South Africa Weather Today: Friday, 23 October 2026
Clear skies set the tone in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October 2026, with temperatures between 14°C and 28°C. Most of the country stays dry, though KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape could see some rain. Mahikeng takes the top spot at 32°C while Bloemfontein has the coldest start at 11°C, and the national average daytime high comes in at 26°C.
What This Means for Your Day
No cold start today in Gauteng; conditions are comfortable from the first commute. residents of KwaZulu-Natal should plan around a 99 percent chance of rain. Eastern Cape sees the strongest winds at 30 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: Mahikeng reaching 32°C with clear skies
- Coolest morning: Bloemfontein starting at 11°C
- Best chance of rain: KwaZulu-Natal at 99 percent
- Windiest region: Eastern Cape with westerly winds reaching 30 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg sees clear skies today, climbing from 14°C in the morning to 28°C in the afternoon, with southerly winds of up to 11 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 12°C in the morning to 21°C in the afternoon, with westerly winds of up to 10 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
The day brings scattered showers to Durban, where temperatures move between 18°C and 23°C and the wind comes in southerly at around 18 km/h. With the rain chance at 99 percent, Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands should expect wet spells and plan accordingly. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha can expect drizzle with temperatures between 14°C and 18°C. Westerly winds will reach around 30 km/h. A passing shower is possible, with the rain chance sitting at 51 percent around East London and Mthatha. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Free State
The day brings clear skies to Bloemfontein, where temperatures move between 11°C and 26°C and the wind comes in south-westerly at around 13 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Welkom through to Bethlehem. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Limpopo
The day brings mainly clear skies to Polokwane, where temperatures move between 15°C and 30°C and the wind comes in easterly at around 26 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Tzaneen through to Musina. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela sees drizzle today, climbing from 18°C in the morning to 26°C in the afternoon, with easterly winds of up to 17 km/h. There is a 45 percent chance of rain, so a brief shower cannot be ruled out in the Lowveld or eMalahleni. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
North West
The day brings clear skies to Mahikeng, where temperatures move between 15°C and 32°C and the wind comes in southerly at around 17 km/h. The day stays dry, and Rustenburg and Potchefstroom can expect much the same picture. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
Northern Cape
Kimberley can expect clear skies with temperatures between 13°C and 29°C. South-westerly winds will reach around 17 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
Saturday will bring clear skies to Johannesburg with a high of 29°C, followed by mainly clear skies and 29°C on Sunday. Rain is expected over the next few days in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans there. Check back tomorrow morning for the updated province-by-province forecast.
Weather Tips for Today
- Allow extra travel time in KwaZulu-Natal where wet roads are likely
- Secure outdoor furniture and umbrellas in Eastern Cape with winds reaching 30 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.
