South Africa Weather Today – Friday, 29 May 2026
Johannesburg will see a partly cloudy Friday with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 20°C as a cool system keeps conditions mild across the interior. Nationally, South Africa is experiencing late-autumn weather with cloudy skies dominating the central and eastern regions, while the Free State and Northern Cape enjoy clearer conditions. Light rain continues along the Eastern Cape coast, and temperatures remain moderate countrywide with an average of 18°C recorded across major centres.
What This Means for Your Day
Most regions will need a jacket early this morning, particularly in the Free State where temperatures dipped to 9°C overnight. The Eastern Cape coastal areas should expect intermittent light rain throughout the day, making outdoor plans uncertain. Inland provinces will experience comfortable midday conditions but expect cloud cover to limit sunshine. Coastal regions in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape will contend with moderate to strong southerly winds, particularly during the afternoon.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest conditions: Mpumalanga reaching 27°C in Mbombela
- Coolest morning: Free State recorded 9°C in Bloemfontein
- Rainfall: Light rain affecting Gqeberha and surrounding Eastern Cape coastal areas
- Windiest areas: Durban and Cape Town experiencing winds between 15–16 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will experience broken cloud cover with temperatures between 12°C and 20°C. Southerly winds at 8 km/h will keep conditions fresh throughout the day. Pretoria and surrounding areas can expect similar conditions with moderate humidity levels making the air feel comfortable during the afternoon.
Western Cape
Cape Town will see broken clouds and temperatures ranging from 14°C to 18°C. South-southeasterly winds at 15 km/h will persist along the coast, making conditions feel cooler than the actual temperature suggests. Cloud cover will remain thick for most of the day with limited sunny breaks expected.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will remain partly cloudy with temperatures between 20°C and 23°C. Southerly coastal winds reaching 16 km/h will make beachfront areas feel brisk, particularly during the morning and late afternoon. Humidity sits at 70%, contributing to a slightly muggy feel inland from the coast.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha is experiencing light rain with temperatures holding steady between 16°C and 18°C. East-northeasterly winds at 14 km/h are pushing moisture onshore, and rainfall is expected to continue intermittently into the evening. Residents should keep umbrellas handy and expect wet road conditions throughout the metro and surrounding coastal towns.
Limpopo
Polokwane will see broken clouds with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 23°C. The province enjoys one of the wider temperature swings today, with cool mornings giving way to mild afternoons. South-southeasterly winds remain light at 4 km/h, ensuring calm conditions across the Lowveld and northern regions.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will be the warmest centre in the country today, reaching 27°C under partly cloudy skies, with overnight lows around 16°C. Easterly winds at 4 km/h will be barely noticeable, and the province will experience the most settled weather conditions nationally. The Lowveld and escarpment areas will enjoy comfortable outdoor conditions throughout the day.
Free State
Bloemfontein is enjoying clear skies with temperatures between 9°C and 21°C. Westerly winds at 7 km/h will remain light, and the province is set for one of the sunniest days in the country. Early risers will need warm clothing due to the crisp morning temperatures, but conditions will warm pleasantly by midday.
North West
Mahikeng will see scattered clouds and temperatures ranging from 11°C to 24°C. South-easterly winds at 5 km/h will keep the air moving gently, and the day will transition from a cool start to a comfortably warm afternoon. Cloud cover will increase slightly during the late afternoon.
Northern Cape
Kimberley is experiencing clear skies with temperatures between 14°C and 22°C. West-southwesterly winds at 10 km/h will be the strongest in the interior, though conditions remain dry and sunny. The province is seeing some of the most stable weather today, with no rain expected and good visibility throughout.
Weekend Outlook
The weekend will bring slightly cooler but clearer conditions across most of the country. Johannesburg will see temperatures between 11°C and 19°C on Saturday with partly cloudy skies, followed by clearer conditions on Sunday with similar temperatures. The Eastern Cape rain will ease by Saturday, while the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal will continue to experience cloudy intervals. Inland provinces can expect calm, settled conditions with cool mornings and mild afternoons ideal for weekend activities.
Weather Tips for Today
- Dress in layers to manage cool morning temperatures, especially in the Free State and North West where early readings dipped into single digits
- Keep an umbrella accessible if travelling through the Eastern Cape coastal region
- Coastal residents in Durban and Cape Town should secure loose outdoor items due to sustained southerly winds
- Mpumalanga residents can take advantage of the warmest conditions in the country for outdoor plans
- Drivers in Gqeberha should exercise caution on wet roads and reduce speeds during rain showers
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.
