South Africa Weather Today – Thursday, 7 May 2026
Johannesburg will see temperatures between 6°C and 14°C today under clear skies, while South Africa experiences a split pattern with rain affecting the Free State and Eastern Cape and clear conditions dominating the inland north and coastal areas. Mid-autumn conditions are bringing cooler mornings across the interior, with moderate to strong winds reported in several provinces.
What This Means for Your Day
Morning commuters in Gauteng, Limpopo and the North West should prepare for near-freezing starts, with temperatures between 5°C and 9°C before 8 a.m. Rain gear is essential in Bloemfontein and Gqeberha, where wet conditions and strong winds will persist through the afternoon. Coastal residents in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape can expect mild, stable weather suitable for outdoor plans. Inland areas will warm gradually but remain cool, with peak temperatures reaching the mid-teens in most regions.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest conditions: Mbombela at 26°C, Durban at 25°C
- Coldest start: Johannesburg and Mahikeng at 6°C
- Rain reported: Bloemfontein (light rain), Gqeberha (moderate rain)
- Strongest winds: Gqeberha at 53 km/h, Bloemfontein at 27 km/h
- National average temperature: 14°C
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Limpopo
Polokwane will experience clear skies with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 19°C. South-westerly winds at 22 km/h will keep conditions brisk during the morning, but the province will enjoy sunshine throughout the day with low humidity at 50%. No rain is expected.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will record the day’s warmest weather, climbing from 14°C to 26°C under cloudless skies. Light westerly winds at 8 km/h and low humidity of 34% will make conditions comfortable. This is the warmest spot in the country today, ideal for outdoor activities in the Lowveld.
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see a cool day with temperatures between 6°C and 14°C. Clear skies will dominate, but south-westerly winds at 19 km/h will add a chill factor during the morning and evening. Humidity sits at 60%, and no precipitation is forecast. Residents should dress in layers for the temperature swing.
North West
Mahikeng will start at 6°C and reach a high of 15°C under clear conditions. South-south-westerly winds at 19 km/h and humidity of 67% will make the morning feel colder than the actual temperature suggests. Sunshine will prevail, but the breeze will persist into the afternoon.
Free State
Bloemfontein will experience light rain today with temperatures between 6°C and 10°C. West-south-westerly winds at 27 km/h and humidity of 79% will make conditions feel damp and cold. Rainfall will be intermittent, but residents should expect wet roads and reduced visibility during peak traffic hours.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures from 17°C to 25°C. North-westerly winds at 6 km/h will be light, and humidity of 39% will keep conditions pleasant along the coast. This is one of the warmer and more stable regions today, with no rain expected.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will see broken cloud cover with temperatures between 7°C and 12°C. South-westerly winds at 22 km/h and humidity of 76% will create cool, breezy conditions. While rain is not forecast, the cloud cover will limit warming during the afternoon.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will face moderate rain today with a narrow temperature range of 15°C to 16°C. South-south-westerly winds will gust up to 53 km/h, the strongest in the country, and humidity will reach 90%. Driving conditions will be hazardous due to rain and wind, particularly along coastal roads. Residents should secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel.
Western Cape
Cape Town will see clear skies with temperatures between 14°C and 18°C. South-south-easterly winds at 19 km/h and humidity of 72% will create fresh conditions, especially near the coast. No rain is expected, and the day will remain stable with good visibility.
Weekend Outlook
Friday will bring similar cool conditions across the interior, with Johannesburg ranging from 5°C to 15°C under clear skies. Saturday will see cloud cover increase in Gauteng, Limpopo and the Free State, with temperatures rising slightly to between 8°C and 17°C. Sunday will warm further to 12°C to 19°C, with broken cloud expected in the interior but clearing by Monday. Coastal areas will remain stable through the weekend, while inland regions should prepare for a gradual warm-up heading into next week.
Weather Tips for Today
- Dress in layers for the morning chill, especially in Gauteng and the North West where temperatures will start near 6°C
- Carry an umbrella and waterproof jacket in the Free State and Eastern Cape due to rain and strong winds
- Secure loose outdoor furniture and equipment in Gqeberha, where gusts may exceed 50 km/h
- Drive cautiously in wet conditions, particularly around Bloemfontein and Gqeberha, where visibility may be reduced
- Take advantage of clear skies in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape for outdoor plans
- Keep windows closed in windy areas to prevent dust and debris from entering homes and vehicles
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.
