What's the weather like in Johannesburg in February
Temperature
The warmest of the summer days for Johannesburg are over in February, but not by much. The average temperature is just one degree cooler, now at 20°C. You'll see average daytime highs of 25°C with average nighttime lows of 14°C. The beginning of the February is slightly warmer than the end of February, but not by much.
Rain
February is still a rainy month in Johannesburg, but not as bad as January. It rains for an average of 13 days in February, and rainfall totals average 110mm - 20mm less than January. Chances of rain, and rainfall totals, drop significantly throughout the month.
Sunshine Hours
Less rain and long days mean more sunshine, and Johannesburg gets on average ten hours of sun every day in February. The days start to get shorter in February, lasting 12 hours 39 minutes by the end of the month. Chances of overcast or mostly cloudy skies decrease throughout the month, from 32% in the beginning to 24% by the end of February.
Humidity
February, despite being the most humid month in Johannesburg, can still be quite comfortable. Relative humidity is decreasing throughout the month, from 70% in the beginning of February to 67% at the end. Milder temperatures and decreasing rain account for the drop in humidity.
Wind
Wind speeds average a constant 3.0 m/s throughout February, mostly out of the north and east but becoming more easterly towards the end of February.
Dress Code
Mild temperatures make packing for a visit to Johannesburg in February fairly easy. You'll still want to bring some rain gear, and expect to use it. Check the Johannesburg forecast while you're packing for your trip for the best information. Johannesburg is a fairly casual city, so you won't necessarily need to dress up unless you're eating at some elegant restaurants. The most important thing to consider is your own comfort, and that's what the locals do also.
Johannesburg Hotels in February
The Michelangelo Hotel
One of Johannesburg's most popular and most sophisticated hotels is the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton, at Nelson Mandela Square. This five-star hotel features 242 air-conditioned rooms, including rooms for families and large suites. The unique design features a central atrium area around which the rooms are situated, featuring decorative fountains and Renaissance architecture. Guests will feel pampered by the Michelangelo's courteous staff and in the health & beauty spa. Michelangelo is also home to an amazing fine dining restaurant, as well as one for more casual occasions. Other amenities include a fitness center, heated indoor pool, and access to the fast Gautrain rail service.
The Winston Hotel
There's no other five-star options in Rosebank's commercial district like the Winston Hotel. This small boutique hotel features only 30 rooms, and that allows the staff to give you some of the most attentive service you could possibly receive. Business travelers can take advantage of the Winston's conference rooms, and leisure travelers will find the Winston's location near the Gautrain perfect for exploration. The beautiful courtyard features a refreshing pool and bar area, and also seating for their intimate restaurant with Mediterranean dishes. The Winston Hotel's location also puts it in close distance to many other shopping and dining opportunities.
Genesis All-Suite Hotel
The affordable Genesis All-Suite Hotel is a wonderful four-star option for travelers looking to save money on lodging to enjoy Johannesburg's other activities. Located in Highlands North, this 50-room hotel features suites in every room. Most rooms are two-bedroom suites, but there are also one-bedroom and up to four-bedroom suites available as well. All suites have a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, and balcony. Guests at Genesis All-Suites will also have access to their on-site fitness center, conference center, bistro dining open all day, two bars, and swimming pool. Shopping centers and restaurants are conveniently located near the hotel.
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
The trendy Melrose Arch Hotel is a five-star, 118-room hotel in the upscale Melrose Arch development. This luxurious hotel is part of a complex containing all of the shopping and dining needs you'll want while in Johannesburg. The modern rooms contain comfortable beds on wooden floors, sizeable tiled bathrooms, and free high-speed Internet. Unwind after a day of exploring in their Library Bar or at the hotel pool. In addition to the bars and lounges, the Melrose Arch Hotel contains one on-site restaurant featuring unique international fusion dishes.
