{"id":36378,"date":"2026-05-01T05:01:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T03:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/south-africa-weather-today-2026-05-01\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T05:01:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T03:01:20","slug":"south-africa-weather-today-2026-05-01","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/south-africa-weather-today-2026-05-01\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa Weather Today \u2013 Friday, 1 May 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Johannesburg woke to light rain and temperatures between 12\u00b0C and 16\u00b0C on Friday, 1 May 2026, as a band of wet weather moved across the interior provinces. Gauteng, North West and KwaZulu-Natal are experiencing showers, while Mpumalanga recorded clear skies and the warmest conditions in the country. The national average temperature sits at 17\u00b0C, with cloudy conditions dominating most regions and wind gusts picking up along the coast.<\/p>\n<h2>What This Means for Your Day<\/h2>\n<p>Morning commuters in Johannesburg, Mahikeng and Durban should expect wet roads and reduced visibility. Keep an umbrella handy and allow extra travel time. Mpumalanga offers the only clear skies today, with Mbombela reaching 29\u00b0C\u2014ideal for outdoor work but requiring sun protection. Coastal areas, particularly Cape Town, are dealing with strong northerly winds near 29 km\/h, so secure loose objects and expect choppy sea conditions. The interior rain should taper off by late afternoon, but temperatures will remain cool across the central plateau.<\/p>\n<div id=\"gaute-587221622\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>South Africa Weather Highlights<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Warmest: Mbombela, Mpumalanga at 29\u00b0C under clear skies<\/li>\n<li>Wettest: Johannesburg, Mahikeng, Durban reporting light rain throughout the day<\/li>\n<li>Coolest: Bloemfontein, Free State with a high of only 16\u00b0C and overcast conditions<\/li>\n<li>Windiest: Cape Town experiencing gusts up to 29 km\/h from the north<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What to Expect Across the Provinces<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:12px;margin:28px 0;\">\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">Limpopo<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">19\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">overcast clouds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">Mpumalanga<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">22\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">clear sky<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">Gauteng<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">14\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">light rain<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">North West<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">18\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">light rain<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">Free State<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">13\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">overcast clouds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">KwaZulu-Natal<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">22\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">light rain<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">Northern Cape<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">15\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">scattered clouds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">Eastern Cape<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">17\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">scattered clouds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dce3ef;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f8fb;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;color:#6b7280;\">Western Cape<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#0f172a;\">16\u00b0C<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize;color:#334155;\">overcast clouds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Gauteng<\/h3>\n<p>Johannesburg is recording light rain with temperatures between 12\u00b0C and 16\u00b0C. Humidity sits at 92%, making conditions feel damp and cool. North-westerly winds at 14 km\/h are pushing the rain across the province. Pretoria is experiencing similar conditions. Roads will remain wet through the afternoon, so drive cautiously and expect slower traffic on the N1 and M1 corridors.<\/p>\n<h3>Mpumalanga<\/h3>\n<p>Mbombela enjoys clear skies and the day&#8217;s warmest weather, with temperatures ranging from 17\u00b0C to 29\u00b0C. Light north-westerly winds at 7 km\/h and 64% humidity make for comfortable conditions. This is the only province avoiding the rain and cloud cover, making it favourable for farming operations and outdoor activities. Sunscreen and hydration are recommended during peak afternoon heat.<\/p>\n<h3>Limpopo<\/h3>\n<p>Polokwane is under overcast clouds with temperatures between 16\u00b0C and 23\u00b0C. West-north-westerly winds are blowing at 17 km\/h, and humidity is at 80%. No rain is forecast, but the thick cloud cover will keep sunshine limited. Conditions are cool enough for outdoor work without the heat stress seen further east, though a light jacket may be needed early and late in the day.<\/p>\n<h3>North West<\/h3>\n<p>Mahikeng is experiencing light rain with temperatures from 13\u00b0C to 23\u00b0C. North-westerly winds at 16 km\/h and 75% humidity are contributing to the unsettled conditions. The rain is expected to continue intermittently, affecting agricultural activities and travel on the N18 and N4 routes. Rustenburg and Potchefstroom are seeing similar weather patterns.