[category]
[title]
If you’re planning a Christmas lunch outdoors or weighing up whether the braai needs a backup plan, Johannesburg’s festive forecast is shaping up to be very on-brand: warm, humid and with a decent chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
According to the latest forecasts, Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24) is expected to be mostly cloudy, with showers and thunderstorms anticipated in the morning, before conditions improve later in the day. Temperatures are predicted to hover around 23°C, with fairly high humidity, a typical feature of a Gauteng summer.
On Christmas Day (Thursday, 25 December), things heat up (big yay). Temperatures are expected to rise to around 28°C, providing a perfect window for a morning swim or outdoor gift exchange. However, keep an eye on the sky after midday; the forecast maintains a 60% probability of isolated thunderstorms later in the day. While it may feel like classic summer weather, the UV index is forecast to be high, making sun protection essential for anyone spending time outdoors.
By Friday, 26 December, conditions remain warm and slightly unsettled. Thunderstorms are likely in the morning, followed by more clouds than sun through the day. Temperatures are expected to sit in the high 20s, with the heat feeling more intense when the clouds break.
A wet summer
This outlook aligns closely with the warnings issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for South Africans to expect during the festive season. In its latest seasonal update, SAWS noted that isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are likely over central and eastern parts of the country, including Gauteng, particularly during afternoons and evenings (no surprises there).
These storms may occasionally be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty winds, especially during periods of increased moisture.
SAWS has also highlighted that South Africa is transitioning towards a weak La Niña pattern, which typically brings above-normal rainfall to northeastern regions, like Gauteng, during summer.
While this is good news for water resources and gardens, it does increase the risk of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
The advice for the festive season is simple: keep an eye on daily forecasts, plan outdoor gatherings with flexibility, and take weather warnings seriously. SAWS urges residents to seek shelter during thunderstorms, avoid flooded roads, and stay informed via official weather updates
In short? Expect a warm, stormy Joburg Christmas, with enough sunshine to enjoy the day, as long as you’re ready to duck inside when the clouds roll in.
Heading to Cape Town for Christmas? Here's what to expect.
RECOMMENDED
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!