Weather in Johannesburg in March

Given that Johannesburg is a vibrant, dynamic city around the year, you might be wondering when’s the best time to visit this iconic South African city. To make your jaunt to Jo'burg all the more rewarding, read on for a run-down of the weather in Johannesburg in March, along with tips on what to see and do. 

Is March a good time to visit Johannesburg?

All things considered, March is a great time to visit Johannesburg. Falling at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, its pleasantly mild weather is ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. 

Temperatures are warm and rainfall is lower than during the preceding few months — all the better for enjoying Johannesburg’s incredible street art, botanical gardens, and outdoor markets.

The weather in Johannesburg in March is also ideal for venturing to nearby reserves. While not as famous for wildlife as other parts of South Africa, you can enjoy game drives in the Gauteng region.

If that wasn’t enough, falling after the peak summer season and before the winter school holidays, March is shoulder season in Johannesburg. This means you night be able to bag yourself a bit of a bargain on accommodation and tours.

Fancy visiting? Browse our customisable South Africa itineraries, or talk to our local experts.

Average temperatures in Johannesburg in March

Johannesburg’s average daytime temperatures in March typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), dropping to 10°C-15°C (50°F-59°F) at night.

It's also worth knowing that March lies at the tail end of Johannesburg's rainy season. So, while you can expect some rain, it'll most likely come in short showers.

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

Is Johannesburg hot or cold in March?

As will be apparent from the temperatures shared above, March sees Johannesburg enjoy warm days and mild evenings.

This means it’s a great time to visit if you don’t fancy the intense heat of mid-summer. Just remember than it can drop to 10°C at night, so come prepared with a light jacket or jumper.

Want 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.

Unforgettable customisable South Africa itineraries

If you’re thinking of heading to Johannesburg — or elsewhere in South Africa — browse our customisable South Africa itineraries before booking your trip. 

With a local expert on hand to remove the hassle of planning and booking, all that saved time will leave you free to focus on counting down the days to your trip!

Here are a few itineraries to spark 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.

What to do and see in Johannesburg in March

Offering pleasant temperatures as the region moves from summer to autumn, the mild weather in Johannesburg in March makes it a great time to explore the city's vibrant neighbourhoods, with plenty of museums on hand when (occasional) rain showers strike. Here are a few suggestions of things to see and do in Johannesburg in March.

Enjoy outdoor activities

March's mildness makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Take your pick from hiking in and around the city, going golfing, or booking a hot air balloon trip for a bird's-eye view of the Gauteng landscape.

We also suggest packing a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful botanical gardens.

Uncover contemporary culture

Known for its street art, trendy cafes, restaurants and art galleries, the vibrant urban neighbourhood of Maboneng is a top place to experience Johannesburg's contemporary urban culture and creative vibe.

Love art? Head to the Johannesburg Art Gallery. Located in Joubert Park, it houses an impressive collection of South African and international art.

Editor’s tip: if you’re in Jo’burg over a weekend, the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein is the place to be on Saturdays. Its food stalls, local crafts and live music offer an authentic taste of the city.

If you're still looking for options for your spring trip, also explore our list of the best holiday destinations in March.

Discover history

To better understand South African history, don’t miss visiting the Apartheid Museum, where immersive exhibits provide insights into the country's path to democracy.

The same is true of Constitution Hill. Formerly a prison that played a significant role in South Africa's history, it’s now museum.

Editor’s tip: take a township tour to Soweto to learn about the history of South Africa's most famous township. Highlights include visiting the former home of Nelson Mandela.

Explore the Cradle of Humankind

Just 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. 

It’s one of the world's richest hominin fossil sites, with fossils discovered in the Sterkfontein Caves being over 4 million years old.

Still deciding whether 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.

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.
• 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.
• August: this low-season month sees the city shift to spring — expect clear days, cool nights and rewarding dry-season wildlife-watching experiences.
• 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.