Johannesburg will see temperatures between 5°C and 17°C today under clear skies, as most of South Africa experiences dry winter conditions with wide regional variation. The northern interior provinces are recording the warmest daytime highs, while the central plateau faces a sharp morning chill ahead of mild afternoons.
What this means for your day
Morning commuters across Gauteng and the Free State should prepare for near-freezing starts, with Johannesburg bottoming out at 5°C and Bloemfontein at 4°C. Layer clothing for the cold start, then shed layers as temperatures rise through midday. Coastal areas in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape remain milder but cloudier, requiring a jumper rather than a heavy jacket. Northern regions including Mpumalanga and Limpopo will enjoy the warmest conditions, reaching the low twenties by afternoon.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Mpumalanga records the highest temperature at 23°C in Mbombela
- Free State sees the coldest morning at 4°C in Bloemfontein
- Clear skies dominate the interior, with cloud cover increasing along the coast
- National average temperature sits at 14°C
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg faces a cold start at 5°C before climbing to 17°C under clear skies. Light west-south-westerly winds at 4 km/h will do little to disturb the settled conditions. Pretoria will follow a similar pattern with full sunshine throughout the day. Humidity remains low at 37%, increasing fire risk in dry vegetation.
Western Cape
Cape Town remains overcast with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 17°C. North-north-easterly winds at 7 km/h will persist through the day, with cloud cover keeping conditions subdued. The coastal strip will see little temperature variation between morning and afternoon, typical of winter cloud blankets over the peninsula.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban records 16°C to 21°C with scattered clouds and elevated humidity at 64%. North-easterly winds at 6 km/h bring moisture off the Indian Ocean, maintaining mild overnight temperatures compared to the interior. The Midlands will be several degrees cooler, particularly in sheltered valleys experiencing frost this morning.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha sits under overcast skies with temperatures between 11°C and 19°C. North-north-westerly winds at 9 km/h are the strongest in the province today, driven by a weak coastal low-pressure system. Inland areas including Mthatha will see partial clearing by late morning, though cloud will redevelop in the afternoon.
Limpopo
Polokwane enjoys clear conditions with a range of 8°C to 20°C. Westerly winds at 3 km/h make this one of the calmest provinces today. The Lowveld will be warmer, with areas near the Kruger National Park reaching 22°C. Morning frost is possible in sheltered valleys across the Waterberg.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela reaches the national high of 23°C, dropping to just 8°C overnight under clear skies. Light easterly winds at 2 km/h mean the Lowveld will experience still, sunny conditions ideal for outdoor activities. The Highveld escarpment will be significantly cooler, with Dullstroom and surrounding areas struggling to reach double digits.
North West
Mahikeng sees a few clouds with temperatures between 8°C and 21°C. East-north-easterly winds at 5 km/h will bring a slight breeze through the afternoon. Humidity drops to 24%, the lowest in the country, creating very dry air that may irritate respiratory systems. Rustenburg and surrounding areas will mirror these conditions with minimal cloud development.
Free State
Bloemfontein records the coldest morning at 4°C before recovering to 15°C under clear skies. North-north-easterly winds at 5 km/h will strengthen slightly through the afternoon. The eastern Free State near the Lesotho border will remain cooler throughout the day, with Bethlehem and Harrismith barely reaching 12°C by mid-afternoon.
Northern Cape
Kimberley ranges from 7°C to 18°C with clear skies and the strongest winds in the country at 13 km/h from the north-north-east. The arid conditions and brisk winds will create moderate dust potential in exposed areas. Upington in the far north will be warmer, approaching 20°C, while the southern Karoo remains cooler with Calvinia reaching only 14°C.
Weekend Outlook
Johannesburg will warm slightly on Monday to between 9°C and 19°C as broken clouds move in, continuing through Tuesday with similar temperatures. Clear skies return mid-week with Wednesday reaching 16°C and Thursday holding steady at 16°C. The pattern suggests stable winter conditions with no significant cold fronts or rain systems approaching the interior. Coastal areas will maintain cloud cover through the start of the week before partial clearing from Wednesday.
Weather Tips for Today
- Dress in layers to manage the 12°C to 17°C temperature swing in inland areas
- Apply sunscreen despite winter conditions, as clear skies increase UV exposure at altitude
- Keep skin moisturised in the North West and Northern Cape where humidity drops below 30%
- Secure outdoor items in the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape where winds exceed 9 km/h
- Check on vulnerable individuals during the morning cold, particularly in Gauteng and the Free State
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.
