South Africa's largest city, known as Joburg or Jozi, was founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand ridge. It grew from a mining camp to a metropolis in decades and remains the economic engine of sub-Saharan Africa. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill document South Africa's struggle for democracy. The Maboneng Precinct has revitalized the inner city's cultural scene.
Nights sit around 11°C and afternoons around 24°C, though some days reach 28°C.
The year in Johannesburg moves gently: summer afternoons sit around 25°C, winter ones around 18°C.
Some summer days reach 30°C, and some winter nights drop to 1°C.
Most of the rain falls in summer, least in winter. The wettest month is January, with 125 mm.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: June averages an AQI of 123, while October clears to 69.
Days stretch to about 13.6 hours of light in December and shrink to 10.4 in June — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
No month in Johannesburg matches what you're after, so come for the place rather than the weather. Expect fast internet (96 Mbps) and a moderate cost of living (about €1100 a month).
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