South Africa Weather Today – Sunday, 31 May 2026
Johannesburg will reach a high of 19°C and a low of 10°C under clear skies on Sunday, as most of South Africa settles into calm, sunny conditions to close out May. Clear weather dominates eight of the nine provinces, with only KwaZulu-Natal experiencing light rain along the coast. The national average temperature is tracking at 17°C, with Mpumalanga recording the warmest daytime high of 24°C and the Free State dropping to 6°C overnight in its coldest areas.
What This Means for Your Day
Plan outdoor activities for the afternoon when temperatures peak across most regions. Morning temperatures will be cool, particularly in the Free State and Gauteng, so layer clothing for early starts. KwaZulu-Natal residents should keep an umbrella handy, especially along the Durban coastline where light rain is expected throughout the day. Coastal areas in the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape will experience stronger winds, with gusts reaching 15 km/h.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest region: Mbombela in Mpumalanga at 24°C
- Coolest morning: Bloemfontein in the Free State dropping to 6°C
- Only rainfall: Durban in KwaZulu-Natal with light rain and highs of 22°C
- Strongest winds: Kimberley and Gqeberha both recording 15 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see clear skies with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 19°C. Light north-easterly winds at 2 km/h will keep conditions calm throughout the day. Humidity sits at 53%, making for comfortable conditions once the morning chill lifts. Pretoria and surrounding metro areas can expect similar weather patterns.
Western Cape
Cape Town will enjoy clear conditions with temperatures between 13°C and 21°C. Winds remain light at just 1 km/h from the north-east, unusual for the typically breezy Cape coastline. Humidity levels of 65% will keep the air relatively mild. The settled weather will suit outdoor plans across the metro and Winelands.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban is the only major centre experiencing rain today, with light showers and temperatures ranging from 19°C to 22°C. North-easterly winds will blow at 14 km/h, and humidity will climb to 74%, creating muggy conditions along the coast. Inland areas such as Pietermaritzburg may see clearer breaks between showers.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will see clear skies with temperatures from 12°C to 23°C. North-easterly winds at 15 km/h will be noticeable along the beachfront. Humidity stands at 71%, and the warm afternoon will favour beachgoers and outdoor markets. East London and Mthatha can expect similar conditions inland.
Limpopo
Polokwane will experience clear weather with a range of 13°C to 21°C. East-north-easterly winds will pick up to 8 km/h, and humidity of 67% will create slightly warmer-feeling conditions. The Lowveld and Waterberg areas will share in the sunshine, ideal for late autumn outdoor work.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela takes the crown for the warmest daytime temperature at 24°C, dropping to 14°C overnight. Clear skies and light east-north-easterly winds at 6 km/h will make this the most pleasant region in the country. Humidity of 66% will keep the air fresh across the Lowveld and escarpment towns such as Sabie and Graskop.
Free State
Bloemfontein will experience the coldest morning at 6°C, warming to 20°C under clear skies. North-north-easterly winds at 5 km/h will remain light. Humidity is moderate at 53%. Rural areas and higher-altitude towns should prepare for near-freezing conditions in the early hours, particularly in the eastern Free State near the Lesotho border.
North West
Mahikeng will see temperatures between 11°C and 21°C with clear skies dominating. North-easterly winds will blow at 9 km/h, the strongest in the interior provinces. Humidity of 56% will keep conditions dry and crisp. Rustenburg and Potchefstroom will share similar weather, suitable for farming and outdoor events.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will range from 9°C to 22°C under clear skies. North-north-easterly winds will gust to 15 km/h, the equal strongest in the country today. Humidity remains low at 52%, typical of the arid interior. Upington and other Karoo towns will experience even wider temperature swings between night and day.
Weekend Outlook
Monday and Tuesday will continue the clear, calm pattern across most provinces, with Johannesburg staying between 12°C and 19°C. Broken clouds will move into Gauteng by Wednesday, ahead of light rain forecast for Thursday when temperatures drop to between 11°C and 16°C. The rest of the country will remain mostly dry through midweek, though coastal regions should monitor for possible showers by Thursday.
Weather Tips for Today
- Dress in layers if you’re heading out early, especially in Gauteng and the Free State where morning temperatures dip below 10°C
- Apply sunscreen during peak UV hours between 11:00 and 15:00, even in winter sunshine
- Durban residents should carry rain gear for light showers expected throughout the day
- Secure loose outdoor items in Kimberley and Gqeberha due to sustained 15 km/h winds
- Take advantage of the calm, clear conditions for outdoor maintenance, hiking, or travel across most of the country
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.
