Things to Do in Johannesburg in March

March Weather in Johannesburg

24°C (75°F) High Temp

13°C (56°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather with crisp mornings at 13°C (56°F) and warm afternoons at 24°C (75°F) - ideal for full-day outdoor exploration without the crushing summer heat
Post-summer exodus means 40-50% fewer crowds at major attractions like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, with shorter queues and better photo opportunities
End of peak season pricing drops accommodation rates by 25-35% compared to December-February, while weather remains excellent for sightseeing
Heritage Month celebrations throughout March showcase authentic South African culture with street festivals, jazz performances, and traditional food markets that tourists rarely experience

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, often disrupting outdoor activities and making township tours uncomfortable during peak storm hours
Highveld altitude at 1,753 m (5,751 ft) combined with 70% humidity creates unpredictable weather swings - you'll need layers for 11°C (20°F) temperature differences between morning and afternoon
Many outdoor venues and rooftop bars close early due to unpredictable evening storms, limiting nightlife options compared to dry winter months

Best Activities in March

Soweto Cultural Township Tours

March is Heritage Month in South Africa, making township visits exceptionally rich with cultural celebrations, street music, and local festivals. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon storms and capture the authentic morning energy of the townships. The cooler temperatures make walking tours comfortable, and you'll experience genuine community celebrations rather than tourist-focused performances.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures (8am-10am starts) to avoid afternoon storms. Tours typically cost R650-950 per person for half-day experiences. Look for operators offering small group sizes (maximum 8 people) and community-owned guides. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Johannesburg City Center Walking Tours

March's mild mornings are perfect for exploring the revitalized city center on foot. Start at 9am when temperatures are 15-18°C (59-64°F) and finish by 1pm before storms hit. The post-summer clarity offers excellent views from Carlton Centre's Top of Africa, and Heritage Month brings street art exhibitions and historical displays to neighborhoods like Maboneng and Braamfontein.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 hour morning tours starting between 8-10am. Prices range R450-750 per person including Carlton Centre access. Choose tours that include Maboneng Precinct and constitutional sites. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Cradle of Humankind Day Trips

March's clear post-summer skies provide stunning views across the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The 47 km (29 miles) drive from Johannesburg takes you through beautiful highveld scenery. Cooler temperatures make the Sterkfontein Caves exploration more comfortable, and you'll avoid the harsh summer sun while walking between paleontological sites.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically run R850-1,200 per person including cave entry and lunch. Book tours departing 8am to maximize site visits before afternoon weather changes. Look for operators combining Maropeng Visitor Centre with actual fossil sites. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Apartheid Museum and Constitutional Hill Tours

March's Heritage Month context adds profound meaning to historical site visits. Indoor exhibits provide perfect storm shelters, while outdoor areas are comfortable during morning hours. Post-peak season means you can spend quality time at exhibits without crowds, and many venues host special Heritage Month displays and talks by struggle veterans.

Booking Tip: Combine both sites in one day - tours cost R550-800 per person including entrance fees. Book afternoon departure tours since these are primarily indoor experiences. Many operators offer Heritage Month special presentations. See current combined tour options in the booking section below.

Gold Mine Underground Tours

March's surface weather variability makes underground experiences particularly appealing. Gold Reef City's underground mine tours maintain constant cool temperatures, providing relief from humid surface conditions. The contrast between underground coolness and surface warmth is refreshing, and fewer tourists mean more personalized experiences with mine guides.

Booking Tip: Underground tours cost R400-650 per person for 90-minute experiences. No weather concerns, so flexible booking. Combine with Gold Reef City theme park if weather permits outdoor activities. Book 2-3 days ahead during Heritage Month. Current tour availability in booking widget below.

Johannesburg Food and Market Tours

March brings seasonal produce from summer harvests to local markets, while Heritage Month celebrations showcase traditional South African cuisine. Indoor venues like Market on Main and outdoor markets benefit from mild morning temperatures. You'll find fresh seasonal fruits, traditional Heritage Month foods like boerewors and pap, and craft beer tastings before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Food tours range R650-950 per person for 4-5 hour experiences including tastings. Book morning tours (9am-1pm) to hit markets at peak freshness and avoid weather disruption. Look for tours combining traditional and modern South African cuisine. Current food tour options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Entire month of March

Heritage Month Celebrations

Official government-declared Heritage Month features cultural festivals, traditional music performances, and historical exhibitions throughout Johannesburg. Experience authentic South African cultures through street festivals in Alexandra, traditional dance performances in Soweto, and craft markets in Newtown Cultural Precinct.

Early March

Joburg Art Fair

Africa's premier contemporary art fair typically occurs in early March, featuring works from across the continent. Held at Sandton Convention Centre, it showcases emerging and established African artists and attracts international collectors and art enthusiasts.

March 21

Human Rights Day Celebrations

March 21st public holiday commemorating the Sharpeville Massacre with ceremonies, cultural performances, and historical exhibitions. Special events at Constitution Hill, Apartheid Museum, and community centers provide deep cultural insights unavailable other times of year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon thunderstorms last 45-90 minutes and can be intense with heavy rainfall

Layering pieces for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings - start with long sleeves at 13°C (56°F) mornings, strip to t-shirts by afternoon

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Johannesburg's highveld clay becomes slippery when wet from frequent March showers

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 1,753 m (5,751 ft) altitude, burning happens faster than at sea level

Compact umbrella for sudden downpours - more practical than rain ponchos for quick afternoon storm coverage

Long pants for evening - temperatures drop quickly after storms, and many restaurants have outdoor seating requiring coverage

Cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, natural fibers breathe better in Johannesburg's variable March conditions

Light sweater or hoodie - morning temperatures of 13°C (56°F) require warmth until 10-11am when sun breaks through

Closed-toe shoes for township and city walking tours - essential for uneven surfaces and cultural respect in community areas

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - protect electronics and documents during sudden afternoon thunderstorms

Insider Knowledge

Local South Africans avoid outdoor activities between 2-5pm in March due to predictable afternoon thunderstorms - schedule important sightseeing for morning hours when weather is most stable

Heritage Month brings out authentic cultural celebrations that locals participate in - join community festivals in Alexandra or Diepsloot for genuine experiences tourists never see

Johannesburg's altitude affects visitors differently in March's variable weather - drink extra water and take breaks, especially when transitioning between air-conditioned venues and humid outdoor conditions

Post-peak season March means many tour operators offer last-minute deals - book accommodation early but leave tours flexible for better pricing 2-3 days before your preferred dates

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities for 2-5pm when 60% of March days experience thunderstorms - always plan indoor alternatives or morning/late afternoon outdoor excursions

Underpacking layers for temperature variations - visitors frequently get caught in 13°C (56°F) mornings wearing only summer clothes, then overheat in 24°C (75°F) afternoons

Missing Heritage Month cultural events by sticking to standard tourist attractions - March offers unique authentic experiences that don't exist other times of year