O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa? If you're planning to go to O.R. Tambo International Airport, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to O.R. Tambo International Airport
  2. Important essentials for O.R. Tambo International Airport
  3. Activities for O.R. Tambo International Airport
  4. O.R. Tambo International Airport in January: weather and what to pack
  5. O.R. Tambo International Airport in February: weather and what to pack
  6. O.R. Tambo International Airport in March: weather and what to pack
  7. O.R. Tambo International Airport in April: weather and what to pack
  8. O.R. Tambo International Airport in May: weather and what to pack
  9. O.R. Tambo International Airport in June: weather and what to pack
  10. O.R. Tambo International Airport in July: weather and what to pack
  11. O.R. Tambo International Airport in August: weather and what to pack
  12. O.R. Tambo International Airport in September: weather and what to pack
  13. O.R. Tambo International Airport in October: weather and what to pack
  14. O.R. Tambo International Airport in November: weather and what to pack
  15. O.R. Tambo International Airport in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in O.R. Tambo International Airport, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa by month

January

January in O.R. Tambo International Airport 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

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport 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 bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

February

In February, O.R. Tambo International Airport is a perfect temperature. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and sometimes 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport, with several of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in O.R. Tambo International Airport 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you visit O.R. Tambo International Airport during March, you might find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself 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 huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in O.R. Tambo International Airport is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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 great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to choose the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

May

If you vacation in O.R. Tambo International Airport during May, you will probably notice that it is chilly and dry with little rain. 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

    South Africa has some specific safety 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.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work 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

June in O.R. Tambo International Airport is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 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

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in O.R. Tambo International Airport 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you pick the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you go to O.R. Tambo International Airport in July, you will notice that it is relatively cool and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you vacation in O.R. Tambo International Airport during August, you are likely to find that it is crisp 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

    South Africa has some specific safety 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in O.R. Tambo International Airport is balmy and very dry. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s 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

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent 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

October

October here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport 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 things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

November

November is warm and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety 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.

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you pick the right type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

In December, O.R. Tambo International Airport is a perfect temperature and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) and about a third 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport, 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

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport 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 yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa

O.R. Tambo International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Africa, located in Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of South Africa. The airport is a gateway for millions of local and international travelers, with a variety of tourist attractions that make it much more than just a transit point. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in O.R. Tambo International Airport:

1. Out of Africa Food Market

Located at the International Arrivals Terminal A, Out of Africa Food Market offers a taste of South Africa's diverse and delicious cuisine. The market features a variety of stalls serving traditional dishes, snacks, and drinks, including biltong (a type of cured meat), boerewors (South African sausage), and popular drinks like Rooibos tea and Amarula cream liqueur. It's a great place to sample local specialties and pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home.

2. Duty-Free Shopping

O.R. Tambo International Airport boasts an impressive array of duty-free shops spread across its terminals, offering a wide range of products from luxury brands to local crafts. From designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories to South African wines and chocolates, the airport's retail outlets cater to a broad range of interests and budgets. Be sure to visit the Duty-Free Mall at Terminal A for a complete shopping experience.

3. The O.R. Tambo Wellness Oasis

Traveling can be stressful, and O.R. Tambo International Airport has responded by creating a tranquil and rejuvenating space for passengers. The Wellness Oasis at Terminal A offers travelers an opportunity to unwind with a range of services from massages, beauty treatments, and a sauna to a gym and yoga classes. You can also enjoy a healthy meal or snack at the wellness café.

4. The Southern Sun Hotel

The Southern Sun Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport is a luxurious five-star hotel situated within the airport complex. This elegant hotel is an appealing option for travelers who have layovers or need to catch an early flight. The hotel has 366 elegantly appointed rooms, including executive suites, and offers guests world-class amenities like wireless internet, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool.

5. The Mandela Wall

A prominent feature of O.R. Tambo International Airport is the iconic Mandela Wall, which is located at Terminal A. The wall is an artistic tribute to Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected president, and one of the world's most respected and celebrated leaders. The wall features a collection of ceramic tiles with drawings, messages, and artworks that depict Mandela's life and legacy.

In conclusion, O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a broad range of experiences that go beyond transit to make traveling to and from South Africa a memorable and enjoyable experience. From shopping and dining to relaxation and cultural immersion, there is something for everyone. No matter the purpose of your visit, you'll be sure to take away fond memories of your time at this world-class airport.

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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