South Africa Weather Today: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Johannesburg is expecting overcast conditions on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 28°C. Most of the country stays dry, though Western Cape and Eastern Cape could see some rain. Mbombela takes the top spot at 35°C while Bloemfontein has the coldest start at 9°C, and the national average daytime high comes in at 27°C.
What This Means for Your Day
No cold start today in Gauteng; conditions are comfortable from the first commute. residents of Western Cape should plan around a 100 percent chance of rain. Eastern Cape sees the strongest winds at 39 km/h, so drivers of high-sided vehicles should take care and loose outdoor items should be tied down. 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 35°C with light drizzle
- Coolest morning: Bloemfontein starting at 9°C
- Best chance of rain: Western Cape at 100 percent
- Windiest region: Eastern Cape with westerly winds reaching 39 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
The day brings overcast conditions to Johannesburg, where temperatures move between 15°C and 28°C and the wind comes in westerly at around 16 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 showers today, climbing from 13°C in the morning to 18°C in the afternoon, with north-westerly winds of up to 26 km/h. Rain is likely, with the chance of showers at 100 percent, so the Winelands and the Garden Route should plan indoor alternatives. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban sees partly cloudy skies today, climbing from 15°C in the morning to 27°C in the afternoon, with south-westerly winds of up to 20 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Pietermaritzburg through to the Midlands. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha sees showers today, climbing from 13°C in the morning to 23°C in the afternoon, with westerly winds of up to 39 km/h. Rain is likely, with the chance of showers at 90 percent, so East London and Mthatha should plan indoor alternatives. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Free State
Bloemfontein can expect overcast conditions with temperatures between 9°C and 25°C. Westerly winds will reach around 19 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
The day brings foggy conditions to Polokwane, where temperatures move between 14°C and 31°C and the wind comes in north-westerly at around 18 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
The day brings light drizzle to Mbombela, where temperatures move between 18°C and 35°C and the wind comes in north-westerly at around 19 km/h. With the rain chance at 68 percent, the Lowveld and eMalahleni should expect wet spells and plan accordingly. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
North West
The day brings overcast conditions to Mahikeng, where temperatures move between 14°C and 31°C and the wind comes in south-westerly at around 18 km/h. The day stays dry, and Rustenburg and Potchefstroom can expect much the same picture. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Northern Cape
Kimberley sees overcast conditions today, climbing from 13°C in the morning to 28°C in the afternoon, with westerly winds of up to 21 km/h. No significant rain is expected, with Upington and the Kalahari seeing similar conditions through the day. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
The Days Ahead
Thursday will bring clear skies to Johannesburg with a high of 28°C, followed by clear skies and 29°C on Friday. Rain is expected over the next few days in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans there. Tomorrow morning brings the next full update for all nine provinces.
Weather Tips for Today
- Allow extra travel time in Western Cape where wet roads are likely
- Secure outdoor furniture and umbrellas in Eastern Cape with winds reaching 39 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.
