Spring in Johannesburg marks a pretty clear shift from the cool, dry winter into a warmer, wetter season. You’ll notice mild to warm days with average highs rising from the low 70s °F in early September to the mid-70s °F by late November. Nights warm up too, going from the mid-40s °F to the mid-50s °F. This comfortable mix of temperatures and growing daylight makes spring a great time to experience the city.
As the weeks roll on, afternoon showers start popping up more often, and clouds build up steadily. Sunshine dominates much of September, but by late November, you’ll probably spot more overcast skies and a higher chance of rain.
The air stays dry enough to avoid that sticky, muggy feeling, so outdoor activities are still enjoyable. You won’t have to deal with the heavy humidity that plagues some other places.
Wind speeds ease off as spring goes on, and the longer daylight hours give you more time to get out and explore. At the same time, the sun gets stronger, so it’s smart to use good UV protection.
These shifts in temperature, rainfall, and daylight make spring feel full of change. Depending on when you visit, you’ll get a different experience.
Spring Temperature Trends in Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s spring brings a steady rise in temperatures, longer days, and more variation between mornings and afternoons. You’ll usually wake up to cool air, enjoy comfortable afternoons, and notice a gradual warming as summer gets closer.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
During spring, daily high temperatures climb from about 71°F (22°C) in early September to around 76°F (24°C) by late November. Highs rarely dip below 60°F (16°C) or go above 84°F (29°C).
Daily lows rise more sharply, starting at about 45°F (7°C) and ending near 56°F (13°C). Nights rarely get colder than 37°F (3°C), so frost isn’t really a worry.
This warming trend means mornings can feel crisp, but afternoons are mild and pleasant. If you’re traveling, packing layers makes sense. You might need a jacket in the morning but be fine in short sleeves by noon.
Hourly Temperature Patterns
Johannesburg’s temperatures shift a lot over the course of the day. Early mornings usually feel cool, often in the upper 40s to low 50s°F (8–12°C).
By midday, it’s typically the mid 70s°F (23–24°C), which feels comfortable for most people. Evenings cool off quickly after sunset, dropping back to the low 50s°F (10–12°C).
This daily swing means you should plan for both cool and warm parts of the day. Early spring mornings tend to be dry and clear, but as the season moves on, you’ll see more afternoon clouds and occasional rain.
Despite these changes, the temperature pattern stays pretty predictable, which helps if you’re planning to be outdoors.
Temperature Changes from Early to Late Spring
The move from early to late spring brings a noticeable warming. September still carries a bit of winter’s chill, with cool mornings and highs near 71°F (22°C).
By late November, afternoons feel warmer, averaging 76°F (24°C), and nights are milder. Rainfall picks up late in spring, so evenings can feel a touch more humid, but dew points stay low enough to avoid that sticky feeling.
The growing season kicks into gear by October, thanks to rising growing degree days and extra daylight. Parks, gardens, and local farms all benefit, and late spring feels especially green and lively around the city.
Humidity and Comfort Levels During Spring
Johannesburg’s spring weather brings a gradual rise in both temperature and humidity. The air feels drier at first, but as summer nears, it gets a bit more humid, which can change how warm the days feel and how comfortable you are outside.
Average Relative Humidity
During spring, Johannesburg’s average relative humidity ranges between 50% and 65%. That’s moderate compared to the higher humidity of midsummer, which can hit about 70%.
In early September, the air feels pretty dry, especially in the mornings and evenings. By late November, there’s more moisture, and the air can feel heavier.
The yearly average humidity sits around 59%, so spring is right in the middle. Most people find these levels comfortable, especially if you’re used to drier places.
Johannesburg’s inland location helps keep humidity from getting oppressive, unlike some coastal cities in South Africa.
If you’re visiting, this balance means you can enjoy being outside without sticky air. Light clothing and a bit of water are usually enough to stay comfortable.
Humidity Fluctuations Through the Season
Humidity isn’t constant during spring. In September, it’s closer to 50%, making the air crisp and dry. That’s probably the best time for hiking or sightseeing since lower humidity helps keep temperatures feeling mild.
