South Africa Weather Today – Friday, 5 June 2026
Johannesburg is experiencing crisp winter conditions today, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 12°C under clear skies. The national weather pattern reveals a sharp temperature divide, with the interior provinces enduring cold morning lows between 4°C and 10°C while coastal regions remain milder. Light rain is affecting the Eastern Cape, particularly around Gqeberha, where strong westerly winds of up to 37 km/h are making conditions feel colder than recorded temperatures suggest. The national average temperature stands at 13°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Morning commuters across Gauteng, the Free State, North West and parts of the Northern Cape will encounter frost and near-freezing conditions before sunrise. Layer clothing and allow extra time for vehicle windscreens to defrost. Coastal residents in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape can expect moderate conditions, though the Eastern Cape will need rain gear and windproof jackets. Mpumalanga and Limpopo will see the warmest daytime highs, making outdoor activities more comfortable by midday.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest region: Mbombela in Mpumalanga reaching 25°C
- Coldest morning: Johannesburg and Mahikeng dropping to 4°C
- Wettest conditions: Gqeberha recording light rain with wind gusts to 37 km/h
- Clearest skies: Western Cape, Gauteng, North West and Limpopo
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg and surrounding areas will see clear skies throughout the day, with temperatures climbing from a frosty 4°C in the early morning to a maximum of 12°C by afternoon. South-westerly winds at 9 km/h will add a chill factor. Humidity sits at 57%, typical for dry winter air. Pretoria and the East Rand can expect similar conditions with full sunshine but limited warmth.
Western Cape
Cape Town enjoys clear skies with temperatures between 11°C and 16°C. Light easterly winds at 5 km/h make for calm conditions along the coast. The Mother City will see comfortable afternoon temperatures ideal for outdoor plans, though mornings remain cool. The Winelands and West Coast regions share the same stable high-pressure system, with no rain expected.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban records scattered clouds with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 20°C, making it one of the warmer coastal cities today. South-westerly winds at 19 km/h are bringing a fresh breeze along the coastline. Humidity stands at 59%. Inland areas including Pietermaritzburg will experience cooler mornings but pleasant afternoons. The Midlands may see fog patches early.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha is the wettest spot in the country today, with light rain and overcast skies. Temperatures range from 13°C to 16°C, but strong westerly winds at 37 km/h will make it feel significantly colder. Residents should secure outdoor items and expect choppy coastal conditions. Mthatha and East London may see similar conditions with intermittent drizzle and gusty winds through the afternoon.
Limpopo
Polokwane enjoys clear skies with temperatures between 10°C and 18°C. West-south-westerly winds at 16 km/h are moderate but won’t detract from the sunny conditions. Humidity is low at 27%, contributing to dry winter air. The Bushveld and Lowveld areas will warm up quickly after a cool start, with no rain forecast.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela records the highest temperature in the country today at 25°C, with a low of 13°C. Scattered clouds will provide partial cover, but conditions remain dry. West-south-westerly winds at 9 km/h are light. The Lowveld benefits from its lower altitude, keeping daytime warmth well above the inland plateau. Nelspruit and surrounding areas share these favourable conditions.
Free State
Bloemfontein sits under overcast skies with temperatures between 6°C and 11°C. Westerly winds at 9 km/h add to the cool feel. Humidity is elevated at 67%, making the air feel damp despite no rain. Welkom and the eastern Free State will experience similar grey conditions with limited sunshine breaking through the cloud deck.
North West
Mahikeng records clear skies and temperatures from 4°C to 14°C, matching Johannesburg’s cold morning start. South-westerly winds at 10 km/h are light. The province enjoys full sunshine, though the morning chill will linger until mid-morning. Rustenburg and Klerksdorp can expect the same crisp winter day with no precipitation.
Northern Cape
Kimberley sees broken clouds with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 11°C. South-westerly winds at 9 km/h are moderate. Humidity sits at 67%, higher than the northern provinces. Upington and the Kalahari region will experience partly cloudy skies with dry conditions prevailing. No rain is forecast, but cloud cover will limit afternoon warming.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday will bring a gradual warming trend across Gauteng, with Johannesburg reaching 14°C under scattered clouds. Sunday continues the upward trend to 17°C with mostly clear skies. The interior provinces will see similar improvements, with daytime highs climbing 2–4°C by the weekend. Coastal areas remain stable, while the Eastern Cape rain clears by Saturday morning. Monday may bring overcast skies back to the interior but temperatures will hold steady in the mid-teens.
Weather Tips for Today
- Dress in layers to manage cold mornings and milder afternoons, especially in Gauteng and the Free State
- Motorists should watch for frost on roads in the interior provinces before 8am
- Eastern Cape residents need waterproof jackets and should avoid exposed coastal areas due to strong winds
- Keep heaters and fireplaces maintained as evening temperatures will drop quickly after sunset
- Stay hydrated despite cooler weather—low humidity can still cause dehydration
- Apply sunscreen in Limpopo and Mpumalanga where clear skies mean strong UV exposure at midday
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.
