What's the Weather like in Johannesburg in August
Temperature
Winter in Johannesburg is just about over in August with average daily temperatures increasing to 14°C. The average daytime temperature gets up to 20°C and nights can still be a little chilly, dropping to 7°C. Temperatures continue to rise as the month progresses.
Rainfall
August again ties the other winter months for being the driest month in Johannesburg, averaging 10mm of total rainfall. It will rain for maybe two days in all of August, making it fairly dry. The probability of rain increases as the month goes on.
Sunshine Hours
August in Johannesburg is very sunny, averaging 11 hours of sunlight every day. Contributing to this is the increase in the length of day, at 11 hours 33 minutes by the end of the month. Chances of an overcast or mostly cloudy sky are only 10% for the entire month.
Humidity
The relative humidity in Johannesburg increases in August, but don't let that fool you into thinking that it's humid. It's still only 48% throughout the month, and with little to no rain, is a dry month.
Wind
Northerly winds begin to settle in during August though it's still possible to get winds from all directions. The wind speed increases from 3.5 m/s the previous month to 4.2 m/s by the end of August.
Dress Code
Johannesburg starts to warm up during the day in August, so you may want to start thinking about bringing shorts or skirts, and short-sleeve shirts for exploring during the day. Nighttime temperatures still drop though, and long pants and a sweater or lightweight jacket should be in your luggage too. You shouldn't have to bring any raingear, as any passing storms will be short and light. For a better idea of forecasted conditions check the Johannesburg 14-day forecast. If you're going out to some nice restaurants you should bring some business casual attire, otherwise dress in Johannesburg is very casual.
Johannesburg Hotels in August
Westpoint Executive Suites
If you'll be spending extended time in Johannesburg you may want a cozy suite, and you'll be able to find one at the Westpoint Executive Suites in Sandton. Westpoint houses 90 furnished suites with full kitchens, a dining area, lounge, sizeable bathroom, all with excellent views of the city. There's a beautiful manicured garden surrounding the building, offering gas grills for a cookout. This garden area is interrupted by an Olympic-size heated pool and deck. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and will get you what you need during your stay. The suites are within walking distance of the Gautrain station, Sandton City, and Nelson Mandela Square.
The Michelangelo Hotel
The Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton is one of Johannesburg's most elegant and popular hotels. This large five-star hotel, at Nelson Mandela Square, features 242 rooms ranging from standard rooms to large suites. The architecture is reminiscent of the Renaissance period, with large arches and decorative fountains. There's a large atrium in the center of the hotel around which all of the rooms are situated. The staff is consistently praised in reviews for being extremely courteous and helpful. Enjoy their amazing fine dining restaurant, feel pampered in their first-rate health & beauty spa, and enjoy their fitness center and heated indoor pool. The Michelangelo is adjacent to the Gautrain station.
Southern Sun Gold Reef City
The Southern Sun Gold Reef City is a wonderful family hotel at the popular Gold Reef City in southern Johannesburg. The four-star Southern Sun features 38 rooms, including standard rooms and suites. All rooms have comfortable king beds, stylish furnishings, and spacious bathrooms. Gold Reef City is home to a thrilling theme park, entertainment venues & theaters, a casino with table games and slots, and multiple restaurants. Guests of the Southern Sun will also have access to the hotel's fitness center, conference center, and child-sitting services.
The Residence Boutique Hotel
The elegant five-star Residence Boutique Hotel in Houghton Estate is one of the top-rated boutique hotels in Johannesburg. This hotel is small and only has 18 rooms, which makes it perfect for intimate getaway. You can be assured that the staff will give you the attention that you need and will make you feel at home during your stay. All rooms are classic, designer suites. The Residence also has an on-site fitness center, conference room, tennis courts, one heated pool, two non-heated pools, and a health & beauty spa. The formal dining area serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Limousine shuttle service is available for transportation around Johannesburg.
Bars and Restaurants
Clico Restaurant
Special occasions call for a sophisticated, classy restaurant like Clico Restaurant. This phenomenal restaurant in Rosebank has an open and bright dining area that's not stuffy but still provides for an intimate dining experience perfect for birthdays and anniversaries. Clico's menu features European-influenced cuisine made of only organic, local ingredients such as pork belly and braised lamb. The menu rotates on a seasonal basis to ensure variety and freshness. They're open daily from 7AM to 10PM, serving everything from casual breakfasts to sophisticated six-course dinners. Reservations are recommended.
