What's the weather like in Johannesburg in March
Temperature
You can feel the end of summer getting near in Johannesburg in March, with average temperatures of 19°C. Average daytime highs reach 24°C and nights average 13°C. Temperatures seldom exceed 28°C due to the high elevation. The end of March does see some cooler temperatures from the beginning of the month.
Rainfall
Summer rainfall hasn't quite ended in March yet, but it does start to taper off. Average rainfall totals are 100mm in Johannesburg in March, spread out over 12 days. At the beginning of the month the chance of rain is around 38%, decreasing to 28% by the end of the month. Johannesburg has seen some years where March average rainfall has been as low as 17mm and as high as 134mm so it can be all over the place.
Sunshine Hours
With shorter days you'll still get nine hours of sunshine in Johannesburg in March. The length of the days steadily declines, ending the month with 11 hours 51 minutes between sunrise and sunset. The chances of cloud cover remain steadily constant at around 23% throughout the month.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in the beginning of March is 67%, declining to 64% by the end. Humidity levels are quite comfortable, not unpleasantly humid but not unbearably dry.
Wind
March begins with winds mostly out of the north and east, but by the end of the month they can be from all directions. Wind speeds remain a constant, reasonable 2.9 m/s throughout the month.
Dress Code
March is still considered the rainy season in Johannesburg, so dress appropriately. Additionally, nights start to get chilly, especially towards the end of the month. You'll have a better idea of what to pack right before your trip by checking the Johannesburg forecast. Bring some comfortable clothes for a variety of activities long pants and maybe a pullover for the nights and shorts, skirts, and sandals for city exploration during the day. If you'll be going on safari you'll want protective clothing from both the sun and brush.
Johannesburg Hotels in March
Sandton Sun
The five-star Sandton Sun is one of the top-rated hotels in Johannesburg for its comfortable rooms, fine dining, and prime location. The 326 air-conditioned rooms are equipped with 48" flatscreen TVs, plush bedding, and modern furnishings, with wonderful views of Johannesburg. The award-winning San Restaurant has a unique menu featuring rotating dishes using only local, seasonal ingredients. The San Deck lounge is the perfect place to enjoy meal or just a sundowner with great views of Sandton. Other hotel amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and conference rooms.
Valverde Country Hotel
The Valverde Country Hotel is the perfect budget option for travelers seeking an intimate getaway on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Despite being rated a three-star hotel, the Valverde is still ranked one of the top in Johannesburg and has excellent marks from guests. Valverde features 25 rooms with wood lodge furniture, four-poster beds in the suites, and large cozy beds in the standard rooms. Valverde also features a fresh, country restaurant and day spa. The lush, manicured gardens provide a wonderful setting to relax. Valverde also provides airport transportation.
The Residence Boutique Hotel
The top-rated Residence Boutique Hotel in Houghton Estate is small with only 18 rooms, making it perfect for intimate getaways. The five-star elegant designer suites and the accommodating staff will make you feel right at home. Facilities at the Residence Boutique Hotel include a fitness center, tennis courts, conference room, three pools (one of which is heated) and a formal dining area serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And let's not forget the health and beauty spa, a perfect way to top off a day on safari. Limousine shuttle service is available to take you around Johannesburg.
Southern Sun Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is one of the hottest activities in Johannesburg. They have a couple of hotel options also, and the Southern Sun Gold Reef City provides great family lodging in Johannesburg. The 38 four-star rooms include standard rooms and suites, all with comfortable king beds and luxurious furnishings. The Southern Sun is equipped with a fitness center, conference center, and provides child-sitting services for when the adults want to go out. All guests have immediate access to the theme park, casino, theaters, and restaurants at Gold Reef City.
Bars and Restaurants
Café del Sol Classico
Café del Sol Classico in Randburg is an incredible Mediterranean restaurant with wonderful food and a great atmosphere. It's often considered the best Italian restaurant in Johannesburg, with its quality menu featuring dishes like porcini chicken, bacon & brie fillet, and freshly made lamb pasta. Café del Sol Classico features an extensive wine & drink list to compliment all of their dishes, and their exceptional staff will assist in making the proper selection. This restaurant is a perfect choice for either a special occasion or a casual night out. They are open for lunch Tuesday thru Sunday from noon to 3PM and dinner hours are Tuesday thru Saturday from 6PM 9:30PM. Reservations are essential.
