South Africa Weather Today – Friday, 20 March 2026
Johannesburg will experience light rain today with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 25°C, as a wet weather system moves across Gauteng and the Western Cape. The national weather pattern for Friday shows a sharp temperature divide, with the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga reaching into the low 30s while rain-affected regions remain cooler. The national average temperature stands at 23°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Morning commuters in Johannesburg and Cape Town should expect wet road conditions and reduced visibility. The Northern Cape and Free State will see strong northerly winds exceeding 20 km/h, which may affect outdoor plans and create dust in drier areas. Coastal regions, particularly Gqeberha, will face persistent cloud cover and brisk south-westerly winds reaching 37 km/h. Pack an umbrella if you’re in Gauteng or the Western Cape, and dress in layers for the cooler Eastern Cape.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Hottest region: Northern Cape at 32°C in Kimberley
- Warmest humid conditions: Mpumalanga reaching 31°C in Mbombela
- Rain bands: Gauteng and Western Cape experiencing light showers
- Coolest maximum: Eastern Cape at 21°C in Gqeberha
- Strongest winds: Eastern Cape with gusts up to 37 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will record a minimum of 17°C and a maximum of 25°C under light rain. Humidity sits at 67% with moderate northerly winds at 10 km/h. Pretoria and the East Rand can expect similar wet conditions throughout the day, making outdoor activities less comfortable. Keep rain gear accessible.
Western Cape
Cape Town will see light rain with temperatures between 18°C and 20°C. South-westerly winds at 14 km/h and 74% humidity will keep conditions damp and cool. The rainfall system affecting the province is expected to persist through the afternoon, so indoor plans are advisable.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban enjoys clear skies with a minimum of 24°C and a maximum of 30°C. North-easterly winds at 22 km/h will bring warmer air off the Indian Ocean, with humidity at 71%. Beach conditions remain favourable, though swimmers should be mindful of moderate wind-driven currents.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will be the country’s hottest point today, with temperatures climbing from 22°C to 32°C under few clouds. North-north-westerly winds at 26 km/h will keep the air dry with humidity at just 34%. Residents should stay hydrated and limit sun exposure during midday hours.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will experience scattered clouds with a minimum of 22°C and a maximum of 31°C. North-easterly winds at 7 km/h and 69% humidity will create warm, sticky conditions. The Lowveld can expect similar warmth, making it one of the country’s most humid regions today.
Free State
Bloemfontein will see scattered clouds with a wide temperature range from 15°C overnight to 30°C this afternoon. North-north-westerly winds at 22 km/h will drive the warming trend. The large diurnal range means early mornings will feel crisp, but the afternoon will be notably warm.
Limpopo
Polokwane will record between 19°C and 24°C under scattered clouds. East-north-easterly winds at 17 km/h and 72% humidity will keep conditions moderate. The province remains dry but cloudy, with no immediate rainfall expected.
North West
Mahikeng will see few clouds with temperatures between 19°C and 29°C. Northerly winds at 18 km/h and 66% humidity will result in warm, breezy conditions. The province sits in a transition zone between the dry north and wetter central areas.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will remain overcast with broken clouds and a narrow temperature band of 19°C to 21°C. West-south-westerly winds at 37 km/h will be the strongest in the country, making coastal walks bracing. Humidity at 79% will add to the damp, cool feel.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday will bring moderate rain to Johannesburg with temperatures dropping to between 15°C and 20°C, marking the coolest day of the extended forecast. Sunday continues the wet pattern with light rain and a high of just 19°C. The rainy spell is expected to persist into early next week, with Monday and Tuesday also seeing light showers. Residents across Gauteng and surrounding provinces should prepare for an extended period of unsettled weather through the weekend and into the new week.
Weather Tips for Today
- Carry an umbrella in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town due to ongoing showers
- Drink extra water in the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Free State where temperatures exceed 29°C
- Secure outdoor furniture and equipment in Gqeberha and Port Elizabeth ahead of strong coastal winds
- Drive cautiously on wet roads in Gauteng during morning and afternoon peak hours
- Dress in layers for the Eastern Cape’s cool, windy conditions
- Plan indoor activities in the Western Cape as rain is expected to persist
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.
