Note: South Africa has South African English words that are specific to South Africa. These come from different languages often put together to make new words but are South African English.

I know you are probably thinking Johannesburg must be really hot because it is in South Africa and that is in Africa. Well…let’s see.

I was born and bred in Johannesburg. I am what some people in South Africa call a city girl or Joburger(that isn’t a type of burger…hahaha!). I have considered myself lucky to be born on the highveld (South African English for the highlands of South Africa). I have always felt that I am a summer person since we have beautiful summer nights where we often stay out late to take advantage of the beautiful weather. 

We had the most beautiful summers growing up and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. We were often at someone’s pool swimming or there was often a braai(South African English for a barbecue). We also loved camping and hiking at nearby dams and mountains just outside the city. 

Anyway, I digress, the average temperature in summer is around 25 to 29 degrees celsius. On some really hot days, it can get to the low thirties. The highveld isn’t humid so you can cool off quickly after coming out the sun. My absolute favourite temperature in Joburg(Johannesburg) is around 25 to 27 degrees. 

In 2015, I chose to move to Nagoya. Let me say this…people in Nagoya know what a season like summer means and what humidity means! 

Summer to Nagoyans may mean hanging out your futon every so often, having a towel around your neck 24/7, changing shirts twice or more in a day, accepting that you will always be sweating and might also know the quickest ways underground to get somewhere. 

For this Joburger…Nagoya was really hot and humid. I felt a little like I was living underground like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle some days because I tried to stay underground to avoid the heat. Most days I really couldn’t believe I was sweating through most of the day nor could I believe I lived in a place that was over 30 degrees and I lived to tell the tale. 

Long story short, living in Japan has made me into a spring and autumn person with a new love for winter(because of Nagano…that is a topic for another article).  With all the beautiful sweets and food in spring and autumn as well as outdoor activities, can you blame me? Japan has some really good food in spring and especially autumn. 

What is your favourite season and why? Which place do you feel has the best seasonal food? Have you experienced summer in Joburg? 

Feel free to book a lesson to speak about seasonal food and what has changed about the seasons since you were young.