Fall in Johannesburg, South Africa really feels like a turning point after the hot, rainy summer months. You’ll notice cooler days, crisp evenings, and a big drop in rainfall from March through May. It’s honestly one of the best times to experience the city, whether you’re planning to get outside or just want to know what to expect from the weather.
Temperatures drop bit by bit, skies clear up, and rain almost disappears. The days get shorter, with sunsets sneaking up earlier and sunrises lagging behind, so there’s a calm, steady pace to the season.
Humidity stays low, and the wind starts to pick up, which gives the cooler air a refreshing edge.
Knowing what fall brings helps you plan for everything—daily commutes, weekend trips, you name it. If you’re curious about average temperatures, rainfall, or how much sunshine you’ll get, this guide paints a pretty clear picture of Johannesburg’s fall climate.
Overview of Fall Weather in Johannesburg
Fall in Johannesburg means cooler temperatures, shorter days, and way less rain. You’ll see a steady shift from warm late-summer afternoons to crisp, dry evenings as the season goes on.
Key Fall Months and Seasonal Transition
Fall in Johannesburg runs from March through May. Highs drop from about 76°F (24°C) in early March to around 64°F (18°C) by late May.
Nighttime lows fall even faster, from about 58°F (14°C) down to nearly 39°F (4°C).
Rainfall drops quickly after summer. March can still bring about 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain in a month, but by May, you’re looking at less than 0.5 inches (12 mm).
Rainy days fade from nearly 1 in 3 days at the start of fall to just a few scattered showers by the end.
Daylight changes are pretty obvious. Early March gives you over 12 hours of sunlight, but by late May, it’s closer to 10.5 hours.
Sunrises come later, sunsets come earlier, and the evenings get cooler.
Geographical and Climatic Influences
Johannesburg sits on the Highveld plateau at about 5,700 feet (1,750 meters) above sea level. This elevation keeps things cooler and less humid than in other parts of South Africa, even as the seasons shift.
The city’s inland spot means you won’t get coastal humidity or those sea breezes. Instead, clear skies rule the day, the sun feels strong, and temperatures cool off fast after sunset.
Winds pick up gradually. March usually feels calmer, but May can get noticeably breezier, with average speeds rising from about 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h) to 7.3 mph (11.7 km/h).
Wind direction shifts month to month, so the weather pattern never gets too predictable.
The altitude and dry air combine to create big temperature swings between day and night. Even when afternoons are mild, mornings and evenings can be cold, so layering is a smart move.
Average Fall Temperatures
Fall in Johannesburg brings a steady drop in both daytime highs and nighttime lows. Mornings and evenings get cooler as the season goes on, while afternoons stay mild compared to summer.
Daily Highs and Lows
During fall, daily high temperatures fall from about 25°C (77°F) in early March to around 18°C (64°F) by late May.
Highs rarely top 28°C (82°F), and it’s unusual for them to dip below 14°C (57°F).
Nighttime lows drop more sharply. Early on, you might see lows near 15°C (59°F), but by late May, they can hit 4°C (39°F).
It’s not rare for temperatures to briefly reach 1°C (34°F) overnight in late May.
So, you’ll want lighter clothes for the day but warmer layers for mornings and evenings. The change isn’t sudden, which keeps things comfortable for locals and visitors alike.
Temperature Trends Through the Season
If you look at the data, temperatures trend downward across fall. March still feels a bit like summer, with warm afternoons and mild nights.
By April, things settle into a cooler groove, and May really hints that winter’s just around the corner.
The drop is steady, not abrupt. Daytime highs fall about 7°C (13°F) from start to finish, and nighttime lows drop about 11°C (20°F).
Fewer cloudy days make the air feel crisp and dry.
Johannesburg’s elevation—about 1,767 meters (5,800 feet)—means the thinner air lets temperatures cool off quickly after sunset. That altitude shapes the whole seasonal shift.
Day and Night Temperature Differences
The gap between day and night temperatures in Johannesburg during fall stands out. Early in the season, the difference averages around 10°C (18°F).
By late May, it can widen to nearly 14°C (25°F).
Clear skies and low humidity make these swings more dramatic. Warm afternoons can turn into chilly nights, especially outside the city center.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect mild days, but don’t forget a light jacket for the day and heavier layers at night.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
In fall, Johannesburg’s rainfall shifts from heavy summer storms to a much drier winter pattern. Both the amount of rain and the number of wet days drop off as the season moves forward.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Looking at the numbers, Johannesburg’s fall months—March, April, and May—show a clear decline in rainfall. March usually brings 70–90 mm of rain, April averages closer to 40–50 mm, and May drops to around 15–20 mm.
This pattern marks the end of the summer thunderstorm season and the start of the dry winter. March rains can come in short, heavy bursts, but April and May see lighter showers.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 70–90 mm | 7–9 days |
| April | 40–50 mm | 4–5 days |
| May | 15–20 mm | 1–2 days |
You can see how quickly rainfall fades as fall goes on.
