South Africa Weather Today – Monday, 4 May 2026
Johannesburg will reach a high of 23°C and a low of 14°C under clear skies on Monday, while much of the country enjoys settled conditions with the exception of light rain affecting Cape Town and the Western Cape coast. Temperatures across South Africa range from a warm 30°C in Mpumalanga to a cooler 18°C maximum in the south-western Cape, with the national average temperature sitting at 20°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Most of the country can expect dry, pleasant autumn conditions suitable for outdoor activities. Johannesburg, Pretoria and other inland centres will see mild mornings transitioning to warm afternoons. Cape Town residents should carry an umbrella as light rain is expected throughout the day. Coastal areas in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape will experience moderate humidity, while the interior provinces will have drier air and comfortable conditions for outdoor work and travel.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Mpumalanga records the highest temperature at 30°C in Mbombela
- North West and KwaZulu-Natal both reach 27°C
- Western Cape experiences the only rainfall, with light showers in Cape Town
- Free State sees the widest temperature swing, from 9°C to 25°C
- Northern Cape and North West face brisk northerly winds up to 39 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see temperatures between 14°C and 23°C with clear skies throughout the day. The province experiences moderate north-north-westerly winds at 15 km/h and humidity levels around 58%. Pretoria and the East Rand can expect similar conditions, with cool mornings giving way to comfortable afternoons ideal for commuting and outdoor errands.
Western Cape
Cape Town will receive light rain today, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 18°C. Westerly winds of 19 km/h and elevated humidity at 78% will make conditions feel cooler than the thermometer suggests. Residents should prepare for wet roads during the morning and afternoon commute. The rainfall is typical for early May in the south-western Cape as winter patterns begin to establish.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will enjoy clear skies with temperatures between 20°C and 27°C. East-north-easterly winds at 10 km/h will provide a gentle coastal breeze, while humidity sits at a moderate 52%. The warm conditions extend inland across Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands, making it one of the warmer provinces today. Beach and outdoor conditions remain favourable throughout the day.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will record the country’s highest temperature, reaching 30°C with a low of 20°C under clear skies. Light north-north-easterly winds at 6 km/h and humidity of 64% will create warm, stable conditions across the Lowveld. Nelspruit and surrounding areas should prepare for strong afternoon sun, with UV levels likely elevated. Indoor workers and schoolchildren should ensure adequate hydration.
Limpopo
Polokwane will see temperatures climb from 16°C to 25°C with clear skies dominating. Northerly winds at 13 km/h will remain light, while humidity reaches 64%. The province enjoys settled autumn weather, with the Bushveld and Lowveld regions experiencing similar warm, dry conditions conducive to agricultural activity and outdoor work.
Free State
Bloemfontein will experience a significant temperature range, from a cool 9°C overnight to a high of 25°C this afternoon under clear skies. Northerly winds will pick up to 26 km/h, and humidity will stay around 58%. Residents should dress in layers to accommodate the sharp morning chill and warm midday conditions. The eastern and northern Free State will follow a similar pattern.
North West
Mahikeng will reach 27°C with a low of 16°C amid scattered clouds. Strong northerly winds at 31 km/h will make outdoor conditions breezy, particularly in open areas. Humidity remains at 58%, and the province will stay dry despite increased cloud cover. Rustenburg and the eastern parts of the province can expect comparable conditions with gusty winds persisting into the afternoon.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will see temperatures between 15°C and 24°C with scattered clouds and the strongest winds in the country today—northerly gusts reaching 39 km/h. The breezy conditions may create dust in exposed areas. Humidity sits at 57%, and no rain is expected. Upington and the northern interior will experience similar windy, dry weather with partly cloudy skies.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will have a mild day with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C and a few clouds overhead. South-south-westerly winds at 8 km/h and humidity of 67% will keep coastal conditions comfortable. The province remains dry, with East London and Port Alfred experiencing similar conditions. Inland areas such as Mthatha may see slightly warmer afternoon temperatures with clearer skies.
Weekend Outlook
The country will experience a noticeable temperature drop mid-week as a cold front moves through. Johannesburg will see light rain on Tuesday, with temperatures falling to a maximum of just 14°C by Wednesday and Thursday. Minimum temperatures in Gauteng could dip to 6°C by the end of the week. Most provinces will follow a similar cooling trend, with scattered clouds persisting through Friday. Residents should prepare for a distinctly cooler end to the working week and plan accordingly for the weekend.
Weather Tips for Today
- Cape Town residents should carry rain gear and drive cautiously on wet roads
- Mpumalanga and Limpopo residents should apply sunscreen due to strong UV exposure
- Free State and Gauteng residents should dress in layers to manage cool mornings and warm afternoons
- North West and Northern Cape residents should secure loose outdoor items due to strong winds
- Stay hydrated in warmer provinces, particularly in the Lowveld and coastal KwaZulu-Natal
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.
