January Weather in Johannesburg, South Africa

Last updated: August 31, 2025

In January, Johannesburg, South Africa experiences warm and diverse weather patterns, characterized by a maximum temperature soaring to 33°C (92°F) and a comfortable average of 20°C (69°F). The minimum temperature dips to a cool 9°C (48°F), offering a refreshing contrast during the evenings. This month also sees significant rainfall, with a total of 130 mm (5.1 in) spread across 14 rainy days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 79%. Whether you're exploring outdoor activities or enjoying the vibrant city life, January's weather provides a dynamic backdrop for visitors and locals alike.

January Temperature in Johannesburg

In January, Johannesburg basks in summer warmth, with temperatures ranging from a cool 9°C (48°F) at night to a sweltering 33°C (92°F) during the day, resulting in a pleasant average of 20°C (69°F). As the month progresses into February, the city sees slightly higher nighttime lows and a slight decrease in maximum temperatures, with averages hovering around 20°C (68°F). This trend continues into March, where cooler evenings drop to 8°C (46°F), but daytime warmth persists, peaking at 30°C (86°F). As autumn approaches in April, the temperatures shift significantly; nighttime lows dip to 3°C (38°F), and average highs settle around 29°C (85°F). Moving into the chillier months of May and June, temperatures plummet further, with nighttime lows reaching below freezing, and maxima not exceeding 26°C (78°F) and 24°C (76°F), respectively. The trend of cooling continues through July and August, though spring emerges in September and October, reviving warmer highs back to 32°C (91°F) and 33°C (92°F). By the time November and December roll around, Johannesburg basks once again in the summer glow with temperatures returning to 34°C (93°F), showcasing the city's captivating seasonal shifts.

January Weather in Johannesburg: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Johannesburg, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Johannesburg, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec696866615651505763666868
Data source: Temperature data for Johannesburg generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Johannesburg

January in Johannesburg marks a significant shift into the wet season, with an average precipitation of 130 mm (5.1 in), spread over 14 days of rainfall. This volume is a precursor to February, which sees an uptick to 138 mm (5.4 in) and 16 rainy days. The trend reflects a peak in summer showers before a gradual decline into the autumn months, with March experiencing 79 mm (3.1 in) and just 10 days of rain. As Johannesburg transitions into winter, precipitation becomes scarce, plummeting to a mere 2 mm (0.1 in) in July, showcasing a clear seasonal pattern. The cycle then resumes in the latter part of the year, with December peaking again at 146 mm (5.7 in), rounding out a year characterized by distinct wet and dry phases.

January Precipitation Trends in Johannesburg

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Johannesburg, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Johannesburg, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13013879631362396397146
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Johannesburg

In Johannesburg, January is characterized by its relatively high humidity level, averaging 79%. This peak positions January as one of the most humid months of the year, closely followed by April and May, which see 81% and 82% respectively. Interestingly, the humidity begins to taper off in the winter months, with July and August hitting their lowest at 71% and 68%. As the seasons shift back towards the warmer months, humidity levels gradually rise again, hitting 82% in November before settling at 81% in December. Overall, the data highlights a clear seasonal trend: a humid start to the year, a dip during winter, and a return to moisture as summer approaches.

January Average Humidity in Johannesburg

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Johannesburg, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Johannesburg is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec79%77%77%81%83%73%71%68%74%74%82%81%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Johannesburg

In January, Johannesburg experiences a UV Index of 15, indicating an extreme exposure level where skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. This trend of high UV radiation stretches into February, maintaining the same index and burn time, reinforcing the need for sun protection. As summer progresses into March, the index slightly decreases to 13, yet still categorized as extreme with the same swift burn time. A notable shift occurs in April, where the index drops to 10, entering the very high category and allowing for a modest increase in safe exposure time to 15 minutes. The following months see a gradual decline in UV intensity, with May and June revealing levels of 7 and 6, respectively, labeled as high. However, the index bounces back in the late winter months, notably rising in August to 8 before the late spring months bring it back into the extreme zone by November with a UV Index of 14. The cycle peaks again in December, reaching 16, while consistently demanding vigilance against sun damage. For more detailed patterns and insights, visit Johannesburg UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Johannesburg for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Johannesburg in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Johannesburg typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec15151310766811121416
Data source: Johannesburg January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Johannesburg

