What to Pack for a Trip to Johannesburg

When planning a trip to South Africa, it comes as no surprise that so many choose to visit Johannesburg. This is the largest city in the country, making it a favourite destination for tourists looking for lots to do and see. Here you will find cultural diversity, beautiful sights, unique attractions and a bustling hub for those hoping to explore. 

The weather in Johannesburg is known for being relatively mild to warm. Evenings tend to get cooler during the winter months, so it’s essential to pack a selection of clothing for your trip here. Depending on what activities you have planned will also determine what to add to your packing list. 

With so many exciting excursions to enjoy around Johannesburg, you’re likely in need of more information about what to bring on your trip. Below is everything you need to know for what to pack when visiting here. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating part of South Africa, alongside some key items to remember. 

Best Time to Visit 

Before booking your Johannesburg getaway, it's first important to assess the best time to visit. This all depends on your preference and what you plan to do whilst staying here. The area is known for its subtropical highland climate, with hot summers and mild winters. 

Anytime between October and March are good times to visit if you’re hoping for warmer temperatures and sunny skies. However, it is essential to note that these seasons also bring more rain alongside the occasional storm. This is something to remember as it might affect some of your activities and excursions whilst visiting. 

If you’re seeking milder weather with cooler temperatures and a dry climate, winter is a great time to visit Johannesburg. Anytime from June to August is known as the winter season. You can still enjoy sunny days, but the heat is less oppressive and the evenings can become chilly. 

Johannesburg is known for attracting tourists all year, so expect to find lots going on no matter when you decide to visit. For those stopping in the city to then venture further and explore places like Pilanesberg National Park, between July and October, is the time to go here. This is when the animals take longer to feed throughout the park, allowing for better sightings of the many species and wildlife at Pilanesberg. 

What To Pack For Johannesburg

So, now you know a little more about what Johannesburg has to offer, alongside the best times to visit, let's move on to what to pack for your trip. Due to the changing weather conditions and varying things to do here, you will find that your packing list is quite varied. 

Below is a little more information on what to pack for a Johannesburg trip, alongside some essentials for particular activities in the area. 

Clothing

The clothing you pack for your trip to Johannesburg depends on several factors. These include, what time of year you choose to visit, what you plan on doing here and how long you are staying for. However, we have put together a general overview of what clothes to pack, so that you can tailor this depending on your getaway.

It’s important to remember light and breathable clothing. Johannesburg is known for its subtropical climate, meaning it can become hot and humid throughout summer and much cooler in winter. Activewear is perfect for visiting here as it will allow you to get out and explore, all whilst remaining comfortable. 

If you happen to be visiting Johannesburg during winter, warm layers are a must. These are great for rainy days, or when the temperatures drop. Layers are also an excellent idea for those getting out and active, as you can adjust your clothing accordingly when exploring the city and surrounding areas. 

For those choosing to explore Johannesburg between June and August, waterproof clothing will also be necessary. Due to the higher chance of rainfall, these items will help you remain dry whilst exploring all that this stunning part of South Africa has to offer. 

Footwear

Due to the size of the city, what shoes you choose to pack can affect your experience here. With so much space to explore and sights to see, your footwear needs to be comfortable and durable for getting out and seeing all of the area and surrounding spots. 

Comfortable hiking shoes or boots are a must. Johannesburg is a huge city that requires a lot of walking, so comfort is key when exploring here. For those heading to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park for a safari adventure, you will find that this type of footwear will come in very handy when catching a glimpse of wildlife. It’s important to note that waterproof boots are also a great option for those planning to explore the city and its surroundings in winter. 

If you're planning a trip to Johannesburg during the summer, sandals are also a great idea when looking for what to pack. The warmer temperatures and beautiful parks throughout the city mean that comfortable sandals or flip-flops will come in very handy. 

When preparing what to pack for travelling to Johannesburg, you may find that comfortable trainers or shoes are great. These can be worn in the airport, during your journey here and whilst wandering around the city. They are also excellent for evenings here as they provide a nice alternative to sandals or boots. 

Toiletries

Knowing what to pack for Johannesburg can be slightly confusing, due to the changing seasons and differing climates. However, one part of your packing list that is essential no matter when you visit is your toiletries. These are essential for those staying in the area, or travelling off to explore other parts of South Africa. 

Be sure to remember things like sunscreen, even if you’re visiting in winter, it is still necessary to bring a high-SPF cream and lip balm with you. Insect repellent will also come in handy for mosquitoes and other insect bites, especially when partaking in a safari adventure. Hand sanitiser is great for travelling, alongside exploring different parts of the city. Things like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and deodorant are also convenient items to have on your trip here. 

Be sure to remember any medication that you might need for your visit. It can be difficult trying to source these in a different country, so bringing them with you is the best bet. 

To keep all of your things in one place, a toiletry bag is also something worth packing. This is ideal for those who plan to travel whilst visiting Johannesburg, as there are plenty of other exciting spots to explore outside of the city! 

Electronics

Electronics are another important item to have on your Johannesburg packing list. These are also important for those heading out on safari around Pilanesberg National Park, as the photo opportunities here are endless. 

Be sure to bring your phones, cameras and chargers, alongside any other electronics you may need. Packing these items will help ensure you can travel the city with ease and never miss a shot of the stunning landscapes and wildlife here. 

Summary

Johannesburg has much to offer for a range of travellers, meaning a trip here allows for plenty of adventures and lots to see and do. We hope that after reading our recommendations above, you can now start planning for your next exciting getaway.

When deciding on a trip to the city, we also highly recommend exploring all that the beautiful surroundings have to offer. With Pilanesberg National Park nearby, visitors can experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari, with opportunities to see some of the most beautiful wildlife in the world. This is a bucket-list destination and one not to be missed!