South Africa Weather Today – Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Johannesburg is experiencing light rain this Tuesday, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 21°C as a widespread wet weather system affects much of the country. Rain is falling across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Western Cape, while the interior plateau and eastern regions remain mostly dry with clear skies. The national average temperature sits at 19°C, reflecting the onset of cooler autumn conditions across South Africa.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, Mahikeng and Cape Town should carry rain gear and allow extra time for morning commutes due to wet road conditions. Drivers should exercise caution on major routes, particularly the N1 through Gauteng and the N4 corridor toward Mpumalanga. The Free State, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape offer dry conditions ideal for outdoor activities, though morning temperatures remain crisp. Coastal KwaZulu-Natal will see strong north-easterly winds reaching 28 km/h, which may affect small craft and beachgoers.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest regions: Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZulu-Natal all reaching 27°C
- Wettest conditions: Light rain across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape
- Coolest morning: Free State recording a low of 7°C in Bloemfontein
- Strongest winds: KwaZulu-Natal coastal areas experiencing 28 km/h north-north-easterly gusts
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg and Pretoria are under light rain today with temperatures between 15°C and 21°C. Humidity levels have risen to 67%, and north-north-westerly winds are blowing at 18 km/h. Motorists on the M1, N1 and N3 should reduce speed and maintain safe following distances. The wet conditions are expected to persist through the afternoon before easing overnight.
Limpopo
Polokwane is seeing light rain with temperatures spanning 18°C to 22°C. North-easterly winds are blowing at 20 km/h, and humidity has climbed to 81%. The Capricorn and Waterberg districts will experience similar conditions, with rainfall expected to continue intermittently throughout the day. Agricultural areas should monitor soil moisture levels closely.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela is recording light rain with temperatures between 19°C and 27°C, making it one of the warmer regions despite the wet weather. Gentle north-easterly winds at 5 km/h and 78% humidity create muggy conditions. The Lowveld will remain warm and damp, while higher-lying areas around Nelspruit may experience cooler conditions. Visibility could be reduced in rain-affected zones.
North West
Mahikeng is experiencing light rain with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C. Northerly winds are the strongest in the province at 27 km/h, contributing to a wind chill factor during morning hours. The province shows a significant temperature variation between early morning lows and afternoon highs. Roads in rural areas may become slippery, particularly gravel routes.
Free State
Bloemfontein enjoys clear skies with temperatures between 7°C and 23°C. The morning low of 7°C makes it the coolest provincial capital today. North-westerly winds at 16 km/h and low humidity of 51% create crisp, dry conditions. Residents should dress warmly for early morning activities but can expect pleasant afternoon weather. The agricultural heartland will benefit from the dry spell for fieldwork.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban is experiencing broken cloud cover with temperatures between 20°C and 27°C. Strong north-north-easterly winds at 28 km/h are affecting the coastal strip, and humidity sits at 72%. Beach conditions are rough, with choppy seas expected along the Dolphin Coast and South Coast. Inland areas around Pietermaritzburg will see similar temperatures but lighter winds.
Northern Cape
Kimberley is under clear skies with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 23°C. Low humidity of 32% and north-westerly winds at 11 km/h create dry, comfortable conditions. The province remains the driest region today, with excellent visibility across the Karoo and Kalahari districts. Outdoor work and travel conditions are favourable throughout the day.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha is enjoying clear skies with temperatures between 11°C and 20°C. Westerly winds at 16 km/h are moderate, and humidity levels are at 48%. The coastal metros and inland areas such as Makhanda will experience pleasant autumn weather. The cool morning requires layered clothing, but afternoon temperatures will be comfortable for outdoor activities.
Western Cape
Cape Town is receiving light rain with temperatures between 14°C and 16°C. North-north-westerly winds at 22 km/h and 76% humidity create damp, breezy conditions. The Mother City and surrounding municipalities should expect intermittent showers throughout the day. Commuters on the N1, N2 and M5 should anticipate slower traffic flow. The Winelands and West Coast will experience similar wet conditions.
Weekend Outlook
Johannesburg faces a cooling trend through the week, with moderate rain expected on Thursday dropping temperatures to between 9°C and 15°C. Friday remains cool and overcast with temperatures between 9°C and 12°C. Saturday will see light rain return with a slight warming to 11°C to 15°C. Residents should prepare for sustained wet and cool conditions heading into the weekend, with the chance of heavier downpours mid-week.
Weather Tips for Today
- Carry an umbrella in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape
- Switch on headlights when driving in rain-affected provinces
- Dress in layers to manage the 7°C morning chill in the Free State and other inland areas
- Avoid small craft activities along the KwaZulu-Natal coast due to strong winds
- Check road conditions before travelling on the N1, N3 and N4 corridors
- Stay hydrated in warmer northern provinces despite cooler national trends
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.
