What August feels like in Johannesburg
August is late winter in Johannesburg (Johannesburg is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America), although winter here means mild days rather than cold ones. Afternoons are mild and comfortable for most people in light layers. The day–night swing is wide (about 14.5°C (26.1°F)): nights are cold, so mornings and evenings feel very different from midday. Moderate humidity keeps the air pleasant.
Rain in Johannesburg in August
Rain is rare in August — most weeks pass without a wet day. Each rainy day adds about 7.5 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.1 mm per wet day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
On 15 August the sun rises at about 6:38 am and sets around 5:48 pm local time, giving 11 h 10 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 32 min more daylight than in mid-July. Measured sunshine covers about 94% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How August compares to the rest of the year
In Johannesburg's temperature order, August sits as the 4th coolest month. Afternoons run 3.3°C (5.9°F) warmer than in July, with 5 mm more rain. September continues the upward trend. September averages a high of 24.4°C (75.9°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Johannesburg in August
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Johannesburg in August?
It feels mild: typical highs are 20.1°C (68.2°F), with lows near 5.6°C (42.1°F).
Does it rain a lot in Johannesburg in August?
Hardly — only about 1 rainy days and 8 mm for the whole month.
What should I wear in Johannesburg in August?
Pack versatile layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is August or September better for visiting Johannesburg?
August scores better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #2), rated Great against Great. September is warmer and has more rainy days.