Gauteng, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Gauteng, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Gauteng, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gauteng, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in Gauteng, South Africa, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gauteng, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gauteng, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gauteng, South Africa by month

January

January in Gauteng is warm and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you are traveling to Gauteng in February, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in Gauteng is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to get the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

April

If you are traveling to Gauteng in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

May

May in Gauteng is relatively cool and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you go to Gauteng in June, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to find the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

July

If you vacation in Gauteng during July, you will probably find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you get the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

August

If you visit Gauteng during August, you will probably see that it is mild and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you are traveling to Gauteng in September, you will notice that it is mild and very dry. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November in Gauteng is a perfect temperature and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

December

In December, Gauteng is a perfect temperature and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Gauteng, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gauteng may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Gauteng, South Africa

Gauteng is known as the “place of gold” in South Africa, and is home to the country’s largest city, Johannesburg. It is a province that boasts a rich cultural heritage and a range of fascinating tourist attractions. From gardens and theme parks to museums and wildlife reserves, the province has something for everyone. Here are the top tourist attractions in Gauteng.

1. Apartheid Museum - The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in South Africa’s history. The museum chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid through its exhibits, including photographs, newspaper clippings, videos, and interactive displays.

2. The Cradle of Humankind - Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cradle of Humankind is a large and complex network of limestone caves and one of the world’s most important areas for the study of human evolution. The site, located in the northwest of Johannesburg, is home to the Sterkfontein caves, which have yielded some of the world’s oldest and most complete hominid fossils.

3. lion park - If you’re looking to get up close and personal with some of South Africa’s wildlife, a visit to the Lion Park is a must. Located just north of Johannesburg, the park is home to lions, cheetahs, zebras, and other animals. Visitors can choose to take a guided game drive or a wildlife walk to experience the park's many sights and sounds.

4. Pretoria Botanical Gardens - Located in Pretoria, the Botanical Gardens are one of the best places to experience the beauty of South Africa’s flora. The gardens cover 76 hectares and are home to over 15,000 plant species, including some rare and endangered species. Visitors can enjoy walks through the gardens, picnics, and birdwatching.

5. Gold Reef City - For a taste of the past, Gold Reef City is a beautifully restored and recreated mine town that offers visitors the chance to experience life in Johannesburg in the late 19th century. The park includes a theme park, numerous restaurants, and a casino.

Gauteng is a province that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, culture, or just want to relax in a beautiful garden, Gauteng has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure, South Africa's Gauteng province awaits.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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