<\/p>\n<h3>KwaZulu-Natal<\/h3>\n<p>Durban reports light rain with temperatures between 20\u00b0C and 24\u00b0C. South-south-easterly winds at 8 km\/h are bringing moisture off the Indian Ocean, keeping humidity at 69%. Coastal areas from Ballito to the South Coast should expect periodic showers and overcast skies. Pietermaritzburg inland is slightly cooler. Beach conditions are poor, with limited visibility and damp sand.<\/p>\n<h3>Free State<\/h3>\n<p>Bloemfontein is seeing overcast clouds and temperatures from 10\u00b0C to 16\u00b0C, making it one of the cooler centres today. Westerly winds are light at 2 km\/h, and humidity is 82%. No rain is falling, but the persistent cloud cover is keeping temperatures suppressed. Welkom and Bethlehem are reporting similar conditions, with the coldest morning lows in the province dropping to 10\u00b0C.<\/p>\n<h3>Northern Cape<\/h3>\n<p>Kimberley has scattered clouds and temperatures ranging from 11\u00b0C to 18\u00b0C. West-south-westerly winds at 4 km\/h are gentle, and humidity is moderate at 77%. The province is avoiding the rain affecting areas further east, but cloud cover remains widespread. Upington in the north-west is slightly warmer and drier. Conditions are stable for travel and outdoor work.<\/p>\n<h3>Eastern Cape<\/h3>\n<p>Gqeberha is experiencing scattered clouds with temperatures between 15\u00b0C and 19\u00b0C. West-south-westerly winds are blowing at 17 km\/h, adding a chill to the coastal air. Humidity is at 72%. Mthatha and East London are reporting similar conditions. The province is staying dry, but the wind and cloud cover will limit warming through the day. Coastal waters remain choppy.<\/p>\n<h3>Western Cape<\/h3>\n<p>Cape Town is dealing with overcast clouds, temperatures from 14\u00b0C to 18\u00b0C, and strong northerly winds gusting to 29 km\/h. Humidity is 70%, and the wind is creating difficult conditions along the coast and on exposed routes such as Chapman&#8217;s Peak Drive. Stellenbosch and Paarl inland are slightly calmer. The wind is expected to persist into the evening, so secure outdoor furniture and delay any coastal activities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"gaute-2056328165\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Weekend Outlook<\/h2>\n<p>Saturday will bring clearing skies to Johannesburg, with temperatures climbing to 21\u00b0C under sunny conditions. Sunday continues the improvement, reaching 24\u00b0C with clear skies across Gauteng. Most provinces will see a return to dry, settled weather over the weekend, with Mpumalanga remaining the warmest at 29\u00b0C on Saturday. Coastal areas will experience easing winds, and the rain affecting KwaZulu-Natal today will clear by Saturday morning. The weekend offers a welcome break from Friday&#8217;s unsettled conditions, making it suitable for outdoor plans and travel.<\/p>\n<h2>Weather Tips for Today<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Carry an umbrella in Johannesburg, Durban and Mahikeng due to ongoing light rain<\/li>\n<li>Drive carefully on wet roads in Gauteng, North West and KwaZulu-Natal<\/li>\n<li>Secure loose items in Cape Town and Gqeberha due to strong winds<\/li>\n<li>Apply sunscreen in Mbombela, where clear skies and 29\u00b0C heat dominate<\/li>\n<li>Dress in layers in Bloemfontein and the Free State, where highs only reach 16\u00b0C<\/li>\n<li>Postpone coastal activities in the Western Cape until winds ease over the weekend<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"gaute-3364936875\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Useful Weather and Travel Links<\/h2>\n<p>Looking for more to do after checking the forecast? Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/category\/events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">latest events in Gauteng<\/a> and plan your day around the weather.<\/p>\n<p>You can also browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/category\/daily-weather\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">weather category<\/a> for more South Africa weather updates and recent forecast articles.<\/p>\n<p>For official forecasting and weather advisories, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weathersa.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">South African Weather Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Johannesburg woke to light rain and temperatures between 12\u00b0C and 16\u00b0C on Friday, 1 May 2026, as a band of wet weather moved across the interior provinces. Gauteng, North West and KwaZulu-Natal are experiencing showers, while Mpumalanga recorded clear skies and the warmest conditions in the country. The national average temperature sits at 17\u00b0C, with<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":36377,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"South Africa weather today","rank_math_title":"Johannesburg and South Africa Weather Today (2026-03-19)","rank_math_description":"South Africa weather today for 19 March 2026: Johannesburg 14\u00b0C to 27\u00b0C with clear skies. Province forecast updates across South Africa.","footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-36378","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-daily-weather"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36378","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36378"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36379,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36378\/revisions\/36379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}