Johannesburg will reach a high of 20°C and drop to 11°C this Tuesday, 26 May 2026, under clear skies. Most of the country is seeing settled, sunny conditions with crisp mornings and mild afternoons typical of late autumn, though some inland provinces are recording single-digit minimums overnight. The national average temperature stands at 18°C, with the warmest conditions concentrated in the northeast and along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
What this means for your day
Plan for a cool start and layer clothing for the morning commute, particularly in the Free State where temperatures dropped to 6°C. Afternoons will be comfortable across most provinces, ideal for outdoor activities in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Coastal areas in the Eastern Cape are experiencing stronger winds, so secure outdoor items in Gqeberha and surrounds.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Mpumalanga records the day’s highest temperature at 27°C in Mbombela
- Free State sees the coldest morning at 6°C in Bloemfontein
- Eastern Cape coastal wind speeds reach 34 km/h in Gqeberha
- Clear skies dominate seven of nine provinces
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg enjoys clear skies with temperatures between 11°C and 20°C. West-southwesterly winds at 9 km/h will keep conditions fresh but not uncomfortable. Pretoria and the East Rand can expect similar conditions with moderate humidity at 50 per cent.
Western Cape
Cape Town sees clear conditions with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 18°C. Light north-northwesterly winds at 6 km/h and higher humidity at 82 per cent will make the air feel slightly cooler along the coast. Visibility remains good throughout the metro.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban reaches a high of 24°C with a low of 18°C under clear skies. Northeasterly winds at 15 km/h provide a comfortable coastal breeze. The province remains one of the warmer regions today, with humidity sitting at 64 per cent.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha experiences partly cloudy conditions with temperatures between 16°C and 19°C. West-southwesterly winds are the strongest in the country today at 34 km/h, creating blustery conditions along the coast. Secure loose outdoor furniture and expect choppy seas.
Limpopo
Polokwane has clear skies with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 22°C. West-southwesterly winds at 6 km/h ensure calm conditions across the province. The Lowveld areas will experience slightly warmer afternoon temperatures.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela records the country’s highest temperature at 27°C, with a morning low of 14°C under clear skies. Light north-northeasterly winds at just 1 km/h mean virtually still air conditions. The Lowveld remains notably warmer than the Highveld regions.
Free State
Bloemfontein wakes to the coldest temperature in the country at 6°C, climbing to 21°C by afternoon under partly cloudy skies. Northerly winds at 12 km/h will strengthen slightly through the day. Residents should dress warmly for the early morning.
North West
Mahikeng sees clear conditions with temperatures between 10°C and 23°C. Northwesterly winds at 9 km/h provide a gentle breeze. The province enjoys settled weather with moderate humidity at 53 per cent.
Northern Cape
Kimberley has broken cloud cover with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 24°C. North-northwesterly winds are brisk at 22 km/h, the second-strongest in the country after the Eastern Cape coast. Expect variable cloud throughout the day with lower humidity at 41 per cent.
Weekend Outlook
Johannesburg will see gradual cloud build-up through the week, with broken clouds expected on Wednesday and overcast conditions by Thursday. Temperatures will hold steady around 20–21°C for daytime highs through Friday, before clearing again on Saturday with a return to 20°C under sunny skies. Morning minimums will lift slightly from 12°C on Wednesday to 13°C by the weekend. No significant rain is forecast for Gauteng or most provinces through the coming days.
Weather Tips for Today
- Dress in layers to manage the 9–14°C temperature swing between morning and afternoon
- Free State and North West residents should prepare for near-freezing overnight temperatures midweek
- Secure outdoor items in Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape coast due to strong southwesterly winds
- Take advantage of clear skies in Gauteng, Limpopo and the Western Cape for outdoor errands
- Mpumalanga’s warm afternoon conditions are suitable for extended time outdoors without heavy clothing
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.
