Question 1

How much rainfall did Johannesburg receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Johannesburg received a total of 1,139.1mm (44.8 inches) of rainfall in 2024, following the city's characteristic summer rainfall pattern typical of the South African Highveld.

The wettest month of 2024 was January, which recorded 250.5mm (9.9 inches) of precipitation alone. December followed as the second wettest month with 195.4mm (7.7 inches), while March rounded out the top three with 175.7mm (6.9 inches). These figures highlight Johannesburg's distinct wet season, which runs from October through March.

During the 2024 wet season (October to March), Johannesburg received 1,039.1mm of its annual rainfall, accounting for 91.2% of the yearly total. In stark contrast, the dry season from April to September brought just 100.0mm (3.9 inches). July and August 2024 recorded no measurable rainfall at all, which is typical for Johannesburg's dry winter months.

This precipitation pattern makes Johannesburg's climate highly seasonal. Visitors and residents should expect afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, particularly from November to February, while the winter months remain reliably dry with clear skies. The city's elevation of 1,645m contributes to these dramatic summer storms, as warm, moist air rises rapidly over the Highveld plateau.

Question 2

What is the best time for outdoor activities in Johannesburg?

Accepted Answer

The best time for outdoor activities in Johannesburg is during the dry season from May to September, when clear skies and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing.

In 2024, the dry season months recorded just 20.5mm of total precipitation compared to 1,039.1mm during the wet season (October to March). May stood out as the sunniest month with 325.3 hours of sunshine, while July and August had zero rainfall. The dry season averaged 41.1% humidity, making conditions pleasant rather than oppressive.

Daytime temperatures during Johannesburg's dry season are comfortable for outdoor pursuits. May 2024 saw average highs of 26.2°C (79.2°F), while August reached 27.9°C (82.2°F) and September warmed to 31.0°C (87.8°F). However, mornings and evenings can be chilly—winter nights in July dropped to -5.5°C (22.1°F), so layered clothing is essential.

For visitors planning outdoor activities in Johannesburg, late August through September offers the best combination of warming temperatures and dry conditions before the summer rains begin in October. The city enjoys over 3,550 sunshine hours annually, but concentrating your outdoor plans during the dry season ensures you avoid the afternoon thunderstorms that are common from November through March.

Question 3

What was the hottest day in Johannesburg in 2024?

Accepted Answer

The hottest day in Johannesburg in 2024 was December 4th, when temperatures reached a scorching 35.0°C (95.0°F). This was the only day throughout the entire year to reach the 35°C mark.

On this peak summer day, Johannesburg experienced a mean temperature of 26.9°C (80.4°F), with the overnight low dropping to a mild 17.0°C (62.6°F). The extreme heat was part of an exceptionally warm early December period, with four of the five hottest days of 2024 occurring between December 3rd and 7th.

Throughout 2024, Johannesburg recorded 46 days with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), demonstrating the city's capacity for intense summer heat. December was the hottest month overall, with an average daily high of 28.8°C (83.9°F) and 14 days surpassing the 30°C threshold. The summer months of January, February, and December 2024 averaged daily highs of 27.4°C (81.3°F).

These high temperatures are typical for Johannesburg's subtropical highland climate, though the December 4th reading represents near-peak conditions for the city. Visitors planning trips during the Southern Hemisphere summer should prepare for potentially extreme heat, especially in the first half of December when temperatures are most likely to spike.

Question 4

What is the coldest month in Johannesburg?

Accepted Answer

June is the coldest month in Johannesburg, with an average temperature of just 9.7°C (49.5°F) recorded in 2024. This makes it significantly cooler than the city's annual average of 16.9°C (62.5°F).

During June 2024, daytime highs in Johannesburg typically reached around 21.8°C (71.2°F), which remains pleasant for outdoor activities. However, temperatures dropped considerably at night, falling to -1.7°C (28.9°F) at the coldest point of the month. This temperature swing of over 23°C between day and night is characteristic of Johannesburg's high-altitude continental climate at 1,645 meters elevation.

July 2024 was only slightly warmer with a mean temperature of 10.6°C (51.1°F), though it actually recorded the coldest single temperature of the year at -5.5°C (22.1°F). Both June and July were the only months in 2024 when Johannesburg experienced sub-zero temperatures.

The winter season in Johannesburg (June to August 2024) averaged 11.5°C (52.7°F). Visitors planning trips during this period should pack warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings, while lighter clothing remains suitable for the mild afternoon sunshine. The dry winter conditions and clear skies make June an excellent month for wildlife viewing in nearby reserves, despite the cold nights.

Question 5

Which months have the most sunshine in Johannesburg?

Accepted Answer

Johannesburg enjoys the most sunshine during the dry winter months, with May, July, and August recording the highest sunshine hours in 2024.

May was the sunniest month in Johannesburg with 325.3 hours of sunshine, averaging approximately 10.5 hours of sunshine per day. July followed closely with 324.6 hours, and August recorded 321.9 hours. These three months alone accumulated 971.8 hours of sunshine, making Johannesburg's winter period ideal for outdoor activities despite cooler temperatures.

The city received a total of 3,550.8 hours of sunshine throughout 2024, averaging 295.9 hours per month. This abundant sunshine is characteristic of Johannesburg's high-altitude climate at 1,645 metres (5,397 feet) above sea level. The driest months from May to September averaged 303.8 hours of sunshine monthly, significantly more than the summer rainy season months.

April was the least sunny month with 252.8 hours, which coincides with the transition from the wet summer season to the dry winter. This pattern reflects Johannesburg's distinct seasonal weather, where clear skies dominate during winter while afternoon thunderstorms reduce sunshine hours in summer.

For visitors planning outdoor excursions, Johannesburg's winter months from May through August offer the best combination of clear skies and mild daytime temperatures, making them ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

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FAQ

How much rainfall did Johannesburg receive in 2024?

What is the best time for outdoor activities in Johannesburg?

What was the hottest day in Johannesburg in 2024?

What is the coldest month in Johannesburg?

Which months have the most sunshine in Johannesburg?