What's the Weather like in Johannesburg in July
Temperature
The coldest months in Johannesburg are past by the end of July. The average temperature in Johannesburg in July is 11°C, one degree higher than June. The daytime average is 17°C and nights still fall to an average of 4°C. Average daily temperatures trend upward as July progresses.
Rain
July is one of the driest months in Johannesburg, with an average of only 10mm of rain for the month. Most years see only one day of rain in July, just a small passing storm. This puts the probability at a 2% chance of rain.
Sunshine Hours
The days in Johannesburg start to get longer again in July, ending the month at almost 11 hours between sunrise and sunset. The chances of any clouds blocking the sun are only 9%. These different variables will give you an average of nine hours of sunlight every day in July.
Humidity
July is the driest month in Johannesburg, averaging 48% humidity. By the end of the month the humidity levels typically begin to rise, and continue that trend going into August. If you're sensitive to dry air you may want to keep this in mind.
Wind
Average wind speeds slowly rise throughout July, but not very significantly. The average wind speed throughout the month is 3.5 m/s. Winds will be from all directions in July, but towards the end of the month northerly winds will begin to dominate.
Dress Code
July in Johannesburg will be chilly and dry. Long pants are probably a good idea, as is a short-sleeve shirt just in case there's a little heat wave during your visit. Nights can get quite cold and you'll want a jacket or sweater for those late nights. Check the Johannesburg 14-day forecast for a better idea of expected conditions. Other than that, Johannesburg is known to be a fairly casual city and more formal attire is only needed for special occasions.
Johannesburg Hotels in July
Peermont Mondior at Emperor's Palace Hotel, Casino, Convention, and Entertainment Resort
The Emperor's Palace Hotel & Casino is a large entertainment center near the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton. There are a few lodging options, one of them being the four-star Peermont Mondior. This 150-room hotel offers various different rooms, from standard rooms to presidential suites. They're all decorated in modern, stylish furnishings that will make you feel extremely comfortable during your stay. The Peermont Mondior also has a breakfast restaurant, and at the end of the day you'll enjoy their chic lounge. Guests also have access to a fitness center and spa. Numerous dining establishments and entertainment venues are within walking distance.
Thaba Eco Hotel
Another affordable four-star option in Johannesburg is the Thaba Eco Hotel at the Klipriviersberg Municipal Nature Reserve. This boutique hotel and its 52 rooms are further from the city than most Johannesburg hotels and this is what you may be after. The award-winning Thaba Eco Hotel is the perfect venue for weddings and special occasions. All buildings and rooms are styled after traditional African dwellings that will make you feel even more immersed in the South African Highlands. The hotel's Kraal Restaurant serves a wonderful weekend breakfast buffet and a delicious lunch and dinner menu featuring fresh meats and seafood.
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
The up-and-coming Melrose Arch precinct near Rosebank is a fashionable neighborhood with trendy cafes, restaurants, and hotels. One of these hotels is the five-star Melrose Arch Hotel. The 118 stylish rooms all feature wooden flooring, tiled bathrooms, and plush beds. The on-site March Restaurant serves delicious international fusion cuisine and there's also the enjoyable Library Bar for a nightcap. You can also get a bite to eat or enjoy a cocktail at their outdoor heated pool. You'll find all of your shopping and dining needs within the immediate area of the Melrose Arch.
The Winston Hotel
If you're looking for an intimate getaway, try the five-star Winston Hotel in Rosebank. The Winston is a small boutique hotel with only 30 rooms, decorated with different classy themes. Different types of rooms are also available, such as rooms that open up to the courtyard and Superior rooms available with large bathrooms and work desks. The hotel staff is top-notch and will accommodate all of your needs. The Winston also features conference rooms for business travelers, an outdoor pool and bar, and a delightful Mediterranean restaurant. The Winston is very close to the Gautrain station and Rosebank Mall.
