Johannesburg will see cloudy conditions today with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 20°C, as much of South Africa experiences a mild mid-winter day under overcast skies. Cloud cover dominates the interior provinces, while the coastal regions enjoy clearer conditions with moderate temperatures across the Western and Eastern Cape.
What This Means for Your Day
The cloud cover will keep daytime temperatures comfortable but expect cooler mornings, particularly in the Free State where the mercury drops to 8°C. Outdoor plans can proceed without rain concerns, though layers remain essential for early starts. Coastal residents in Cape Town and Gqeberha can expect sunshine and lighter winds, ideal for midweek errands or brief outdoor activities.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest conditions: Mpumalanga reaching 27°C in Mbombela
- Coolest morning: Free State dropping to 8°C in Bloemfontein
- Clearest skies: Eastern Cape and Western Cape with sunny conditions
- Strongest winds: Northern Cape with gusts up to 21 km/h from the north-northwest
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will experience broken cloud cover with temperatures between 12°C and 20°C. Humidity sits at 48% with light south-westerly winds at 5 km/h. The overcast conditions will persist through the day, making it a typical winter Wednesday without rain. Pretoria and surrounding areas can expect similar conditions with no significant weather changes anticipated.
Limpopo
Polokwane will see few clouds and temperatures ranging from 11°C to 23°C. Southerly winds at 12 km/h will make the morning feel cooler than the thermometer suggests. The afternoon will warm up pleasantly under partly cloudy skies, with humidity at 53%. This marks one of the milder days in the northern interior provinces.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela records the highest provincial temperature today, reaching 27°C with a low of 16°C. Scattered clouds and easterly winds at 4 km/h create comfortable conditions in the Lowveld. Humidity remains moderate at 51%, and the warmer air mass provides a noticeable contrast to the cooler western provinces. Residents can expect pleasant afternoon conditions.
North West
Mahikeng will see broken clouds with temperatures between 10°C and 23°C. North-westerly winds at 7 km/h and 55% humidity keep the atmosphere stable. The morning chill gives way to a mild afternoon, typical for late May. Cloud cover will limit sunshine but no precipitation is forecast.
Free State
Bloemfontein faces the coldest morning temperature in the country at 8°C, rising to 22°C by afternoon. Scattered clouds and brisk north-north-westerly winds at 16 km/h will create crisp conditions. Humidity stands at 55%, and the wind chill factor will be noticeable during morning hours. Wrap up warmly for early outdoor activities.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will see broken clouds with temperatures between 20°C and 23°C. South-easterly winds at 7 km/h and higher humidity of 70% create typical coastal winter conditions. The narrow temperature range reflects maritime influence, keeping the climate stable throughout the day. Inland areas such as Pietermaritzburg may experience slightly cooler mornings.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will reach 25°C with a morning low of 13°C under scattered clouds. The strongest winds in the country today blow from the north-northwest at 21 km/h, creating blustery conditions. Humidity remains low at 48%, and the clear air allows temperatures to rise quickly after sunrise. Secure outdoor items against the wind.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha enjoys clear skies with temperatures between 14°C and 20°C. North-north-easterly winds at 7 km/h and 76% humidity create calm coastal conditions. The sunshine provides a welcome break from the cloud cover affecting much of the interior. Port Elizabeth residents can expect one of the brighter days this week.
Western Cape
Cape Town will see clear skies with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 18°C. North-north-westerly winds at 10 km/h and high humidity of 83% reflect typical winter coastal conditions. The cooler temperatures and sunshine combination makes for comfortable daytime weather, though mornings remain chilly. The clear conditions should hold through the afternoon.
The national average temperature today sits at 18°C, reflecting the mild mid-winter pattern across the country.
Weekend Outlook
Johannesburg will remain under overcast skies through Friday with temperatures holding steady between 13°C and 21°C. A shift occurs this weekend as clearer conditions arrive on Saturday and Sunday, with both days forecast to reach 19°C under sunny skies. Minimum temperatures will drop to 12°C, bringing crisper mornings but more pleasant afternoons. The clearing trend suggests stable high-pressure dominance moving into the final days of May.
Weather Tips for Today
- Layer clothing to manage the temperature variation between cool mornings and mild afternoons
- Free State and North West residents should prepare for morning temperatures near or below 10°C
- Northern Cape residents should secure loose outdoor items due to strong north-westerly winds
- Coastal areas offer the best sunshine today—Cape Town and Gqeberha residents can make outdoor plans
- Cloud cover limits UV exposure, but sun protection remains advisable during peak afternoon hours
- No rain is forecast nationally, making it suitable for outdoor maintenance and travel
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.
