South Africa Weather Today – Friday, 17 April 2026
Johannesburg is experiencing light rain today with temperatures between 14°C and 21°C, as a significant weather system brings wet conditions to most of South Africa. Rainfall is affecting Gauteng, the Free State, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape, while the eastern and northern regions remain mostly dry with clearer skies and warmer temperatures.
What This Means for Your Day
Rain gear is essential across the interior and southwest today. Motorists should allow extra time for commutes as wet roads reduce visibility and traction, particularly in Gauteng, Free State and Cape Town where moderate rain is falling. The Northern Cape is experiencing strong winds up to 49 km/h, making driving conditions challenging. Outdoor activities are best planned for Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and parts of KwaZulu-Natal where conditions remain dry.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest conditions: Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal reaching 29°C
- Wettest areas: Free State and Western Cape reporting moderate rain
- Strongest winds: Northern Cape with gusts near Kimberley at 49 km/h
- Clearest skies: Limpopo and Eastern Cape enjoying sunny conditions
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg is recording light rain with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 21°C. Humidity sits at 72% with north-northwest winds at 20 km/h. The rain is expected to continue into the weekend, so residents should prepare for persistent wet conditions during outdoor plans.
Western Cape
Cape Town is experiencing moderate rain with temperatures between 14°C and 16°C. Northwest winds are blowing at 23 km/h, adding a chill factor to the already cool conditions. The rain is affecting the entire metro area, making indoor activities advisable for the day.
Free State
Bloemfontein is facing moderate rain with temperatures from 14°C to 17°C, the coolest reading among major centres today. Humidity has climbed to 88% with north-northeast winds at 29 km/h. Roads are wet and conditions remain unfavourable for outdoor work or events.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban is seeing overcast clouds with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C. Despite the cloud cover, conditions remain dry with northeast winds at 19 km/h. Humidity is at 70%, creating warm and slightly muggy conditions along the coast.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela is experiencing few clouds with temperatures between 19°C and 29°C, matching KwaZulu-Natal as the warmest region today. Light north-northeast winds at 5 km/h and 67% humidity create comfortable conditions ideal for outdoor activities.
Limpopo
Polokwane is enjoying clear skies with temperatures from 17°C to 26°C. Northerly winds at 15 km/h and 61% humidity make for pleasant autumn weather, offering the best outdoor conditions in the northern provinces.
North West
Mahikeng is recording light rain with temperatures between 16°C and 25°C. Northerly winds are blowing at 33 km/h, making it breezy alongside the wet conditions. Humidity stands at 72% as the rain system moves through the province.
Northern Cape
Kimberley is experiencing light rain with temperatures from 16°C to 25°C. The standout feature is the strong northerly wind at 49 km/h, the highest wind speed across the country today. Humidity is at 68%, and conditions remain unsettled throughout the day.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha is recording clear skies with temperatures between 18°C and 23°C. West-southwest winds at 11 km/h and 76% humidity create calm conditions, making the Eastern Cape one of the more stable regions weather-wise today.
Weekend Outlook
Light rain is forecast to continue across Johannesburg through Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures holding steady between 13°C and 21°C. The wet pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with similar conditions likely on Monday and Tuesday. Residents planning weekend activities should have contingency plans for indoor venues, particularly in Gauteng, the Free State and Western Cape where rain will remain a feature.
Weather Tips for Today
- Keep an umbrella and waterproof jacket accessible in rainy provinces
- Drive with headlights on and increase following distances on wet roads
- Secure outdoor furniture and equipment in the Northern Cape due to strong winds
- Take advantage of dry conditions in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape for outdoor tasks
- Layer clothing in Cape Town and Bloemfontein where temperatures remain in the mid-teens
- Check road conditions before travelling between provinces as weather varies significantly
The national average temperature today is 20°C, reflecting the mix of warm coastal and cooler inland conditions across South Africa.
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.
