Elevation of Johannesburg above Sea Level
1753 mabove sea level
About Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of the highest major cities in the world at 1,753 m above sea level, located on South Africa's Highveld plateau. It's Africa's financial capital and the largest city in South Africa.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Elevation (average) | 1753 m |
| Lowest point | 1500 m |
| Highest point | 1900 m |
| Country | South Africa |
| Coordinates | -26.2041° N, 28.0473° E |
Elevation by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| City Centre | 1753 m |
| Sandton | 1570 m |
| Soweto | 1660 m |
| Randburg | 1540 m |
| Midrand | 1500 m |
Comparison with Other Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 1753 m |
| Cape Town | 17 m |
| Nairobi | 1661 m |
| Addis Ababa | 2355 m |
Interesting Facts about Johannesburg's Elevation
- At 1,753 m, Johannesburg is higher than Denver, Colorado (1,609 m).
- The Highveld plateau gives Johannesburg an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer due to rapid convective heating at altitude.
FAQs – Elevation of Johannesburg
How high is Johannesburg above sea level?
Johannesburg sits at approximately 1,753 m (5,751 ft) above sea level on the Highveld plateau.
Why is Johannesburg so high?
Johannesburg is located on the Highveld, a large plateau formed by ancient geological uplift in southern Africa.
Does altitude affect sport in Johannesburg?
Yes – many professional athletes train in Johannesburg to exploit the altitude benefit. The 1968 Mexico City Olympics was held at similar altitude.