The Grillhouse Rosebank
The Grillhouse in Rosebank is another one of Johannesburg's acclaimed steakhouses. Their menu features the standard salads and chicken dishes but you'll want to come here for the various cuts of beef, lamb, and venison. You can also order raw cuts directly from their butcher. The Grillhouse is also happy to accommodate the family vegetarian and large groups. The wooden furnishings create a very warm ambience and the exceptional staff will take great care of you. The Grillhouse provides an extensive wine list and full bar. There are two other locations in Sandton and Melrose Arch; this one is located in the Hyatt Regency Shopping Center. The Grillhouse is open daily from noon until 10:30PM and accepts reservations.
Fishmonger Illovo
You'll find no shortage of excellent seafood dishes at Fishmonger Illovo in Sandton. This remarkable fish house, the best in Johannesburg, serves lunch and dinner every day of the week. The restaurant has a very relaxed vibe despite the classy layout and furnishings. The menu features a strong Mediterranean influence, serving different dishes with langoustine, hake, kingklip, prawn, and calamari. Fishmonger Illovo also has a great sushi menu, and for those not in the mood for seafood you'll be able to choose from various chicken and steak dishes. Fishmonger Illovo is open from noon until 10:30PM. Reservations are recommended.
Lucky Bean
The Lucky Bean in Melville is one of Johannesburg's favorite African restaurants, known for great service and affordable prices. They serve traditional African dishes of snoek, springbok pie, and ostrich burgers. Other menu items include savory steaks, chicken, and grilled salmon. A vegan-friendly menu is also available. On the weekends you can find a live DJ spinning tunes in their small lounge area and delicious cocktails at their full bar. Lucky Bean is open from Tuesday thru Sunday from 11AM until Midnight; they're a part of the Lucky Bean guesthouse.
Things to do in Johannesburg in August
Explore Sandton & Nelson Mandela Square
Sandton is one of Johannesburg's most affluent neighborhoods and was once its own municipality. It's now a hub for fancy retail shops, lavish hotels, and fine restaurants. The Sandton City Mall is the largest in South Africa and sells anything and everything. It's located next to Nelson Mandela Square, an open piazza surrounded by cafes, bars, and restaurants, like the Hard Rock Café and The Butcher Shop. A large statue of Nelson Mandela looks over the square and its central fountain. The square is next to the Gautrain high-speed rail main station. You may also be interested in touring SA Breweries, a couple blocks west of the square.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
The sprawling Johannesburg Botanical Garden is a wonderful, peaceful setting to take a break from tours and sightseeing. This large, free park is perfect for taking a stroll, going for a jog, bike ride, or enjoying a picnic. The park has a few colorful gardens with roses, succulents, and a variety of trees. The Emmarentia Dam is on one side of the park and is popular for paddling a canoe or sailing a small boat. Some small rivers run through the park and are home to countless birds. The gardens are open daily from 6AM to 6PM, and please note that no open fires are allowed for cooking.
Entabeni Game Reserve
If you have a few days to get out of Johannesburg and want to see wild Africa, make a trip to the amazing Entabeni Game Reserve. The reserve is three hours north of Johannesburg and sits on 22,000-hectares of varying terrain and microclimates. There are a number of rustic yet luxurious lodges spread out through the reserve, giving you plenty of lodging options. This nature conservancy is home to Africa's "Big 5" game plus many other animals, including hippos, antelope, various bird species, and leopards. Entabeni sits at a lower elevation and can be much hotter than Johannesburg so take this into consideration during your trip packing.
Hartbeespoortdam and the Crocodile River
One of the major recreation areas outside of Johannesburg is the Hartbeespoort Dam and the Crocodile River, one hour north of Johannesburg. This dam was originally constructed for irrigation but has now become a center for many watersports including sailing and river rafting. A number of different rafting operators will guide you down the Crocodile River (don't worry about crocodiles). You can also visit an elephant sanctuary and go horseback riding or mountain biking. There are some great markets, coffee shops, cafes, and breweries around the lake. This area makes a wonderful single-day or multi-day side trip from the city.
