of the wettest times of the year in Johannesburg. So, while mornings are often clear and warm, the afternoons often bring quick, heavy showers. While these cool things down, they also increase humidity.
Come night-time, temperatures drop to around 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F).
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.
Relatively busy in early January — before locals go back to work, and children return to school after the festive summer holidays — mid-January sees Johannesburg return to moderate crowd levels.
This decrease in local holidaymakers can make it easier to visit popular sites without facing long lines or queues.
At the same time, festive season price hikes are reduced.
Still deciding where to go this winter? Choose from the best destinations to travel to in January.
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.
Considering Johannesburg's warm (and wet!) January weather, here are some of the best things to see and do during the month.
As a general rule, we suggest planning indoor activities during the peak heat of the day — from late morning to mid-afternoon, which is also when rain is most likely to strike.
When you want to get out and about in the great outdoors — whether that’s meandering markets in the city, or venturing further afield to nature reserves — set off early.
Join a guided tour to explore Johannesburg's urban culture, historic buildings, and vibrant street art, preferably during cooler mornings or late afternoons.
Love art? Research tours that take in the likes of Wits Art Museum, Johannesburg Art Gallery, and the Goodman Gallery.
Editor’s tip: we especially recommend booking a guided bike tour of Soweto — an unforgettable way to learn about the history of South Africa's most famous township.
When you feel the need to cool off, visit some of the water parks in and around Johannesburg. For example, though primarily known as a theme park, Gold Reef City boasts a bounty of water rides, and it’s close to the city centre.
Meanwhile, Wild Waters — located just outside Johannesburg, in Boksburg — offers a whopping range of slides, pools and rides for all ages, from thrilling high-speed slides to leisurely family rides.
Take a day trip to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve for a break from the city and a chance to experience South Africa's natural beauty and wildlife.
Editor’s tip: if you’re into walks on the wilder side, head to Melville Koppies and Klipriviersberg Nature Reserves to hike, bike or simply stroll in nature.
Visit markets like the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein or the Rosebank Sunday Market to experience local crafts, food, and music in an open-air setting.
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