South Africa Weather Today – Thursday, 12 November 2026
Johannesburg will see mostly sunny conditions today with temperatures climbing from 20°C to a warm 32°C under few clouds, while a sharp heat gradient divides the country with the North West and Northern Cape reaching 37°C and the Western Cape remaining mild at 17°C. The interior provinces are experiencing typical late-spring warmth, with clear to partly cloudy skies dominating most of the country except for cloudier conditions along the eastern and southern coasts.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents across the interior should prepare for hot afternoon conditions, particularly in the North West, Northern Cape and Free State where temperatures will exceed 35°C. Coastal areas will experience cooler, windier conditions with strong southerly winds in Cape Town reaching 22 km/h. If you’re in Gauteng, Limpopo or Mpumalanga, light clothing and sun protection will be necessary during midday hours. Evening temperatures will drop moderately, so a light layer may be useful after sunset.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Hottest regions: North West and Northern Cape both reaching 37°C
- Free State recording 36°C with clear skies
- Coolest conditions in the Western Cape at 16–17°C
- National average temperature sitting at 26°C
- Coastal provinces experiencing elevated humidity and wind
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will range between 20°C and 32°C today with few clouds and moderate northerly winds at 14 km/h. Humidity remains comfortable at 35%, making for warm but manageable conditions. Pretoria and the East Rand can expect similar temperatures with mostly sunny skies throughout the day.
Limpopo
Polokwane will see scattered clouds with temperatures between 19°C and 33°C. Northeasterly winds at 14 km/h will keep conditions dry, with humidity at 30%. The Lowveld areas will experience slightly warmer afternoon temperatures with partly cloudy skies persisting into the evening.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will reach a high of 33°C from a morning low of 21°C under few clouds. Humidity will be moderate at 38% with light southeasterly winds at 12 km/h. The Highveld escarpment may see slightly cooler conditions, while the Lowveld remains warm and dry.
North West
Mahikeng will experience the hottest conditions in the country today, with temperatures soaring from 25°C to 37°C under few clouds. Humidity will drop to just 15%, creating very dry conditions. Light northerly winds at 8 km/h will offer little relief from the afternoon heat. Residents should limit outdoor exposure during peak hours.
Free State
Bloemfontein will enjoy clear skies with temperatures climbing from 20°C to 36°C. Westerly winds at 12 km/h and extremely low humidity at 14% will create hot, dry conditions across the province. Rural areas should remain vigilant for elevated fire risk given the dry air and strong sunshine.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will remain cooler with temperatures between 21°C and 25°C under scattered clouds. Southeasterly coastal winds will reach 16 km/h, with humidity at 65% creating muggy conditions. Inland areas including Pietermaritzburg may see slightly warmer temperatures with partial cloud cover continuing through the afternoon.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will match the North West with a high of 37°C, starting from 21°C this morning under clear skies. Southwesterly winds at 15 km/h and extremely low humidity at 9% will produce intense afternoon heat. The western parts of the province will remain hot and dry with no rain expected.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will experience broken clouds with temperatures between 17°C and 22°C. Southeasterly winds at 15 km/h and humidity at 77% will keep coastal areas cool and breezy. Inland regions around Mthatha may see warmer conditions, but cloud cover will persist across much of the province.
Western Cape
Cape Town will remain cool at 16–17°C under clear skies, with strong southerly winds reaching 22 km/h. Humidity will be high at 80%, and the wind will create a noticeable chill factor. The Winelands and interior areas will be slightly warmer, but coastal regions should expect brisk, cool conditions throughout the day.
Weekend Outlook
Johannesburg will see clear skies on Friday with a high of 32°C, before cloud cover increases on Saturday with temperatures holding steady. Sunday will bring slightly cooler conditions with highs dropping to 29°C as broken clouds move across Gauteng. The interior provinces will remain warm through the weekend, while the Western Cape continues with mild, breezy conditions. No significant rain is forecast for any province through Sunday.
Weather Tips for Today
- Apply high-SPF sunscreen if spending time outdoors in the North West, Northern Cape or Free State
- Stay hydrated in areas experiencing temperatures above 35°C
- Coastal residents in Cape Town and Gqeberha should dress for wind chill despite moderate temperatures
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat between 12:00 and 15:00 in the interior
- Keep windows open in Gauteng and Limpopo during early morning to cool indoor spaces before midday heat builds
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.
Last updated: 25 February 2026
This weather hub covers Gauteng-focused alerts, daily forecast context, and practical preparation tips.
Today in Gauteng
Check current alert conditions, possible impact areas, and likely weather trends for the next 24 hours.
7-Day Snapshot
Use this hub to understand short-term changes in rain risk, heat conditions, and storm activity.
Where To Track Live Updates
Safety Checklist
- Plan around severe storm windows.
- Avoid flood-prone routes where possible.
- Monitor official warnings before travel.
FAQ
How often is this page updated?
As new weather alerts and forecast updates are published.