South Africa Weather Today – Friday, 27 March 2026
Johannesburg will experience scattered clouds on Friday, 27 March 2026, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 28°C as mild autumn conditions settle across much of the country. The national weather pattern shows a clear split, with the interior provinces tracking warm and mostly cloudy, while light rain is affecting parts of the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape. North West reaches the day’s highest temperature at 30°C, while the Western Cape enjoys clear skies with cooler conditions along the coast. The national average temperature stands at 22°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Most provinces will see comfortable daytime warmth under cloudy skies, ideal for outdoor errands and commuting. The Northern Cape and Eastern Cape will need rain gear as light showers move through, while North West residents should prepare for the warmest conditions in the country. Evening temperatures will drop noticeably in Gauteng and the Free State, so keep a jacket handy after sunset. Coastal areas in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape will experience moderate to fresh winds throughout the day.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Hottest: North West at 30°C, Mpumalanga at 29°C, Gauteng at 28°C
- Rain: Light showers in the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape
- Coolest: Western Cape at 21°C maximum, with overnight lows of 16°C
- Wind: KwaZulu-Natal coastal areas recording 19 km/h easterly winds
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see scattered clouds with temperatures between 17°C and 28°C. The day starts cool but warms significantly by midday, with light northerly winds at 5 km/h keeping conditions calm. Humidity sits at 57%, making for comfortable conditions across Pretoria and the East Rand. The evening will cool down quickly after sunset.
Western Cape
Cape Town enjoys clear skies with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 21°C. North-westerly winds at 14 km/h will affect coastal areas, particularly Table Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard. Humidity remains at 72%, and the cooler maximum makes this one of the more moderate days in the province. UV levels will be high under cloudless skies, so sun protection is necessary for extended outdoor activities.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will experience broken clouds with temperatures between 24°C and 28°C. Strong easterly winds at 19 km/h are expected along the coast, which may create choppy sea conditions for beachgoers and marine traffic. Humidity is elevated at 77%, adding to the muggy feel, particularly in low-lying areas around Pietermaritzburg and the south coast.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will see light rain with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 25°C. North-easterly winds at 15 km/h will accompany the showers, which should remain intermittent rather than persistent. Pressure is lower at 1011 hPa, indicating the influence of a weather system moving through the region. Mthatha and East London can expect similar conditions with scattered rainfall.
Limpopo
Polokwane will have few clouds with temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. North-easterly winds at 10 km/h will keep air moving, and humidity at 67% will make for a slightly sticky afternoon. The Lowveld and areas near the Kruger National Park will track slightly warmer, with daytime maximums approaching 26°C.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will experience scattered clouds with temperatures between 21°C and 29°C, making it one of the warmer provinces today. Easterly winds at 6 km/h remain light, and humidity is elevated at 70%. The Highveld escarpment will be cooler, while the Lowveld remains warm and humid throughout the day.
North West
Mahikeng will record the country’s highest temperature, with few clouds and a range of 19°C to 30°C. Northerly winds at 15 km/h will be the strongest in the province, helping to moderate the heat slightly. Humidity is relatively low at 57%, so the warmth will feel dry rather than oppressive. Rustenburg and Klerksdorp will see similar conditions.
Free State
Bloemfontein will have overcast clouds with temperatures between 17°C and 23°C. Northerly winds at 13 km/h will accompany the cloud cover, and humidity stands at 68%. The cloud deck will keep temperatures from climbing as high as neighbouring provinces, with Welkom and Bethlehem tracking similar or slightly cooler depending on altitude.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will experience light rain with temperatures between 19°C and 24°C. North-westerly winds at 13 km/h will push showers across the province intermittently. Humidity is at 72%, and the rainfall will be light but persistent enough to require rain gear. Upington in the north may remain drier, while the southern districts see the bulk of the precipitation.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday will bring clear skies to Johannesburg with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, ideal for outdoor plans. Sunday continues the trend with another clear day and a maximum of 26°C. A chance of light rain returns on Monday, so the weekend offers the best window for events and activities before unsettled weather returns early next week.
Weather Tips for Today
- Carry a light jacket for the evening in Gauteng and the Free State, where temperatures will drop after sunset
- Pack an umbrella if travelling through the Northern Cape or Eastern Cape
- Apply sunscreen in the Western Cape, where clear skies will lead to high UV exposure
- Expect breezy coastal conditions in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape
- Stay hydrated in North West and Mpumalanga, where daytime heat will peak above 28°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.
