South Africa Weather Today – Friday, 15 May 2026
Johannesburg will see temperatures between 10°C and 20°C on Friday, 15 May 2026, under scattered cloud cover as a cool, stable weather system settles across much of the country. The national pattern is characterised by clear to partly cloudy skies, with Mpumalanga recording the warmest conditions at 27°C and the Free State experiencing the coldest morning low of 6°C. Coastal areas remain mild, while inland provinces face crisp starts before moderate afternoon warming.
What This Means for Your Day
Morning commuters across Gauteng, the Free State and North West should prepare for single-digit temperatures and pack an extra layer. By midday, most provinces will warm into the high teens and low twenties, making outdoor activity comfortable. Coastal residents in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape can expect steady conditions with light winds, while the Western Cape will see increased cloud cover and a cooler breeze from the south.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest region: Mpumalanga, with Mbombela reaching 27°C
- Coolest morning: Free State, Bloemfontein dropping to 6°C
- Clearest skies: Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape
- Strongest winds: Eastern Cape coast, Gqeberha recording 18 km/h from the west-southwest
- National average temperature: 17°C
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will range from 10°C to 20°C with scattered clouds throughout the day. Expect moderate west-northwest winds at 9 km/h and humidity around 55%. Pretoria and the East Rand will follow similar conditions. The morning chill will ease by late morning, but cloud cover will prevent strong afternoon heating.
Limpopo
Polokwane enjoys clear skies with temperatures between 12°C and 23°C. Light northeast winds at 7 km/h and 61% humidity will keep the day comfortable. The northern parts of the province will see the warmest conditions in the country alongside Mpumalanga, with ideal visibility and dry air dominating.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will be the warmest city today, climbing from 16°C to 27°C under scattered clouds. Gentle east-northeast winds at 3 km/h and 60% humidity create pleasant conditions across the Lowveld. The Highveld areas will be slightly cooler but still warmer than most inland regions.
North West
Mahikeng will see clear skies and a temperature range of 9°C to 22°C. North winds at 13 km/h will be the strongest inland, with humidity at 55%. The morning will start cold, but the afternoon will warm rapidly under full sun, making it one of the more variable provinces today.
Free State
Bloemfontein faces the coldest start of the day at 6°C, rising to 19°C under scattered clouds. Light north-northwest winds at 2 km/h and 55% humidity mean calm conditions. Residents should dress warmly for early hours, particularly in rural and elevated areas where frost may linger briefly.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will enjoy clear skies with temperatures from 18°C to 22°C, accompanied by southeast winds at 7 km/h and 73% humidity. Coastal areas will remain mild and stable, with the warm Indian Ocean moderating temperatures. Inland areas such as Pietermaritzburg will be slightly cooler but still pleasant.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will range from 9°C to 21°C with a few clouds and light north winds at 4 km/h. Humidity sits at 54%, and conditions will remain dry across the province. The northern desert areas will warm quickly after sunrise, while southern districts stay cooler under patchy cloud.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will see clear skies and temperatures between 11°C and 19°C, with the strongest winds in the country at 18 km/h from the west-southwest. Humidity is high at 76%, and coastal areas will feel brisk. Inland centres like Mthatha and Gqeberha will be milder with lighter winds.
Western Cape
Cape Town will experience scattered clouds and temperatures from 14°C to 18°C, with south winds at 10 km/h and 79% humidity. The day will feel cooler than inland areas, and cloud cover will persist into the afternoon. The West Coast and Overberg regions will see similar conditions, while the Garden Route remains partly cloudy.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday will bring clearer skies to Johannesburg, with temperatures between 12°C and 20°C under sunny conditions. Sunday will remain settled with similar highs, though early next week will see increased cloud cover returning to Gauteng and surrounding provinces. Most of the country can expect stable, dry weather through the weekend with no significant rain forecast.
Weather Tips for Today
- Dress in layers for morning cold, especially in the Free State and Gauteng
- Apply sunscreen in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal where UV exposure will be higher
- Secure outdoor items in the Eastern Cape due to stronger coastal winds
- Plan outdoor activities for late morning and early afternoon when temperatures peak
- Keep windows open during the day in inland areas to take advantage of mild, dry air
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.
