Things to Do in Johannesburg in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Johannesburg
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Late summer weather means fewer tourists at major sites like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill - you'll actually have space to absorb these heavy historical experiences without tour groups rushing you along
- The jacaranda trees are still showing off their last purple blooms in northern suburbs like Rosebank and Parktown, creating those Instagram-worthy purple-canopied streets before they drop for winter
- Outdoor restaurants and rooftop bars in Maboneng and Braamfontein are still fully operational before the winter chill sets in - locals are squeezing in every last alfresco meal they can
- Accommodation prices drop noticeably after the February school holidays end, typically 20-30% lower than peak summer rates, and you'll have better selection at guesthouses in Melville and Parkhurst
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms roll in without much warning, usually between 3-6pm, and they're the dramatic kind with lightning and heavy downpours that can flood streets in Sandton and the CBD within 20 minutes
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might wake up to 13°C (56°F) and need a jacket, then by 2pm it's 24°C (75°F) and you're sweating, which makes packing and planning your day frustrating
- This is the tail end of summer so some outdoor venues and festivals are winding down rather than ramping up - the energy feels like things are closing rather than opening
Best Activities in March
Soweto Township Cultural Tours
March weather is actually ideal for walking through Soweto - warm enough to be comfortable but not the scorching 30°C-plus (86°F-plus) heat of January. The afternoon storms usually hold off until 4pm, giving you a solid morning and early afternoon window to visit Vilakazi Street, the Hector Pieterson Museum, and local shebeens. The lower tourist numbers mean more authentic interactions with residents and guides have more time for genuine conversation rather than rushing groups through. The UV index of 8 is serious though, so you'll need sun protection even on cloudy days.
Johannesburg Art Gallery and Maboneng District Exploration
March is perfect for indoor cultural experiences since you'll inevitably get caught by afternoon rain. The Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park has been recently upgraded with better security, and the Maboneng Precinct offers galleries, street art, and covered markets that work brilliantly as rain backup plans. Sundays at the Market on Main are particularly good in March - fewer crowds than summer peak, and the covered venue means weather doesn't matter. The evening temperatures are cool enough that walking around Maboneng after dark is actually pleasant rather than sweltering.
Cradle of Humankind Day Trips
The Cradle of Humankind, about 50 km (31 miles) northwest of the city, is exceptional in March because the landscape is still green from summer rains but trails aren't muddy like they are in peak summer. The Sterkfontein Caves stay at a constant 18°C (64°F) year-round, making them a perfect escape from variable weather. Maropeng Visitor Centre is entirely indoors, so afternoon storms don't disrupt your plans. March also means you'll avoid the school holiday crowds that pack this place in December and January.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserves
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and Melville Koppies are genuinely lovely in March - still lush from summer but without the oppressive heat. Early morning visits (7-10am) are ideal before the afternoon storms build up. You'll see the last of the summer wildflowers and the gardens are quiet on weekdays. The 70% humidity makes hiking more challenging than in winter, so stick to shorter trails under 5 km (3.1 miles) unless you're accustomed to humid conditions. The cooler evenings mean sunset picnics at Emmarentia Dam are actually comfortable around 6pm.
Gold Reef City and Mining History Experiences
Gold Reef City works brilliantly in March because about half the experience is indoors or underground - the mine tours, museums, and exhibits provide perfect shelter from afternoon thunderstorms. The theme park rides are less crowded than school holiday periods, and the outdoor sections are manageable in the warm but not scorching temperatures. The underground mine tours stay cool, which is welcome after being outside in humid conditions. This is also when locals are less likely to visit, so you'll get more attention from guides.
Rooftop Bars and Evening Food Scene
March evenings are that perfect temperature - cool enough to be comfortable but warm enough that rooftop venues in Braamfontein and Maboneng are still fully open without heaters. Locals are making the most of outdoor dining before winter forces everyone inside in May. The sunset around 6:30pm is reliably clear after afternoon storms pass through, creating dramatic skies. Food markets like Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein and various pop-ups are still in full swing. This is peak time for outdoor jazz performances and street food events before the season shifts.
March Events & Festivals
Johannesburg Art Fair
Usually held in early March at the Sandton Convention Centre, this is southern Africa's premier contemporary art fair featuring galleries from across the continent. It's genuinely significant in the African art world, with serious collectors and casual browsers mixing together. The indoor venue means weather is irrelevant, and the fair includes talks, performances, and installations beyond just gallery booths. Entry is typically 100-150 ZAR for general admission.
Arts Alive Festival
If it falls in late March (dates shift annually), this month-long celebration of arts and culture takes over venues across the city with music, dance, visual arts, and theatre. Many events are free or low-cost, and it's a rare chance to see performances in unusual spaces like warehouses in Newtown and outdoor stages in various neighborhoods. The mix of indoor and outdoor venues means you can work around weather.