Bars and Restaurants
The Local Grill
Johannesburg's best-known cuisine is probably its steaks and you can find amazing grills all over the city. In Parktown North the place to be is The Local Grill. This moderately-priced restaurant isn't just all about steaks, they also serve some amazing barbecue and seafood plates as well. The Local Grill sources all of their meat from local butchers running sustainable farms, offering a true farm-to-table menu. The Local Grill also offers a gluten-free menu. They are open daily from noon until 10PM and accept reservations, recommended on the weekends.
Moyo Melrose Arch
The large Moyo Restaurant in the Melrose Arch neighborhood is a great to experience African dining. This fun restaurant has a great outdoor patio perfect for when the weather is nice, featuring entertaining live music. If you prefer a more private table indoors you'll have that option as well. Moyo's menu contains many traditional African dishes such as peri peri chicken, numerous potjies and tagines, Moroccan lamb shank, and flame-grilled chermoula fish. The menu will accommodate all tastes and all budgets. Moyo is open daily from 11AM to 11PM.
Nineteen 69 Pub and Grill
One of Johannesburg's fun pubs is Nineteen 69 in the Boskruin Village Shopping Center. This local's hangout is very casual and features entertaining events like live music, game nights, and excellent happy hours with a full bar and wide selection of beer. Nineteen 69 is open for lunch and dinner, serving traditional pub fare such as fresh fish & chips, pizza, steaks, saucy wings, nachos, and juicy burgers. They also have a vegetarian-friendly menu. Nineteen 69 has recently opened an event venue next door called Studio 69.
Café del Sol Classico
Out in Randburg there's a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant called Café del Sol Classico. This restaurant is often touted as being the best Italian restaurant in Johannesburg. The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is second to none. You'll enjoy dining here whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a casual night out. Café del Sol Classico's menu features freshly-made dishes such as lamb pasta, porcini chicken, and bacon & brie filet. Their extensive wine & drink menu will perfectly compliment your dinner, and their educated staff will help you make the right wine selection. Café del Sol Classico is open for lunch Tuesday thru Sunday from noon to 3PM. Dinner hours are Tuesday thru Saturday from 6PM 9:30PM. Reservations aren't required but strongly recommended.
Things to do in Johannesburg in July
South African National Museum of Military History
South Africa has an interesting military history, and you'll learn everything you want to know about it at the South African National Museum of Military History. The museum was formed in 1947 to preserve South Africa's involvement in WWII and it's still going strong today, after numerous renovations and additions. The arrangement of the exhibitions themselves may seem a bit chaotic, but that's war. See a large display of tanks, aircraft, motorcycles, and personal effects. The museum is located in Saxonwold and is open daily from 9AM to 4:30PM. Set aside at least a half-day to explore this large museum.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Sometimes you just want to take a break from sightseeing and do what you might do back home. The Johannesburg Botanical Garden is a large free park, popular for leisure walking, jogging, and bicycling. Children will have fun feeding the ducks and adults will admire the large collection of roses, succulents, and trees. Emmarentia Dam is nearby and is a popular lake for boating activities. The Botanical Gardens are a great place for a picnic but no open cooking fires are allowed. The gardens are open daily from 6AM to 6PM.
Magaliesburg Mountain Sanctuary Park
South Africa is home to some of the oldest mountains in the world and you can visit them at only an hour from Johannesburg. Magaliesburg Mountain Sanctuary Park contains mountains estimated to be over 100 times older than Everest, and the interesting geology provides an unbelievable area to explore. This is also a private nature reserve where you can view various animals like monkeys, different birds, and klipspringers. There are also hiking trails that you could spend either an hour or days exploring. If the temperatures start to heat up, take a dip in the natural, small, clear pools. Reservations are required; the park limits 180 visitors per day.
Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
The Sterkfontein Caves, an hour outside of Johannesburg, are one of South Africa's must-do attractions. This World Heritage Site is the home to the oldest human fossils in the world and research is still ongoing. Cave tours go out throughout the day, some of which are not for the claustrophobic. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can answer all of your questions. If caves aren't your thing, this site has many museum and fossil exhibits where you can see how your ancestors looked & lived. The large museum is educational for everyone and children love it. There is also a restaurant at the museum, which is open from 9AM to 5PM daily.
