South Africa Weather Today – Sunday, 3 May 2026
Johannesburg will reach a high of 23°C and drop to 11°C overnight under clear skies this Sunday, as settled high-pressure conditions dominate across South Africa. All nine provinces are reporting clear weather with no rainfall expected, though temperatures vary from the cooler 7°C morning low in the Free State to a warm 28°C in Mbombela. The national average temperature sits at 20°C, with winds picking up along the Northern Cape and Western Cape coasts.
What This Means for Your Day
Plan outdoor activities with confidence, as clear conditions will hold throughout Sunday. Morning temperatures in the interior will require a jacket, particularly in Bloemfontein and the Free State where the mercury dips to 7°C. By afternoon, most regions will warm significantly, so dress in layers. Coastal areas in Cape Town and Gqeberha will see moderate to fresh winds, making it ideal for sailing but requiring windbreakers for beachgoers. UV levels will be high under cloudless skies, so apply sunscreen if spending extended time outdoors.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest region: Mbombela, Mpumalanga at 28°C
- Coolest morning: Bloemfontein, Free State at 7°C
- Strongest winds: Northern Cape and Western Cape with speeds up to 18 km/h
- Clearest skies: Nationwide, all provinces reporting clear conditions
- Coastal temperatures: Durban 24°C, Cape Town 20°C, Gqeberha 24°C
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see temperatures between 11°C and 23°C with clear skies and west-northwest winds at 10 km/h. Pretoria and the broader Gauteng region will experience similar conditions, with humidity at 50%. The 12-degree morning-to-afternoon temperature swing means early risers will need warm clothing, while afternoons will be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Western Cape
Cape Town will range from 16°C to 20°C under clear skies, though north-northwest winds will gust to 17 km/h, making coastal areas feel cooler. Humidity sits at 77%, typical for the Mother City in early May. The settled conditions are ideal for hiking Table Mountain or visiting the Winelands, but bring a windbreaker for the seafront.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will experience a narrow temperature range of 20°C to 24°C with clear skies and easterly winds at 11 km/h. Humidity at 62% will keep conditions comfortable along the coast. Inland areas like Pietermaritzburg will see slightly cooler mornings but similarly sunny conditions, making it a strong day for beach visits or outdoor markets.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will see temperatures from 15°C to 24°C with clear skies and northeast winds at 15 km/h. The Bay will enjoy calm seas and settled conditions, ideal for coastal walks or visits to Addo Elephant National Park. Mthatha and inland centres will experience similar clear weather with slightly cooler morning lows.
Limpopo
Polokwane will range from 17°C to 26°C with clear skies and light northerly winds at 8 km/h. The province will enjoy some of the warmest conditions in the country today, with humidity at 60%. Game reserves in the Lowveld will have excellent visibility for wildlife viewing under cloudless skies.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will record the nation’s highest temperature at 28°C, with a low of 18°C and clear skies throughout. Light east-northeast winds at 3 km/h mean still, warm conditions across the Lowveld. The Kruger Park and surrounding reserves will offer ideal game-viewing weather with minimal wind and excellent visibility.
North West
Mahikeng will see temperatures from 11°C to 25°C with clear skies and northerly winds at 14 km/h. The morning low matches Gauteng’s, requiring warm layers early, but the afternoon high will reach the mid-20s. Rustenburg and Potchefstroom will experience similar conditions, with low humidity at 57% ensuring comfortable outdoor conditions.
Free State
Bloemfontein will record the country’s coolest morning at 7°C, climbing to 22°C by afternoon under clear skies. North-northeast winds at 12 km/h will keep conditions fresh. The significant 15-degree temperature range means residents should prepare for cold mornings and pleasant afternoons, particularly in Welkom and the eastern Free State.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will range from 10°C to 24°C with clear skies and the strongest winds in the country at 18 km/h from the north. The wind will keep conditions brisk despite the sunshine. Upington and Springbok will see similarly clear weather, though the western regions near the Atlantic coast will experience cooler conditions due to ocean influence.
Weekend Outlook
Monday will continue the clear trend with Johannesburg reaching 23°C again, but conditions will shift dramatically on Tuesday as a cold front approaches. Light rain is forecast for Gauteng on Tuesday, with temperatures dropping to a high of just 18°C. By Wednesday and Thursday, Johannesburg will experience much colder conditions with highs of only 11°C and 13°C respectively, and overnight lows dipping to 5°C. The week ahead will mark a sharp transition from stable autumn weather to the first significant cold spell of May.
Weather Tips for Today
- Apply sunscreen regularly, as UV levels will be high under clear skies across all provinces
- Dress in layers to accommodate morning lows in the single digits and afternoon highs in the low-to-mid 20s
- Secure outdoor furniture and equipment in Cape Town, Kimberley and Gqeberha due to fresh winds
- Stay hydrated in Mpumalanga and Limpopo where temperatures will reach the high 20s
- Check fire danger indices in the Northern Cape and North West, where dry conditions and wind combine
- Make the most of settled weather today, as rain and a sharp temperature drop are forecast from Tuesday
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.
