South Africa Weather Today – Monday, 23 March 2026
Johannesburg is experiencing light rain with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 22°C on Monday, 23 March 2026, as a wet weather system moves across the interior provinces. While the western and eastern regions of South Africa show contrasting conditions—Cape Town enjoying clear skies and Gqeberha facing rainfall—the central and northern interior provinces are dealing with scattered showers and cooler temperatures. The national average temperature sits at 23°C, with Mpumalanga recording the day’s peak at 32°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents in Gauteng, Free State, North West and the Eastern Cape should prepare for wet conditions and carry rain gear. The light to moderate rain may affect traffic during peak hours, particularly in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. Those in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape will experience warmer conditions but should stay hydrated as temperatures climb into the low 30s. Cape Town residents can take advantage of clear weather, though strong south-easterly winds of 18 km/h may affect coastal activities.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Hottest conditions: Mpumalanga reaching 32°C in Mbombela, followed by Northern Cape at 30°C in Kimberley
- Wettest regions: Gauteng, North West, Free State and Eastern Cape all reporting light rain
- Clearest skies: Western Cape with sunshine and temperatures up to 26°C
- Strongest winds: KwaZulu-Natal experiencing 34 km/h southerly winds along the coast
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see light rain throughout Monday with temperatures between 16°C and 22°C. Humidity is relatively high at 73%, and north-north-westerly winds are blowing at 8 km/h. Pretoria and the East Rand can expect similar conditions, with overcast skies persisting into the afternoon. Motorists should allow extra travel time and ensure windscreen wipers are functioning properly.
Western Cape
Cape Town is enjoying clear skies with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C. The Mother City will experience moderate south-easterly winds at 18 km/h, typical for this time of year. Humidity sits at 59%, making for comfortable conditions across the Cape Peninsula and Winelands. Coastal areas may feel the wind more prominently, but inland regions will have calm, sunny weather.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will see broken clouds with temperatures between 24°C and 27°C. The coastal city is experiencing the strongest winds in the country today at 34 km/h from the south, which may create choppy sea conditions. Humidity is elevated at 79%, and beachgoers should exercise caution if entering the water. Pietermaritzburg and inland areas will have similar cloud cover with slightly lower wind speeds.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha is facing light rain with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 22°C. South-easterly winds at 16 km/h are adding a chill factor to the wet conditions. Mthatha and East London will experience comparable weather, with humidity at 77% making conditions feel cooler than the actual temperature. Rain gear is essential for anyone venturing outdoors across the province today.
Free State
Bloemfontein will see light rain with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, creating a significant temperature range throughout the day. Northerly winds at 13 km/h are bringing moisture into the region. Despite the rain, temperatures will climb into the mid-to-high 20s by afternoon. Welkom and other central Free State towns can expect similar conditions with intermittent showers.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will experience the day’s highest temperatures, with scattered clouds and a range of 22°C to 32°C. Humidity stands at 64%, and light east-north-easterly winds at 4 km/h will provide little relief from the heat. Residents in Nelspruit and the Lowveld should stay hydrated and limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak afternoon heat. The province remains the hottest region in the country today.
Limpopo
Polokwane will see few clouds with temperatures between 20°C and 27°C. North-easterly winds at 5 km/h and humidity at 68% will make for warm but manageable conditions. Tzaneen and Thohoyandou will have similar weather, with partly cloudy skies and warm afternoon temperatures. UV levels remain high, so sun protection is recommended for outdoor work or leisure.
North West
Mahikeng is experiencing light rain with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 21°C. The province is seeing some of the strongest winds among the rainy regions, with north-north-easterly gusts at 16 km/h and very high humidity at 90%. Rustenburg and Klerksdorp will face similar wet conditions. The combination of rain and wind will make outdoor conditions unpleasant, and residents should dress warmly.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will have scattered clouds with temperatures between 19°C and 30°C, making it the second-hottest location in South Africa today. North-north-easterly winds at 20 km/h are bringing drier air into the region. Upington and other northern towns will see clearer skies and even warmer conditions. Humidity is moderate at 59%, and the temperature swing from morning to afternoon will be pronounced.
Weekend Outlook
The rainy pattern will persist into Tuesday across Gauteng and surrounding provinces, with Johannesburg expecting continued light rain and temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. Wednesday will bring some relief with scattered clouds and highs of 22°C. By Friday, conditions are expected to improve significantly, with clear skies and temperatures climbing to 28°C in Johannesburg. The weekend should offer dry, pleasant weather across most of the country, making Saturday and Sunday ideal for outdoor plans.
Weather Tips for Today
- Pack an umbrella or raincoat if you’re in Gauteng, Free State, North West or Eastern Cape
- Motorists should reduce speed on wet roads and increase following distances
- Stay hydrated in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape where temperatures exceed 30°C
- Apply sunscreen in Limpopo and other provinces with partly cloudy to clear skies
- Secure loose outdoor items in coastal KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape due to strong winds
- Layer clothing in the morning if you’re in areas with minimum temperatures below 18°C
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.
