South Africa Weather Today – Sunday, 22 March 2026
Johannesburg is recording light rain and temperatures between 15°C and 16°C on Sunday, as widespread rainfall affects much of the interior while the coastal provinces experience clear skies. A national average temperature of 21°C masks the sharp contrasts between the wet north-eastern interior and the dry western and southern regions, with the Northern Cape reaching a high of 31°C and Gauteng remaining below 17°C throughout the day.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents across Gauteng, North West, Free State and Limpopo should expect wet conditions and carry rain gear. The moderate rain in North West, combined with wind speeds up to 25 km/h, will reduce visibility on roads. Those in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape can plan outdoor activities under clear skies, though strong winds exceeding 20 km/h are affecting Kimberley and Cape Town. Johannesburg’s persistent light rain and 94% humidity will make the 15°C temperature feel colder than the reading suggests.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Hottest location: Kimberley in the Northern Cape at 31°C
- Wettest conditions: Mahikeng reporting moderate rain with northeasterly winds at 25 km/h
- Coolest reading: Johannesburg at 15°C with light rain persisting
- Strongest winds: Kimberley recording northerly gusts up to 30 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg is experiencing light rain with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 16°C. Humidity levels at 94% and northerly winds at 12 km/h contribute to damp, overcast conditions across the province. Visibility remains reduced, and outdoor plans should account for continuous drizzle throughout Sunday.
Limpopo
Polokwane reports light rain with temperatures between 18°C and 23°C. East-northeasterly winds at 16 km/h and 88% humidity create wet conditions across the province. The rain is expected to persist through the afternoon, affecting agricultural areas and outdoor activities.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela sits under overcast clouds with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. While rain has not yet reached the Lowveld, cloud cover is thick and humidity stands at 75%. Light north-northeasterly winds at 3 km/h mean conditions remain stable but muggy.
North West
Mahikeng is recording moderate rain with temperatures between 17°C and 19°C. This is the wettest region today, with 92% humidity and northeasterly winds gusting to 25 km/h. Drivers should exercise caution on rural routes, where standing water may accumulate quickly.
Free State
Bloemfontein experiences light rain with a wider temperature range from 17°C to 27°C as skies partially clear later in the day. Humidity at 66% and northerly winds at 20 km/h create variable conditions. The province sits on the boundary between wet northern regions and drier southern areas.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban enjoys scattered clouds with temperatures from 21°C to 26°C. Easterly winds at 12 km/h bring mild coastal breezes, and humidity stands at 69%. The city escapes the rain affecting inland areas, though cloud cover persists throughout the day.
Northern Cape
Kimberley records clear skies and the highest temperature in the country, ranging from 19°C to 31°C. Northerly winds at 30 km/h create blustery conditions despite the sunshine. Humidity at 57% makes the heat more tolerable, but residents should remain hydrated and limit direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha sees clear skies with temperatures between 17°C and 23°C. South-southwesterly winds at 9 km/h and 75% humidity create comfortable conditions along the coast. The province benefits from settled weather as rain systems remain well to the north.
Western Cape
Cape Town reports clear skies with temperatures from 17°C to 21°C. South-southeasterly winds at 23 km/h are brisk along the coast, and humidity at 69% keeps conditions fresh. The clear weather provides good visibility across the metro and surrounding winelands.
Weekend Outlook
Light rain will continue across Johannesburg through Monday and into midweek, with temperatures slowly climbing from 15°C to 19°C by Wednesday. Thursday marks a shift as skies clear and temperatures rise to 28°C under partly cloudy conditions. The wet pattern affecting the interior today will gradually ease over the next 72 hours, though isolated showers remain likely until Wednesday across Gauteng, North West and Free State.
Weather Tips for Today
- Carry an umbrella if travelling through Gauteng, North West, Limpopo or Free State
- Drive cautiously on wet roads, especially in areas experiencing moderate rain and strong winds
- Apply sunscreen in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape where UV exposure remains high under clear skies
- Dress in layers in Johannesburg, where the 15°C temperature and high humidity will feel colder
- Secure outdoor furniture and equipment in Kimberley and Cape Town due to wind gusts exceeding 20 km/h
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.