As October comes, rainfall increases and humidity rises. By November, averages often reach 60% or more, making afternoons feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Morning and evening hours are usually less humid, while midday can feel heavier, especially if clouds build. You might notice even moderate temperatures feel hotter when humidity climbs.
If you want to do things outdoors late in the season, try to schedule them for earlier in the day. That way, you avoid the stickier afternoons.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
Johannesburg’s spring months bring a clear shift from the dry winter into a wetter summer pattern. Rainfall increases steadily, and short afternoon showers and thunderstorms show up more often as temps rise.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Spring in Johannesburg runs from September through November. Rainfall goes up sharply each month.
- September: Around 25–40 mm on average
- October: About 60–90 mm
- November: Usually 100–120 mm, making it one of the wetter spring months
Most of this rain comes as brief, intense thunderstorms, often in the late afternoon. These storms can dump a lot of rain quickly, then clear out.
By November, the city gets almost as much rain as it does in midsummer. This pattern signals the start of the main rainy season, which runs through March.
Probability of Wet Days
Your odds of a rainy day rise fast during spring. In early September, you might only see rain on 2–4 days in the month.
By October, that jumps to 7–10 days, and in November, it can hit 12–14 days. Still, most showers don’t last long.
Most mornings are sunny, with clouds building later. You can usually get outdoors before storms roll in.
Rainfall can be uneven, so you might have a dry week followed by a wetter one. It’s smart to bring light rain gear, but you rarely need to plan entire days inside.
Rainfall Trends Across Spring
Spring rainfall in Johannesburg shows the city moving from a dry winter to a summer rain pattern. You’ll see a steady rise in both total rain and storm frequency.
Thunderstorms often develop from heat and moisture building up during the day. That’s why late afternoons are the most likely time for downpours.
By late November, the landscape turns greener, and water levels in dams and rivers start to recover.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Spring in Johannesburg brings more cloud cover, but you still get long stretches of sunshine. Weather can vary a lot day to day, with clear mornings often turning cloudy by afternoon.
Average Cloud Cover
Cloud cover changes a lot during spring. At the start, skies are clearer, with only about 12% of the time being overcast or mostly cloudy.
By the end of spring, that number rises to around 37%, so you’ll notice more cloudy days. This doesn’t mean gray skies all the time. You often get a mix of sun and clouds, especially as land warms up in the afternoon.
Clouds affect how warm it feels. Clear skies mean quick temperature rises under the sun. On cloudier days, the sun feels less harsh, and evenings don’t cool as fast.
Sunshine Duration
Despite more clouds, Johannesburg still gets plenty of sunshine in spring. You’ll enjoy about 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day.
In October, the city gets almost 10 hours daily, which is pretty high for the year. Days get longer as summer approaches, so you have more time outside.
If you’re planning activities, mornings and early afternoons offer the most reliable sunshine. Later in the day, clouds can build and dim things a bit, but full overcast skies aren’t as common as in coastal regions.
Changes in Cloudiness During Spring
As spring moves along, cloudiness steadily increases. September is usually drier and clearer, while November brings more afternoon cloud build-up thanks to rising humidity.
This shift ties in with the summer rainy season. Afternoon thunderstorms become more likely by late spring, but they’re usually short.
You’ll often get sunny mornings, then a higher chance of clouds and rain later in the day. That pattern definitely shapes outdoor plans.
Wind Conditions in Spring
Spring winds in Johannesburg shape daily comfort and weather patterns in some unexpected ways. You’ll notice changes in both wind speed and direction as the season moves from cool September into the warmer months of November.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds in Johannesburg during spring are usually moderate, often between 10 to 15 km/h (6 to 9 mph). Gusts can get stronger, especially in late October when storm activity ramps up.
Winds feel stronger in open spaces or higher spots since Johannesburg sits on the Highveld plateau, about 1,753 meters above sea level. That elevation makes wind more noticeable than in coastal areas.
Calmer days still pop up, especially early in spring. By mid to late season, winds can pick up ahead of afternoon thunderstorms. These gusts often arrive suddenly but usually calm down once storms pass.
