South Africa Weather Today – Saturday, 21 March 2026
Johannesburg is recording light rain and temperatures between 17°C and 21°C this Saturday, as widespread precipitation affects most of the country. The national weather pattern shows rain extending from the interior provinces through to KwaZulu-Natal, while the Western Cape and Eastern Cape enjoy clear conditions. The average tracked temperature across South Africa stands at 21°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents in Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga should prepare for wet conditions throughout the day. Keep an umbrella handy and allow extra travel time on roads. Those in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape can proceed with outdoor plans under clear skies. Drivers in rain-affected areas should reduce speed and maintain safe following distances on slippery surfaces.
South Africa Weather Headlines
- Northern Cape reaches 31°C, the highest temperature recorded nationally
- Free State follows with 30°C maximum
- Seven of nine provinces experiencing rainfall
- Eastern Cape and Western Cape remain dry with clear skies
- National average temperature holds steady at 21°C
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg is experiencing light rain with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C. Humidity sits at 84%, creating damp conditions across the province. Winds remain light from the northeast at 2 km/h. The rain is expected to persist through the day, making indoor activities preferable.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban sees light rain with temperatures between 21°C and 23°C. Coastal areas are experiencing stronger south-southwesterly winds at 20 km/h, with humidity reaching 90%. The wet conditions are widespread across the province, affecting both coastal and inland regions.
Western Cape
Cape Town enjoys clear skies with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C. Southeast winds blow at 16 km/h, providing pleasant conditions. Humidity stands at 61%, making for comfortable weather across the province. This is one of only two provinces escaping today’s rainfall pattern.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha reports clear skies with temperatures between 18°C and 21°C. The coastal city experiences south-southwesterly winds at 14 km/h and 71% humidity. The province joins the Western Cape as the only regions without precipitation today.
Free State
Bloemfontein records light rain with temperatures spanning 17°C to 30°C, creating a wide temperature range. North-northwesterly winds blow at 10 km/h, while humidity measures 58%. Despite the rain, the province is seeing some of the day’s warmest conditions.
Limpopo
Polokwane experiences broken clouds with temperatures from 19°C to 26°C. The province escapes the heavier rainfall affecting areas further south. Northeasterly winds are notably stronger at 18 km/h, with humidity at 71%.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela sees light rain with temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. Easterly winds move at 8 km/h, while humidity reaches 82%. The province is firmly within the rain band affecting the eastern interior.
North West
Mahikeng records light rain with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C. North-northeasterly winds are the strongest in the region at 21 km/h. Humidity sits at 70%, with rainfall expected to continue through Saturday.
Northern Cape
Kimberley reports light rain despite recording the country’s highest temperature range of 20°C to 31°C. Northerly winds blow at 16 km/h, with humidity at 46%, the lowest in the country. The combination of heat and precipitation creates humid conditions across the province.
Weekend Outlook
Sunday will bring continued light rain to Johannesburg, with temperatures dropping to between 15°C and 18°C. The rainy pattern is forecast to persist through early next week, with similar conditions expected on Monday. Temperatures will gradually recover mid-week, reaching 23°C by Wednesday, though scattered showers are likely to continue across the interior provinces. Residents should prepare for an extended wet period.
Weather Tips for Today
- Carry rain gear in all provinces except the Western Cape and Eastern Cape
- Drive cautiously on wet roads, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal where humidity exceeds 80%
- Northern Cape residents should stay hydrated despite the rain, with temperatures reaching 31°C
- Secure outdoor items in North West and Limpopo where wind speeds exceed 15 km/h
- Check road conditions before traveling between provinces, as rainfall is widespread
Useful Weather and Travel Links
Looking for more to do after checking the forecast? Explore the latest events in Gauteng and plan your day around the weather.
You can also browse our weather category for more South Africa weather updates and recent forecast articles.
For official forecasting and weather advisories, visit the South African Weather Service.
