Gauteng reputedly has one of the world’s best climates, with warm summers and cool winters.
Most of the province’s rainfall is recorded in summer, from December to February, when temperatures rise to the high 20s. The ultraviolet radiation (UVB) sunburn index can be very high at this time of year so it is advisable to apply sunscreen regularly.
Winter – from May to August – is relatively mild and sunny. Days are sunny, but it is cold in the mornings and evenings, and may drop below zero degrees on occasion.
Johannesburg is situated about 1 700m (about 5 580ft) above sea level. It is separated from Pretoria (1 330m, or 4 400ft, above sea level) to the north by low parallel ridges and rolling hills. The weather in the north of the province is generally around two degrees warmer due to its lower altitude.
During the summer months (November to February), afternoon thunderstorms produce lightning and heavy rainfall, but humidity levels rarely become uncomfortable. Winters are crisp and dry, with frost occurring in the southern areas. Snow is rare, but has fallen on occasion in the Johannesburg metropolitan area.
Johannesburg averages
- January: maximum 26°C (79°F); minimum 15°C (60°F)
- June: maximum 18°C (61°F); minimum 4°C (39°F)
- Annual precipitation: 700mm (28in)
Pretoria averages
- January: maximum 29°C (84°F); minimum 18°C (64°F)
- June: maximum 19°C (66°F); minimum 4°C (40°F)
- Annual precipitation: 732mm (29in)
Weather.news24.com provides a seven-day advance forecast on weather conditions around the country, including Gauteng.