Les Delices De France
For a special night of fine dining on French cuisine, make a reservation at Les Delices De France. This pricey restaurant features nothing but the most quality ingredients prepared in authentic French dishes, such as duck liver mousse, crayfish bisque, rabbit, veal, and hanger steak. A full selection of French and South African wines is available for your choosing. The small restaurant also offers outdoor patio seating overlooking a beautiful garden when weather allows. Les Delices is closed on Mondays; they are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and lunch only on Sunday.
Lucky Bean
An exceptional African restaurant in Melville is Lucky Bean. Lucky Bean is known for their great service and fair prices. They are vegan friendly, and some of their traditional dishes include South African snoek, ostrich burgers and springbok pie. The less adventurous can also enjoy general dishes like grilled salmon, chicken, and Portuguese steak. Lucky Bean also has a small lounge area with full bar where a DJ entertains with music on the weekends. Lucky Bean is part of the Lucky Bean guesthouse, is open to non-guests, and serves food Tuesday thru Sunday from 11AM until midnight.
Thundergun Steakhouse
Johannesburg has no shortage of amazing steakhouses. Thundergun is one of those steakhouses that consistently earns high marks from visitors. This moderately-priced restaurant in Blackheath immerses you in a rustic pub setting that you would expect at a great steakhouse. Thundergun serves up some tasty hot plates of tender sirloin & fillet, chicken, and burgers, but is perhaps best known for their sizeable portion of barbecue ribs. This family restaurant is open for dinner every day of the week starting at 5:30PM, and also serves lunch on the weekends starting at 11:30AM.
Things to do in Johannesburg in March
City Walk in Braamfontein
Braamfontein has become one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Johannesburg in recent years. In the time since apartheid ended, a number of hip galleries, museums, cafes, bars, restaurants and music venues have sprung up. You can take a walk through The Origins Centre and see exhibits about the beginning of humankind. Visit Constitution Hall and see where Ghandi and Nelson Mandela were imprisoned. The Nelson Mandela Bridge also leads out of Braamfontein and is brilliantly lit, a must see at night. Braamfontein also has an excellent weekend market where you can get delicious international food, the latest fashions, and listen to some great music.
Entabeni Game Reserve
An outstanding side-excursion if you have a few days to get out of Johannesburg is a trip to the remarkable Entabeni Game Reserve. This 22,000-hectare nature conservancy is located approximately three hours north of Johannesburg. Rustic yet luxurious lodges are situated throughout the reserve in a variety of different microclimates found on the reserve. Entabeni is much lower in elevation than Johannesburg and thus can get much hotter, up to 40°C at times during the summer. Go on safari and see the "Big 5" plus so much more, including hippopotamus, different species of antelope, a wide variety of birds, and leopards, all in their natural setting.
Sandton City Shopping Centre
If you're stuck in those rains that may happen as the wet season wraps up in March, the Sandton City Shopping Centre will provide respite and a fun day of shopping. This large indoor mall is one of Africa's most prominent with over 300 retailers, including the international high-end brands and smaller local markets, all at reasonable prices. Sandton City isn't all about shopping. You'll also find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and movie theaters. Sandton City opens at 9AM daily and closes at 6PM on Sundays, otherwise closing at 8PM.
Gold Reef City
You'll find fun for the entire family at Gold Reef City, site of a large gold mine now closed. This large complex, south of Johannesburg and near the Apartheid Museum, is modeled after an old gold mining town from the late 19th century. This is reflected in not just the architecture but also the costumes of the staff. Adults will love the casino, full of slot machines and classic card games. The theme park has thrilling roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and vertical drops. The theaters host different shows and concerts. There are a few restaurants on site, and a couple of different lodging options too. Be sure to visit the museum while you're there for an authentic depiction of what mining was like in South Africa.
