South Africa Weather Today: Friday, 16 October 2026
Light drizzle set the tone in Johannesburg on Friday, 16 October 2026, with temperatures between 17°C and 29°C. Most of the country stays dry, though Gauteng could see some rain. The national average daytime high stands at 29°C, with the warmest conditions in Mbombela at 33°C and the coldest morning in Cape Town at 13°C.
What This Means for Your Day
No cold start today in Gauteng; conditions are comfortable from the first commute. residents of Gauteng should plan around a 29 percent chance of rain. Eastern Cape sees the strongest winds at 32 km/h, worth noting for high-sided vehicles and loose outdoor items. UV levels are high, so sun protection is essential for anyone outdoors between 10:00 and 15:00.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest conditions: Mbombela reaching 33°C with mainly clear skies
- Coolest morning: Cape Town starting at 13°C
- Rain chances stay low across all nine provinces
- Windiest region: Eastern Cape with northerly winds reaching 32 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg sees light drizzle today, climbing from 17°C in the morning to 29°C in the afternoon, with northerly winds of up to 9 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Pretoria through to the East Rand. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Western Cape
Cape Town sees overcast conditions today, climbing from 13°C in the morning to 20°C in the afternoon, with north-westerly winds of up to 16 km/h. No significant rain is expected, with the Winelands and the Garden Route seeing similar conditions through the day. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban can expect overcast conditions with temperatures between 21°C and 32°C. North-easterly winds will reach around 13 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Pietermaritzburg through to the Midlands. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha can expect foggy conditions with temperatures between 15°C and 24°C. Northerly winds will reach around 32 km/h. The day stays dry, and East London and Mthatha can expect much the same picture. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Free State
The day brings mainly clear skies to Bloemfontein, where temperatures move between 16°C and 30°C and the wind comes in northerly at around 11 km/h. No significant rain is expected, with Welkom and Bethlehem seeing similar conditions through the day. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Limpopo
Polokwane can expect clear skies with temperatures between 18°C and 30°C. North-easterly winds will reach around 16 km/h. The day stays dry, and Tzaneen and Musina can expect much the same picture. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela sees mainly clear skies today, climbing from 19°C in the morning to 33°C in the afternoon, with northerly winds of up to 15 km/h. The day stays dry, and the Lowveld and eMalahleni can expect much the same picture. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
North West
The day brings mainly clear skies to Mahikeng, where temperatures move between 17°C and 32°C and the wind comes in north-easterly at around 14 km/h. No significant rain is expected, with Rustenburg and Potchefstroom seeing similar conditions through the day. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
Northern Cape
The day brings mainly clear skies to Kimberley, where temperatures move between 17°C and 32°C and the wind comes in northerly at around 14 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Upington through to the Kalahari. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
The Days Ahead
Saturday will bring scattered showers to Johannesburg with a high of 30°C, followed by overcast conditions and 29°C on Sunday. Rain is expected over the next few days in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans there. The full province-by-province forecast is updated here every morning.
Weather Tips for Today
- Secure outdoor furniture and umbrellas in Eastern Cape with winds reaching 32 km/h
- Apply sunscreen before midday even where cloud cover builds; UV passes through broken cloud
- Drink more water than usual in the dry interior, where low humidity speeds up dehydration
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 and the Gauteng weather hub for forecasts and alerts.
For official forecasting and weather advisories, visit the South African Weather Service.