Chance of Wet Days
The chance of rain drops sharply too. In March, you might get rain about one out of every four days, often in the late afternoon.
By April, the odds fall to around 15%, and showers lose their punch. May is the driest, with chances often below 5%, so most days stay dry.
When it does rain, it’s usually brief, not an all-day thing. That makes it easier to plan outdoor activities, especially later in the season.
Rainfall Trends from Early to Late Fall
As fall moves forward, both rainfall totals and rainy days keep dropping. March can still bring the odd thunderstorm, but by April, rain is lighter and less frequent.
May is mostly dry and sunny, with just the occasional short shower.
This trend shows up year after year in Johannesburg’s climate records. It’s a reliable sign that the dry winter season is on the way.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Fall in Johannesburg often swings between clear, sunny days and the odd patch of scattered clouds. Sunshine sticks around for much of the day, so even as temperatures cool, you still get bright conditions.
Clear and Overcast Days
You’ll see more blue skies than clouds in fall. The Highveld’s dry air takes over after summer, which keeps cloud buildup at bay.
March can still bring some late-season showers and overcast spells. By April and May, though, cloud cover drops off, and most days are bright and dry.
The time spent under cloudy or overcast skies keeps shrinking as the season goes on. By late fall, skies are crisp and clear, with the least cloudiness all year.
That makes fall a great time for outdoor activities without a lot of weather surprises.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Johannesburg is famous for its sunshine, and fall doesn’t disappoint. You usually get 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day, depending on the month.
March averages close to 9 hours daily. April holds steady with about 8 hours. By May, sunshine ticks back up to around 9 hours as rain nearly vanishes.
You can plan your day with confidence, whether you’re exploring the city or heading out to a nature reserve. The long daylight hours help balance out those cooler mornings and evenings.
In practice, fall gives you plenty of daylight, making it a favorite season for sightseeing and outdoor plans in Johannesburg.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In fall, Johannesburg’s air feels drier than in the humid summer, and winds stay steady, often bringing cooler air. These changes affect outdoor comfort and can shape everything from sightseeing to outdoor dining.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity drops a lot during fall. By April, average relative humidity sits around 60%, but it keeps falling toward May and June, often landing in the 50% range.
You’ll really notice it in the mornings and evenings. Early hours can feel cool and a bit damp, but afternoons are usually dry and comfortable.
This lower humidity means less stickiness—perfect for spending time outside.
Compared to February, when humidity peaks at about 70%, fall feels much easier to handle. Drier air also means fewer thunderstorms, which are a summer staple.
If you have any respiratory sensitivities, you might actually prefer the fall air.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in Johannesburg during fall usually stay light to moderate. Average speeds hit 10–15 km/h, with the occasional stronger gust, especially in open spots.
Winds mostly come from the southwest or southeast, bringing in cooler, drier air.
April breezes feel mild and refreshing, but May can feel cooler as stronger southerly winds move in. By June, winds help keep skies clear and support the dry season.
For travelers, steady winds mean less humidity and fewer bugs. A light jacket in the evenings isn’t a bad idea, since the combo of cooler air and wind can make it feel chillier than you’d expect.
Daylight Hours and Sun Position
During fall in Johannesburg, the daylight shifts are hard to miss. Days get shorter, and sunrise and sunset times move earlier, so you notice less natural light outdoors.
Changes in Day Length
Fall in Johannesburg stretches from March through May. Over this period, daylight hours drop as the city heads from late summer toward winter.
At the start of March, you get nearly 12.5 hours of daylight. By late May, it’s down to about 10.5 hours.
That’s a loss of about two hours of daylight across the season.
The change is slow, but you’ll notice it when planning outdoor stuff. Early March still feels bright into the evening, while late May brings earlier darkness.
These shifts matter if you want to fit in sightseeing, exercise, or travel during daylight.
The shorter days also shape the city’s daily rhythm. You might find more activity packed into the middle of the day, when the sun is at its strongest.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset in Johannesburg keep shifting earlier as fall moves along. In early March, you can catch the sun coming up around 6:00 AM and setting near 6:30 PM.
By late May, sunrise creeps closer to 6:40 AM, and sunset drops to about 5:20 PM.
Evenings get dark pretty fast, so that might mess with your travel plans. If you like exploring the city while it’s still light, you’ll probably want to tweak your schedule to fit the shorter days.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the times change:
| Month | Approx. Sunrise | Approx. Sunset | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 6:00 AM | 6:30 PM | ~12.5 hrs |
| April | 6:20 AM | 5:50 PM | ~11.5 hrs |
| May | 6:40 AM | 5:20 PM | ~10.5 hrs |
It’s kind of wild how fast the daylight just disappears. You might want to get your outdoor plans done earlier as winter gets closer.