In January, Johannesburg basks in a generous 308 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a vibrant summer. As the month transitions to February, sunshine increases slightly to 317 hours, hinting at the ongoing warmth. March welcomes an impressive surge, reaching 354 hours, making it the sunniest month of the season, before sunnier days begin to taper off in April with 315 hours. The trend remains relatively stable through May and June, where sunshine hovers around the 300-hour mark, providing a gentle reprieve from the scorching summer heat. Come July, the days brighten again as the sun shines for 314 hours, followed by a steady climb, peaking in November and December with a delightful 370 and 371 hours respectively. This gradual increase during the latter part of the year not only reflects the shift into the warmer seasons but also underscores Johannesburg's reputation for its abundant sunshine, inviting both locals and tourists to revel in its vibrant outdoor life.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Johannesburg: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Johannesburg experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec308h317h354h315h319h298h314h329h337h362h370h371h
Data source: Johannesburg January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Johannesburg During January

Johannesburg experiences a brisk start to the year in January with a moderate 28% chance of sunny weather. As the months progress, the likelihood of sunshine gradually increases, peaking at a remarkable 95% in July. This trend highlights a notable transition, with February seeing a slight uptick to 33%, and then a significant surge as the city basks in sunshine during the mid-year months, especially from April onwards, where the chances exceed 80%. By late summer and into autumn, the sunshine begins to recede, but even in December, the chances remain reasonable at 41%. Overall, Johannesburg's weather transforms from the cooler, cloudier days of January to an inviting and sunny paradise by mid-year, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Johannesburg

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Johannesburg throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Johannesburg experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec29%33%67%81%80%83%95%80%78%61%60%41%
Data source: Johannesburg January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Johannesburg in January

In January, Johannesburg basks in about 13 hours of daylight, setting the stage for long, sunlit days during the peak of summer. As the month progresses into February and March, daylight begins to gently taper off, settling at 12 hours—a subtle reminder of the changing seasons. The daylight continues to decrease through April to June, where a mere 10 hours is the norm, ushering in the chill of winter. However, by August, the days start to stretch again, climbing back to 11 hours as spring approaches. With each passing month, from October to December, daylight gradually returns to the summer bounty of 13 hours, wrapping around the year in a rhythm that showcases Johannesburg’s dynamic seasonal shifts. This pattern not only marks the passage of time but also enhances the vibrant lifestyle characteristic of this South African city throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Johannesburg for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Johannesburg throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13h 33m12h 57m12h 12m11h 26m10h 48m10h 30m10h 40m11h 12m11h 56m12h 42m13h 23m13h 44m
Data source: Johannesburg daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Johannesburg

In January, Johannesburg experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), making it one of the livelier months for wind. This marks a transition into the quieter months that follow, as February and March see a gradual decline, dropping to 2.8 m/s (6 mph) and further to 2.6 m/s (6 mph), respectively. As autumn approaches, wind speeds stabilize around 2.6 m/s through April and May, creating a calm atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. Interestingly, the onset of winter in June brings a slight uptick, reaching 2.9 m/s (6 mph), which continues through July. However, it’s in the late winter and early spring months that Johannesburg truly experiences a shift; by August, wind speeds peak at 3.9 m/s (9 mph), and after a brief dip in September and October, there’s a notable rise again in November, hitting 4.2 m/s (9 mph). This dynamic wind pattern, with its seasonal fluctuations, adds a unique rhythm to the city's climate, making January an inviting albeit breezy start to the new year.

Average January Wind Speed in Johannesburg

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Johannesburg, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.2 m/s2.82.62.62.72.92.93.93.73.74.23.3
Data source: Johannesburg January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Johannesburg Compares to Other Months

Weather in Johannesburg varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Johannesburg, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, the weather features a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) and reaches an average high of 33°C (92°F), accompanied by considerable rainfall of 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days, with humidity at 79%. February shows a slight increase in minimum temperature at 10°C (51°F) and a slight decrease in the maximum at 31°C (87°F). Precipitation rises to 138 mm (5.4 in) over 16 days, with humidity slightly lower at 77%. Overall, while both months are characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, February experiences slightly more rain and marginally cooler temperatures. For more details, visit Johannesburg weather in February.

