South Africa Weather Today: Monday, 26 October 2026
It is Monday, 26 October 2026, and Johannesburg wakes up to partly cloudy skies, with the mercury climbing from 18°C to a high of 30°C. Rain is the story of the day, with 6 of the nine provinces expecting showers or drizzle. The national average daytime high stands at 29°C, with the warmest conditions in Mahikeng at 34°C and the coldest morning in Cape Town at 15°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Mornings are mild in Gauteng, with comfortable conditions from the first commute onwards. residents of Free State should plan around a 100 percent chance of rain. Northern Cape sees the strongest winds at 38 km/h, so drivers of high-sided vehicles should take care and loose outdoor items should be tied down. UV levels are high, so sun protection is essential for anyone outdoors between 10:00 and 15:00.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest conditions: Mahikeng reaching 34°C with light drizzle
- Coolest morning: Cape Town starting at 15°C
- Best chance of rain: Free State at 100 percent
- Windiest region: Northern Cape with north-westerly winds reaching 38 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
The day brings partly cloudy skies to Johannesburg, where temperatures move between 18°C and 30°C and the wind comes in north-westerly at around 21 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Pretoria through to the East Rand. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Western Cape
Cape Town sees light drizzle today, climbing from 15°C in the morning to 23°C in the afternoon, with southerly winds of up to 23 km/h. There is a 51 percent chance of rain, so a brief shower cannot be ruled out in the Winelands or the Garden Route. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban sees showers today, climbing from 19°C in the morning to 24°C in the afternoon, with south-westerly winds of up to 15 km/h. With the rain chance at 91 percent, Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands should expect wet spells and plan accordingly. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Eastern Cape
The day brings light drizzle to Gqeberha, where temperatures move between 17°C and 22°C and the wind comes in easterly at around 23 km/h. There is a 39 percent chance of rain, so a brief shower cannot be ruled out in East London or Mthatha. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Free State
Bloemfontein sees thunderstorms today, climbing from 16°C in the morning to 31°C in the afternoon, with northerly winds of up to 34 km/h. Rain is likely, with the chance of showers at 100 percent, so Welkom and Bethlehem should plan indoor alternatives. The afternoon should be comfortable for outdoor plans.
Limpopo
Polokwane can expect clear skies with temperatures between 18°C and 32°C. Northerly winds will reach around 18 km/h. Rain stays out of the forecast, with conditions holding steady from Tzaneen through to Musina. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela sees partly cloudy skies today, climbing from 18°C in the morning to 33°C in the afternoon, with north-easterly winds of up to 20 km/h. The day stays dry, and the Lowveld and eMalahleni can expect much the same picture. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
North West
The day brings light drizzle to Mahikeng, where temperatures move between 21°C and 34°C and the wind comes in northerly at around 23 km/h. With the rain chance at 65 percent, Rustenburg and Potchefstroom should expect wet spells and plan accordingly. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
Northern Cape
The day brings light drizzle to Kimberley, where temperatures move between 20°C and 34°C and the wind comes in north-westerly at around 38 km/h. With the rain chance at 64 percent, Upington and the Kalahari should expect wet spells and plan accordingly. Afternoon heat will be noticeable, so keep water on hand for outdoor activities.
The Days Ahead
Tuesday will bring overcast conditions to Johannesburg with a high of 30°C, followed by partly cloudy skies and 28°C on Wednesday. Rain is expected over the next few days in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans there. The full province-by-province forecast is updated here every morning.
Weather Tips for Today
- Allow extra travel time in Free State where wet roads are likely
- Secure outdoor furniture and umbrellas in Northern Cape with winds reaching 38 km/h
- Apply sunscreen before midday even where cloud cover builds; UV passes through broken cloud
- Drink more water than usual in the dry interior, where low humidity speeds up dehydration
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 and the Gauteng weather hub for forecasts and alerts.
For official forecasting and weather advisories, visit the South African Weather Service.