For most outdoor plans, expect breezy days rather than still ones. That breeze helps the air feel fresh, even as temperatures climb.
| Month | Typical Speed (km/h) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | 9–12 | Generally mild, steady winds |
| October | 11–14 | Breezier, with storm gusts |
| November | 12–15 | Stronger, more variable |
Typical Wind Directions
Most spring winds blow from the northeast and northwest, though they shift sometimes with storm systems. These winds bring warmer, drier air into the city, which helps keep spring less humid than summer.
When thunderstorms hit, winds can swing from the northwest to the southwest as fronts move through. You might notice sudden changes in temperature or pressure when this happens.
In September, winds come more from the northeast, keeping things mild and steady. By October and November, the northwest flow picks up, helping trigger afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
If you’re outside, you’ll feel these changes most in open areas like parks or on higher ground. Sheltered neighborhoods and tree-lined streets block some of the wind, but sudden gusts can still show up during storms.
These wind patterns are just part of Johannesburg’s spring climate. They help set the scene for the wetter summer months that follow.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Johannesburg’s spring brings longer days and a much stronger sun than you’d get in winter. You really have to watch the UV index during this time, since it often climbs high enough to burn your skin if you’re not careful.
Average UV Index Values
In spring, you’ll usually see UV index values between 6 and 9 in Johannesburg. That’s considered high on the international UV scale.
At those levels, your skin can burn in just 20 to 30 minutes if you’re outside around midday without protection.
Since the city sits at about 1,753 meters above sea level, the sun feels even more intense than it does in many coastal parts of South Africa.
Mild temperatures can fool you, but the UV radiation stays strong.
If you plan to spend time outdoors, grab broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), throw on a wide-brimmed hat, and don’t forget UV-blocking sunglasses.
Light, long-sleeved clothes help too, since they cut down on direct sun.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- UV 6–7 (High): Try to avoid the midday sun and reapply sunscreen every couple of hours.
- UV 8–9 (Very High): Stick to the shade from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and cover up as much as you can.
UV Index Changes Throughout Spring
The UV index in Johannesburg climbs steadily from late August through October.
In early spring, you’ll see values around 6 to 7, but by late spring, they often reach 8 to 9, getting close to the levels you’d expect in summer.
You might not notice this gradual rise right away, but each week the risk of sunburn goes up.
Warmer weather and longer days tempt everyone outdoors, and that means more exposure.
September sometimes brings more clouds, which can lower the UV index a bit.
But by October, clearer skies and stronger sunlight push the numbers higher.
Even when it’s partly cloudy, UV rays still make it through, so you can’t really let your guard down.
Daylight Hours and Seasonal Changes
In Johannesburg, spring brings longer days and a lot more sunshine than winter does.
As the season goes on, you’ll notice the sun rises earlier and sets later.
Length of Daylight
During spring, daylight stretches from just under 12 hours in early September to more than 13 hours by late November.
That means you get brighter mornings and evenings as summer gets closer.
On average, expect about 11 hours 58 minutes of daylight in September, 12 hours 46 minutes in October, and 13 hours 25 minutes in November.
This steady increase in daylight really marks the shift in seasons.
The percentage of sunny daylight changes too.
In September, about 78% of daylight hours are sunny.
By October and November, it dips a bit to around 69–68% because of more clouds and those classic spring showers.
Even with some rain, you still get plenty of clear skies.
These daylight patterns make spring a pretty great time for outdoor plans.
You have enough light for sightseeing, hiking, or even a day trip, without the unbearable heat you get in midsummer.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset times change pretty quickly during spring in Johannesburg. In early September, you’ll see the sun rise around 6:15 a.m. and set close to 6:15 p.m.
By late November, sunrise happens earlier, around 5:05 a.m., and sunset stretches past 6:30 p.m. That’s almost an extra hour and a half of evening light by the end of the season.
You also get more time in the morning for activities before the midday heat kicks in. The sun climbs higher at noon too, moving from about 63° in September to over 83° in November.
So, sunlight feels a lot stronger and shadows get noticeably shorter. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside, you’ll probably want to keep that in mind.
Johannesburg’s sunrise and sunset patterns follow a pretty predictable rhythm. This makes it a bit easier to plan your day, whether you’re commuting, exploring, or heading out on an adventure around Gauteng.