Weather in Johannesburg in September

Want to wise up on the weather in Johannesburg in September before booking your trip? This month sees increased signs of spring, with sunny days offering excellent opportunities to explore the blossoming city on foot and enjoy outdoor activities in the wider region. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting South Africa's second biggest city in September.

Is September a good time to visit Johannesburg?

September is a pretty great time to visit Johannesburg. Heralding the true start of spring, this month sees the city enjoy warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and clear, sunny skies. 

Marking the end of the dry winter season, the weather in Johannesburg in September still sees minimal rainfall (that said, occasional spring showers are likely later in the month).

Overall, though, being largely dry and comfortably warm during the day, September is an excellent month to visit nearby wildlife reserves and explore the city’s blossoming botanical gardens, outdoor markets, cultural precincts, and historic sites. 

And all this just before peak season begins to ramp up.

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

Average temperatures in Johannesburg in September

As spring ramps up, the weather in Johannesburg in September becomes warmer, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F)

That said, you’ll want to dress in layers — though the afternoons are warm, nights remain cool, with temperatures averaging 10°C (50°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.

What about the crowds and cost?

With the weather warming up, Johannesburg starts to see an increase in visitors in September compared with the preceding few months, especially as the month wears on.

In general, the region’s busiest period kicks in from mid-September through to April — coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer months — with December and January seeing the biggest numbers of visitors. 

So, for smaller crowds — all the better for avoiding queues and having to join big tour groups — visit earlier in September. 

Visiting earlier in the month also means you might be able to secure better deals on the cost of flight, accommodation, and tours. Prices tend to hike up as the high season progresses, peaking in December and January. 

Set on taking a trip at this time of year? Read up on the best places to visit in September.

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 September

As spring begins to blossom, spending September in Johannesburg affords excellent opportunities to mix up enjoying outdoor adventures in the warmer outdoors with urban cultural experiences — from meandering hip and happening markets and galleries, to al fresco dining. 

At the same time, visiting in September means you’ll get to do all the suggestions below just before high season crowds begin to descend. 

Enjoy al fresco entertainment and dining

As the evenings begin to warm up, enjoy Johannesburg's culinary offerings by dining under the stars.

Also look out for outdoor concerts and events — September's warmer evenings are great for enjoying live music and performances.

Discover history

Take advantage of the warm 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: we recommend booking a guided bike tour of Soweto to learn about the history of South Africa's most famous township.

Hike, bike, and walk on the wild side. 

Being pleasantly warm — as opposed to intensely hot — September is a top time to hike and bike in the great outdoors. We recommend hiking in the Melville Koppies and cycling in the Emmarentia Dam. 

Love wildlife? Visit nearby game reserves and wildlife parks in the Gauteng region. We suggest checking out the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, and the Lion and Safari Park.

Uncover culture and nature in galleries and gardens 

Love art? Spend a morning or two visiting the Johannesburg Art Gallery, Wits Art Museum, and contemporary art spaces in the Maboneng Precinct.

Editor’s tip: discover the city’s incredible street art on a tour.

After enjoying a picnic lunch in the Johannesburg Botanical Garden, head to the city’s outdoor markets to experience local culture and cuisine. These include the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein and the Rosebank Sunday Market. 

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