Weather in Johannesburg in June

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 03.06.2024

Wondering about the weather in Johannesburg in June? This month sees the city in winter mode, which means mild daytime temperatures, crisp evenings, and little rainfall — ideal for outdoor activities. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting South Africa's second biggest city in June.

Is June a good time to visit Johannesburg?

If you’re not keen on crowds or intense heat, June is a great time to visit Johannesburg. During this low-season month, the city’s mild daytime temperatures and minimal rainfall provide perfect conditions for exploring heritage sites, outdoor markets, and green spaces.

At the same time, the weather in Johannesburg in June brings cool evenings that are ripe for enjoying after-dark strolls to discover Jo’burg’s vibrant nightlife. 

If that wasn’t enough, since June is a low-season month, you won’t have to queue to get into museums or galleries.

Oh, and if you’re planning to explore the great outdoors around the city, a stunning backdrop of clear winter skies will keep photography enthusiasts very happy.

Keen to visit Johannesburg? Browse our customisable South Africa itineraries, or talk to our local experts.

Architecture of downtown of Johannesburg, South Africa © Sopotnicki/Shutterstock

The mild weather in Johannesburg in June is ideal for exploring the city on foot © Sopotnicki/Shutterstock

Average temperatures in Johannesburg in June

Sitting in winter, Johannesburg’s average temperatures in June range from 4°C (39°F) in the early mornings and nights to around 16°C (61°F) during the day. 

This means while you’ll get to explore the city in pleasantly mild conditions during the day, you’ll want to wear something warm if you’re heading out early, or if you plan to hit the bars, clubs and restaurants at night.  

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?

Sitting in Johannesburg’s low season, visiting in June means you'll encounter fewer crowds at popular attractions, museums, and cultural sites. All the better if you like your travel experiences to be more intimate and — very possibly — more authentic. 

In good news for travellers on a budget, visiting Johannesburg in June can be pretty friendly on the pocket. With lower demand, you’re likely to find better deals on accommodation, flights and tours. Keep an eye out for off-peak season discounts and special rates.

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

stairs-johannesburg-south-africa-shutterstock_1208264443

Johannesburg street scene © Shutterstock

Unforgettable and 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.

Looking for even more ideas for your summer adventure? Explore our list of the best holiday destinations for June.

Cape Town by night, South Africa

Rough Guides' trips can take you from Cape Town to Jo'burg © Shutterstock

What to do and see in Johannesburg in June

Thanks to its mild weather and lack of crowds, visiting Johannesburg in June means you’ll get to make the most of the city’s historic sites, cultural attractions and outdoor activities in more authentic style. 

Here are some recommendations for what to do and see in Johannesburg in June.

Uncover history on a Soweto bike tour 

Taking a guided bike tour of Soweto is one of the best ways to learn about the history of South Africa's most famous township, and the wider city. Highlights include visiting the former home of Nelson Mandela.

Editor’s tip: for more insights into history, visit the Apartheid Museum, where exhibits provide insights into the country's path to democracy, and Constitution Hill.

Hike, bike and stroll

Take advantage of June’s cooler temperatures to explore the natural beauty that surrounds Johannesburg. For example, trails in the Melville Koppies and Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve offer great opportunities to hike and mountain bike.

Back in town, be sure to stroll the glorious grounds of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.

Editor’s tip: book a hot air balloon trip for a bird's-eye view of the Gauteng landscape.

Get your adventure on at Gold Reef City

Located on the site of a gold mine that closed in 1971, Gold Reef City amusement park is themed around the 1886 gold rush.

Alongside hosting tonnes of thrilling rides and attractions, it also houses a museum dedicated to Johannesburg's gold mining history.

Discover contemporary culture

Culture vultures won't want to miss exploring the vibrant urban neighbourhood of Maboneng. Think galleries, street art and cool cafés galore.

Into art? Don’t miss visiting the Johannesburg Art Gallery and the Goodman Gallery to see impressive collections of South African and international art.

Editor’s tip: if you’re in Jo’burg over a weekend, visit the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein on Saturday — a great place to sample local food and pick up local crafts.

Still deciding if you want to visit? 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.

soweto-johannesburg-south-africa-shutterstock_102107974

Soweto, Johannesburg © Shutterstock

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.
  • July: similar to June, expect cool-to-mild daytime temperatures, chilly mornings and evenings, little rainfall, and low visitor numbers.
  • Augustthis low-season month sees the city shift to spring — expect clear days, cool nights and rewarding dry-season wildlife-watching experiences.
  • Septemberheralding 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.

 

Joanne Owen

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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