Bars and Restaurants
Eating at Johannesburg Markets
Weekends are a great time to explore Johannesburg's many markets and sample some local foods. The Saturday Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein is one of the most popular markets to find some excellent eats. Rosebank's rooftop Sunday markets are another hot option to find a variety of international foods. Another Saturday market in Parkhurst is strictly food, great if you're looking for a meal or some farm-fresh organic foods for cooking in your suite.
Moyo Melrose Arch
You'll have a great time and enjoy some outstanding African food and drinks at Moyo in the Melrose Arch neighborhood. This large restaurant can seat 350 guests both indoors and on their outdoor patio, where you can enjoy a variety of daily live music. Some of the traditional dishes include Moroccan lamb shank, peri peri chicken, flame grilled chermoula fish, and a number of tagine and potjie dishes. Moyo is open daily from 11AM to 11PM. Dishes run from budget to expensive, and you have your choice of casual seating to intimate tables.
Fishmonger Illovo
One of the most outstanding seafood restaurants in Johannesburg is tucked away in Illovo, Sandton, serving lunch and dinner every day of the week. Fishmonger Illovo's menu has a Mediterranean influence, serving a number of prawn dishes, langoustine, hake, kingklip, and sole. Fishmonger Illovo also has an impressive sushi menu for the sushi enthusiasts, and the non-seafood eaters in the family also have their choice of chicken and steak dishes. Fishmonger Illovo is open from noon until 10:30PM and reservations are recommended.
The Grillhouse Rosebank
If you're craving a savory steak in the Rosebank area, you must try The Grillhouse in the Hyatt Shopping Centre. The warm wood décor in The Grillhouse will make you feel right at home while the excellent staff will ensure the perfect dish and the finest drinks from their full bar. Outdoor seating is also available, and The Grillhouse is well-equipped to handle large groups. There are two other locations in Sandton and Melrose Arch. The Grillhouse is also vegetarian-friendly with a variety of large salads and seafood dishes. The Grillhouse is open daily from noon until 10:30PM and accepts reservations.
Things to do in Johannesburg in February
Visit Braamfontein
One of the best walking tours in Johannesburg is the historically and culturally rich Braamfontein district. Walk through the streets on your own or hire a guide; either way you won't want to miss it. See places like historic Constitution Hill where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Saturdays host one of Johannesburg's best street markets. Tour the Wits Arts Museum, Johannesburg Planetarium, and the Origins Center Museum. You'll find ample bars and cafes in which to take a break from exploration.
Carlton Centre Viewing Platform
Right in the center of Johannesburg is the towering 50-floor Carlton Centre, an impressive commerce center taking up an entire city block. There are a few shops and restaurants in the area, but the big attraction is the view. Tourists can take a free elevator to the viewing platform on top of the building and observe Johannesburg in every direction.
Gold Reef Casino
The sprawling Gold Reef City has a little something for everyone restaurants, entertainment, shopping, amusement rides and a casino. Gold Reef City is modeled after historic mining settlements, and this is reflected in Gold Reef Casino. The casino, which is open 24 hours, features colonial architecture with gold accents, large fountains, paneled ceilings, and arched walkways. Inside you'll find over 1,500 coinless slot machines, video poker games and the classic table games like blackjack and roulette.
Giraffe Feeding
The large Lion & Safari Park 45 minutes north of Johannesburg will give you a wildlife experience unlike any other. The park offers a number of different safari tours and wildlife encounters. One of the favorites especially among children is the giraffe feeding platforms. All you need to do is hold your hand out and giraffes will approach, using their giant tongue to feed out of your hand. Ostriches and zebras will also frequently approach to feed. The park opens at 8AM every day and closes at 8PM on weekends and at 6PM weekdays. Admission is free, all you pay for is the food.
Explore Maboneng
Once a crime-ridden, rundown urban neighborhood, Maboneng has been reborn as a center for the arts. Recent years have seen the introduction of a number of trendy cafes, eclectic restaurants and artistic shops. Art walks are a popular activity - walk along the streets admiring the works of local & international artists, which change constantly. The revitalization of the Maboneng Precinct is really something to admire and continues to this day.
