What's the Weather like in Johannesburg in September
Temperature
September in Johannesburg continues to warm up going into summer. The average monthly temperature is 16°C. Average daytime temperatures get up to 22°C and average nighttime temperatures drop to 9°C. In some years it's been known to get up to 29°C and as low as 3°C, so be prepared for anything.
Rainfall
September is the transition period into Johannesburg's rainy season, with rainfall averaging 40mm over typically four days of rain. The chance of rain in the beginning of September is only 5% but rises to 15% by the end of the month.
Sunshine Hours
September is a sunny month in Johannesburg, averaging 11 hours of sunlight every day. The days continue to get longer in September, being 11 hours 35 minutes long at the beginning of the month and 12 hours 6 minutes long by the end. There's only a 15% chance of cloud cover during September.
Humidity
There's a rise in humidity in Johannesburg in September, from 48% to 56% by the end of the month. This is still relatively dry and quite comfortable for most people.
Wind
September winds are predominately out of the north in Johannesburg, with periods of winds blowing from all other directions. The average wind speed during September is 4.3 m/s.
Dress Code
Warming temperatures in September will mean that you'll want to bring some comfortable clothing during your visit to Johannesburg. You'll probably want shorts and skirts for the daytime and long pants for night. Check the Johannesburg 14-day forecast before you start packing to make sure you won't be visiting during a rare cold snap. If you'll be going on a safari it's a good idea to bring more protective clothing. Chances of rain are still small in September. As far as actual dress codes go, Johannesburg is a casual city and you won't need to dress up except for special occasions or fancy restaurants.
Johannesburg Hotels in September
The Peech Hotel
The Peech Hotel is a boutique hotel situated in what used to be vacation condos. It's now one of the top four-star boutique hotels in Johannesburg. There are 16 rooms at The Peech, ranging from standard rooms to suites. All rooms are decorated in stylish, comfortable furniture and feature large bathrooms with rainforest showerheads. There is one on-site restaurant serving a seasonal menu with fresh ingredients and they often host wine tastings. The friendly and courteous staff is guaranteed to take great care of you. The Peech is close to Melrose Arch and its large selection of shopping and restaurants.
Hyatt Regency Johannesburg
If you're a member of their rewards program you'll want to stay at the five-star Hyatt Regency Johannesburg. This large hotel has 244 comfortable accommodations made up of both rooms and suites with excellent views of the Johannesburg skyline. The hotel common areas and rooms are all decorated in local African styles. The Hyatt is situated near Rosebank and its fantastic restaurants, as well as being in close proximity to the Guatrain station. Breakfast is included for guests and you'll find wonderful African and international fusion dinners at the Hyatt's award-winning oneNINEone restaurant. Guests also have access to the heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and luxurious health spa.
Valverde Country Hotel
One of Johannesburg's excellent budget options is the Valverde Country Hotel. This three-star hotel is on the outskirts of Johannesburg and keeps guests coming back to it. The intimate setting is perfect for travelers seeking more solitude. There are 25 comfortable rooms at the Valverde and you can choose from large suites with four-poster beds or standard rooms with cozy beds and wooden lodge furniture. The Valverde has a restaurant that serves fresh country food near their beautiful, manicured gardens. When you're ready to take a day off you'll enjoy their excellent day spa. Valverde can provide airport transportation if you need it.
Protea Fire & Ice
One of the many excellent hotels in the Melrose Arch development is the four-star Protea Fire & Ice. This 197-room modern hotel is central to many outstanding restaurants, cafes, and shops within the neighborhood. The rooms and hotel grounds are all decorated with a chic design to emulate old-time Hollywood. This also includes the diner that has some amazing shakes and juicy gourmet burgers on their menu, as well as other breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. You'll find suites and standard rooms available, all with comfortable beds and large bathrooms. Shuttle service is available to take you to the nearest Gautrain station.
