Things to Do in Johannesburg in April

April Weather in Johannesburg

21°C (71°F) High Temp

10°C (51°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Autumn shoulder season brings lower accommodation prices - expect 20-30% savings compared to December peak season, with luxury hotels averaging R1,500-2,500 per night instead of R3,000+
Perfect hiking weather with crisp mornings (10°C/51°F) warming to comfortable 21°C (71°F) afternoons - ideal for Magaliesberg day trips and Cradle of Humankind exploration without summer's oppressive heat
Jacaranda bloom season peaks in late April, transforming Pretoria into a purple wonderland just 56 km (35 miles) north - locals call it 'Jacaranda City' and it's genuinely spectacular for 2-3 weeks
Clear winter air dramatically improves views from Carlton Centre's Top of Africa (50th floor) and Johannesburg's northern suburbs - you can actually see the Magaliesberg mountains 120 km (75 miles) away on clear days

Considerations

Transition into dry season means afternoon thunderstorms become unpredictable - can go from sunny to torrential rain in 15 minutes, then clear again, making outdoor planning challenging
Easter holidays (April 18-21, 2025) drive up domestic tourism and crowd popular attractions like Gold Reef City and Apartheid Museum - expect 40% more visitors and longer queues
Shortened daylight hours with sunset around 5:45 PM limit afternoon activities - township tours and outdoor markets wind down earlier than summer months

Best Activities in April

Cradle of Humankind UNESCO Site Tours

April's mild temperatures (21°C/71°F highs) make exploring the underground Sterkfontein Caves and Wonder Cave comfortable - no summer heat exhaustion. The 47,000-hectare site requires significant walking between fossil sites, and autumn weather is perfect for the 2-3 hour outdoor portions. Maropeng Visitor Centre is less crowded than school holidays.

Booking Tip: Book cave tours 5-7 days ahead as group sizes are limited to 12 people. Tours typically cost R200-350 per person including transport from Johannesburg (48 km/30 miles). Look for operators offering combo tickets with multiple cave sites. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Soweto Cultural Township Experiences

Cooler April weather makes walking tours of Soweto's historic sites comfortable - summer heat can be brutal for the typical 3-4 hour experiences. Vilakazi Street (home to both Mandela and Tutu) and Hector Pieterson Memorial require significant outdoor time. Local guides are more energetic in pleasant weather, and you'll see more authentic daily life as residents spend more time outdoors.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost R450-650 including transport and lunch. Book with operators who employ local guides from the townships. Morning tours (8 AM start) capture the best light and energy. See current township tours in the booking section below.

Magaliesberg Mountain Adventure Activities

April offers perfect conditions for hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg range - calm autumn air provides smoother flights and crystal-clear views. Rock climbing and abseiling at Hennops River are comfortable in 21°C (71°F) temperatures. The 120 km (75-mile) mountain range is 90 minutes from Johannesburg and significantly less crowded than summer months.

Booking Tip: Hot air balloon flights cost R2,800-3,500 per person and must be booked 2-3 weeks ahead due to weather dependency. Rock climbing experiences range R800-1,200 for full-day guided sessions. Look for operators with insurance certification. See current mountain activities in the booking section below.

Johannesburg City Center Historical Walking Tours

Autumn's comfortable temperatures make exploring downtown Johannesburg on foot actually pleasant - summer heat makes the CBD unbearable midday. April weather allows proper exploration of Constitutional Hill, Mining District, and Newtown Cultural Precinct without heat exhaustion. The 2-3 hour walking tours cover significant distances through varied terrain.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours cost R300-500 per person and should be booked with reputable operators for safety in the city center. Morning tours (9 AM) offer better light and cooler temperatures. Private group tours (minimum 4 people) provide more flexibility. See current city tours in the booking section below.

Pilanesberg National Park Safari Day Trips

April's moderate temperatures and reduced vegetation after summer rains improve wildlife viewing - animals are more active in cooler weather and easier to spot. The park is 150 km (93 miles) northwest of Johannesburg, making it perfect for day trips when weather is comfortable for 6-8 hours outdoors. Big Five sightings are excellent as animals gather around water sources.

Booking Tip: Day safari packages cost R1,200-1,800 per person including transport and park fees. Book with operators providing open-air vehicles for better viewing. Self-drive options available for R200 park entrance fee plus vehicle costs. See current safari options in the booking section below.

Pretoria Jacaranda Season Photography Tours

Late April (typically April 20-30) marks peak jacaranda bloom in Pretoria, just 56 km (35 miles) north. Over 70,000 jacaranda trees create purple canopies throughout the city - a phenomenon lasting only 2-3 weeks annually. Church Square, Union Buildings gardens, and university campuses become photography hotspots. Cool mornings provide perfect lighting conditions.

Booking Tip: Photography tours during jacaranda season cost R400-600 per person for half-day experiences. Bloom timing varies by 1-2 weeks depending on rainfall - confirm current bloom status before booking. Best light occurs 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM. See current jacaranda tours in the booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Rand Easter Show

South Africa's largest consumer exhibition runs over Easter weekend (April 18-21, 2025) at NASREC Expo Centre. Features agricultural displays, entertainment, and food from across the country. Attracts 400,000+ visitors making it the biggest event in Johannesburg's calendar.

Late April

Pretoria Jacaranda Festival

Celebrates the city's iconic purple jacaranda blooms with street festivals, markets, and cultural events throughout the month. Peak bloom typically occurs in late April, making this the most photogenic time to visit the capital.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - mornings start at 10°C (51°F) but afternoons reach 21°C (71°F), so pack lightweight long sleeves you can remove

Waterproof jacket with hood - April's 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours that can soak you in minutes, but they typically last only 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index of 8 at altitude (1,753 m/5,751 ft above sea level) causes burns within 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - many attractions involve uneven terrain and significant walking distances on concrete and rocky surfaces

Light scarf or neck warmer for early morning activities - township tours and sunrise balloon flights start when temperatures are still 10°C (51°F)

Portable umbrella that fits in daypack - sudden afternoon storms make fixed umbrellas useless, you need mobility

Cash in small denominations (R20, R50 notes) - many township vendors, parking attendants, and tip situations require cash, cards not always accepted

Power bank for your phone - you'll be taking photos all day and some areas have limited charging opportunities during long tour days

Lip balm with SPF - high altitude and dry winter air causes severe chapping, especially during outdoor activities

Light day backpack with water bottle - many tours involve 2-3 hours outdoors with limited shade, staying hydrated is crucial at altitude

Insider Knowledge

Johannesburg's altitude (1,753 m/5,751 ft) means you'll get winded faster than expected - arrive 1-2 days early to acclimatize before strenuous activities like hiking or walking tours

April is when locals start their 'winter shopping' for warmer clothes - visit Sandton City or Mall of Africa for seasonal sales on quality South African brands like Country Road and Woolworths

Traffic patterns change in April as schools resume after Easter holidays - avoid the M1 and N1 highways between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM, adding 45 minutes to journey times

Many restaurants transition to winter menus in April featuring hearty stews and grilled meats - this is prime time for traditional South African cuisine like bobotie and potjiekos at local establishments

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - tourists get caught in sudden downpours without waterproof clothing, then get cold when temperatures drop 10°C (18°F) after the rain

Booking outdoor activities for late afternoon - sunset at 5:45 PM means many outdoor experiences feel rushed or end in darkness, morning bookings are far superior

Not factoring in Easter weekend crowds (April 18-21, 2025) - major attractions like Gold Reef City and Apartheid Museum have 2-3 hour queues during this domestic holiday period