When comparing the weather in January and March, we see a notable difference in both temperature and precipitation. January typically features warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), while March shows slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is also higher in January, with 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days compared to March's 79 mm (3.1 in) over 10 days. Additionally, humidity levels are fairly similar, with January at 79% and March slightly lower at 77%. For more detailed insights into the climate during March, you can check out Johannesburg weather in March.

In January, Johannesburg experiences warmer temperatures with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 20°C (69°F). The month sees significant rainfall, totaling 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days, alongside a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, April brings cooler weather, with a minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is lower in April, with 63 mm (2.5 in) spread across 10 days and humidity slightly increased at 81%. For more details, you can check out Johannesburg weather in April.

In Johannesburg, the weather in January is typically much warmer than in May, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F). In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, with lows dropping to -1°C (30°F) and highs capping at 26°C (78°F). Additionally, January sees significantly more rainfall, averaging 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days, while May has much drier conditions, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation occurring on about 1 day. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with January at 79% and May slightly higher at 82%. For more details, you can check Johannesburg weather in May.

In January, the weather is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F). It is also a much wetter month, experiencing around 130 mm (5.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 14 days, resulting in a higher humidity level of 79%. In contrast, June brings cooler temperatures, where the minimum dips to -4°C (24°F) and the maximum reaches only 24°C (76°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F). This month is much drier, receiving only 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain in just 1 day and maintaining a humidity level of 73%. For more specific details about the weather in June, you can refer to Johannesburg weather in June.

In January, Johannesburg experiences warm temperatures with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 20°C (69°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, with 130 mm (5.1 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 79%. In stark contrast, July brings much cooler weather with temperatures ranging from -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), averaging only 10°C (51°F). This winter month sees minimal rainfall, with just 2 mm (0.1 in) and no precipitation days, resulting in lower humidity at 71%. For more detailed insights, check Johannesburg weather in July.

The weather in January and August showcases significant contrasts in Johannesburg. January experiences a warm climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), accompanied by substantial precipitation of 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days, resulting in high humidity levels of 79%. In stark contrast, August presents cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and averaging around 14°C (57°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). The month is notably dry, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, leading to a lower humidity level of 68%. For a more detailed look at Johannesburg's climate in August, you can check out Johannesburg weather in August.

In January, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F), peaking at a high of 33°C (92°F). This month also sees a significant amount of precipitation, with 130 mm (5.1 in) falling over 14 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity of 79%. In contrast, September offers a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 17°C (64°F), reaching a maximum of 32°C (91°F). September is much drier, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain over just 2 days and a humidity level of 74%. For more detailed information, you can check Johannesburg weather in September.

In January, the weather in Johannesburg is characterized by warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F), an average of 20°C (69°F), and a maximum that can reach up to 33°C (92°F). This month typically experiences higher humidity at 79% and more frequent rainfall, with about 130 mm (5.1 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days. In contrast, October offers a slightly cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to an average of 19°C (66°F), while still peaking at 33°C (92°F). October also sees reduced precipitation, amounting to 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days, and a lower humidity level of 74%. For a closer look at Johannesburg’s climate during this month, visit Johannesburg weather in October.

When comparing the weather in January and November, both months feature similar average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), but January sees slightly higher extremes with maximum temperatures peaking at 33°C (92°F), compared to November's maximum of 34°C (93°F). January also experiences more rainfall, with 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days, whereas November has 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation across 13 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable, with January at 79% and November slightly higher at 82%. For more specifics on November weather, you can visit Johannesburg weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around 20°C (69°F). However, January experiences slightly lower minimum and maximum temperatures, with a range from 9°C (48°F) to 33°C (92°F), while December sees a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation levels are higher in December, with 146 mm (5.7 in) over 19 days compared to January's 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days. Additionally, December's humidity is a touch higher at 81%, compared to January's 79%. For a detailed look at weather specifics in December, you can visit Johannesburg weather in December.

Compare Johannesburg's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Johannesburg

As January rolls into Johannesburg, the city experiences a vibrant mix of summer heat and occasional rain. With an average temperature of around 20°C (69°F), it stands out as one of the warmest months, peaking at an impressive 33°C (92°F). The humidity levels soar, contributing to a sticky atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the cooler, drier months that lie ahead. However, the increased precipitation—with 130 mm (5.1 in) over 14 days—ensures the landscapes remain lush and vibrant, adding to the beauty of the city in this season. For more insights into what to expect from Johannesburg's weather throughout the year, explore Johannesburg Climate.