Bars and Restaurants
DW Eleven - 13
The laid-back DW Eleven 13 is an excellent option for fine dining in Dunkeld West. Despite the casual vibe, this fancy restaurant serves European fine dining at its best. The rotating menu serves bold dishes made of fresh, sustainable ingredients from local farms. They're also popular for their pairing menus, offering a four-course meal with the appropriate wine pairings to go along with each dish. The accommodating staff and amazing chefs are ready to assist with any special dietary needs. DW Eleven 13 is open for lunch at noon Tuesday thru Sunday, and for dinner at 6:30PM Tuesday thru Saturday.
Les Delices De France
Arguably the best French restaurant in Johannesburg is the pricey Les Delices De France. This elegant restaurant uses only the best local ingredients in their authentic French dishes, including a tasteful duck liver mousse, hanger steak, rabbit, veal, and creamy crayfish bisque. The restaurant offers a full selection of amazing French and South African wines to go with your meals. You may choose to sit outside in their patio and garden when the weather allows, otherwise enjoy their comfortable dining room. Les Delices is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday thru Saturday and lunch only on Sunday. Reservations are essential.
Thundergun Steakhouse
One of the oldest steakhouses in Johannesburg is the Thundergun. This moderately-priced restaurant in Blackheath consistently earns excellent reviews from visitors. The warm wood atmosphere makes you feel like you're in a rustic setting, adding to the flavors of their tender meats. Thundergun's most popular dish is their large plate of barbecue ribs. They also have some outstanding sirloin, fillet, burgers, and chicken dishes, all served on hot plates. This family restaurant opens for dinner daily at 5:30PM. Thundergun is also open for lunch on the weekends starting at 11:30AM.
Plaka Restaurant Cresta
For the best tastes of the Mediterranean, make a reservation at Plaka Restaurant Cresta. This classy restaurant in the Cresta shopping center features a very comfortable, relaxed dining room to go with their moderately-priced menu. You'll find traditional & modern Greek dishes of seafood and salads, steak, and lamb. Plaka also offers set menus to make ordering easy, or you have the option of ordering a la carte. And after dinner, make sure you still have room for their mouth-watering baklava or tiramisu. Plaka Restaurant Cresta opens at noon and closes at 10PM, except for Sundays and Mondays when they close at 9PM.
Things to do in Johannesburg in September
Gold Reef City
One of the most popular things to do in Johannesburg is to visit the large Gold Reef City. Gold Reef City is built at the site of a large gold mine and continues that heritage, transporting you back to the mining heyday of the 19th century. All of the buildings and staff reflect that time period, and you can visit the museum to see actual artifacts from those days. The main attractions here are the exciting theme park full of rollercoasters and other amusement park rides, and the casino with slots, video poker, and table games. Gold Reef City also has entertainment venues where you can watch a show or see a concert. The property also has numerous restaurants and hotels.
Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
Some of the oldest human fossils ever found were in South Africa, and you can visit the very site where this research is still ongoing. Everyone will enjoy the exhibits on display at the Maropeng Visitor Center where you will learn a lot about your ancestors. It's especially valuable to children. The more adventurous can go on guided tours inside the Sterkfontein Caves where many of these fossils were found. The Cradle of Humankind is located one hour north of Johannesburg. They are open every day of the week from 9AM to 5PM. There is also a restaurant in the visitor center.
The Lion & Safari Park
You'll definitely want to see some of South Africa's wildlife while in Johannesburg. One of the more popular places to do this is at the Gauteng Lion & Safari Park, 45 minutes from central Johannesburg. This wilderness reserve offers free admission; you only pay for the activities you want to participate in. Some of these activities include giraffe feeding, cub interactions, and nighttime safaris. You'll see Africa's "Big 5" and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Self-guided tours through the park are also available. The park is open daily at 8AM and closes at 8PM on weekends and 6PM on weekdays.
Participate in The Color Run
Any runners visiting Johannesburg? Not a runner? Don't worry, you can walk it too. The Color Run is also called the happiest 5K on the planet. You've probably seen these runs, or have even participated in them yourself. But this is the original it started in Johannesburg in 2011. Participants start the race in white shirts and are doused in different colors at each kilometer. You end the event covered in vibrant colors just like all of your new friends. The event's goal is to promote happiness and health around the world. Be sure to check their website to find out if the run is taking place during your visit to Johannesburg.
