Weather in Johannesburg in August

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.

Is August a good time to visit Johannesburg?

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.

Average temperatures in Johannesburg in August

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.

What about the crowds and cost?

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.

Unforgettable customisable Johannesburg itineraries

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. 

• City Life and Safari - South African Gems (17 days): this diverse itinerary kicks off in Cape Town, where you'll explore the likes of Table Mountain and Robben Island before venturing to the Winelands. The trip concludes in epic style with a three-day safari in Kruger National Park before taking to you Johannesburg.
• Cape Town and the Garden Route - a luxury guided tour (7 days): Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all — from fascinating cultures and exhilarating safaris, to incredible chocolate and wine tasting experiences. Encompassing the coastal city of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula and Knysna, this trip winds up in Mossel Bay, where you'll get to go on game drives.
• Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve (7 days): if you’re short on time, this trip takes in stacks of unforgettable experiences close to Johannesburg. After having fun at the fantastical Lost City theme park, you’ll head to Madikwe, where you'll go on a 4X4 game drive.

To be fully prepared for your trip, be sure to check out our tips for visiting South Africa.

What to do and see in Johannesburg in August

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.

Walk, hike and bike on the wilder side

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.

Discover history

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.

Uncover culture 

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.

Reach for the stars 

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.

Visit Johannesburg in different months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Johannesburg around the year.

• January: being one of the rainiest times of the year, January sees Johannesburg look lush and green. It’s also hot, and subject to afternoon thunderstorms.
• February: love warm weather, smaller crowds, lush scenery, and don’t mind rain? February is a good month to visit Johannesburg.
• March: as summer tails off and autumn begins, March’s mild weather is ideal for exploring the city and its wilder surroundings.
• April: this early autumn month offers a sweet spot between the extreme heat of summer and chill of winter.
• May: marking the transition to the city’s mild winter season, expect clear sunny days, low rainfall, and small crowds.
• June: this low season winter month brings mild daytime temperatures, crisp evenings, little rainfall and the same small crowds you’ll experience in May.
• July: similar to June, expect cool-to-mild daytime temperatures, chilly mornings and evenings, little rainfall, and low visitor numbers.
• September: heralding the true start of spring, this pre-peak-season month sees warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and clear, sunny skies.
• October: shoulder-season October sees the city in full spring mode, with warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, thanks to the rise in rainfall. 
• November: this month brings warmer temperatures, increased humidity and rainfall, and greener landscapes as the region shifts from late-spring to summer.
• December: while this hot summer month is peak season across the wider country, many residents of the city head to the coast for their summer holidays.