Soweto, South Africa
Major city · Population 1.7M
Soweto is the 5th largest city in South Africa with a population of approximately 1,695,047 people as of 2026. This makes it the 255th largest city in the world, accounting for 2.65% of South Africa's total population of 64.0M. Soweto is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Johannesburg timezone. The average annual temperature is 17.1°C with 351 mm of rainfall per year. The city sits at an elevation of 1,629 meters above sea level.
Population
1,695,047
Global Rank
#255
Country Rank
#5
% of South Africa
2.65%
Avg Temperature
17.1°C
Annual Rainfall
351 mm
Elevation
1,629 m
Timezone
Africa/Johannesburg
Soweto on the Map
Climate in Soweto
Soweto's warmest month is Dec and the coldest is Jun. The wettest month is Jan with 80 mm of rainfall.
Average Monthly Temperature
Monthly Rainfall
South Africa at a Glance
Country Population
64,007,187
Capital
Pretoria
Region
Southern Africa
Major Cities
75
GDP per Capita
$6,267
Life Expectancy
66.1 years
Urban Population
63.7%
Growth Rate
0.01%
Other Major Cities in South Africa
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Soweto with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Roodepoort | 326,416 | 12 km |
| Randfontein | 133,654 | 18 km |
| Johannesburg | 9,418,183 | 20 km |
| Westonaria | 156,831 | 22 km |
| Krugersdorp | 378,821 | 22 km |
| Randburg | 337,053 | 24 km |
| Alberton | 121,536 | 26 km |
| Tokoza | 106,000 | 29 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Soweto?
The population of Soweto, South Africa is approximately 1,695,047 people, making it the 255th largest city in the world and the 5th largest in South Africa.
Is Soweto the capital of South Africa?
No, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria. Soweto is the 5th largest city in the country.
What is the climate like in Soweto?
Soweto has an average annual temperature of 17.1°C and receives 351 mm of rainfall per year. The warmest month is Dec and the coldest is Jun.
What timezone is Soweto in?
Soweto is in the Africa/Johannesburg timezone.