South Africa in June: Safaris and Festivals
Given its location in the subtropical zone of the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa is a great destination to visit at almost any time of the year. That being said, South Africa in June offers bright and beautiful sunshine and balmy, lower-average temperatures, allowing you to enjoy your time in this beautiful country.
There is plenty of vibrant vegetation across the country during this time of year, thanks to June being a rainy season in the country. But showers are mostly limited to certain areas of the countryside, far from cities and safari spots. Overall, June is a beautiful time to travel to South Africa, with plenty going on.
South Africa Weather in June
Although smack bang in the rainy season, June is a surprisingly good time to visit South Africa. The average daily temperature is 18°C and it goes down to 7°C at night. The higher level of rainfall gives a lush covering of greenery in subtropical areas, while the desert and city areas benefit from plenty of sunshine.
You can expect beautiful, warm and sunny days across much of the country, save for tropical areas, including the Garden Route. Temperatures in coastal Cape Town can be expected to hit the balmy highs of 18°C while the mercury can soar to 32°C in the hottest safari spots. The further inland you go, the warmer, drier and sunnier it gets. Johannesburg only has highs of 12°C, and temperatures can drop considerably at night.
Check out our seasonal overviews on our tour guide for the best time to go to South Africa.
Weather in South Africa in June - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 78.8 | 78.8 | 77 | 71.6 | 68 | 64.4 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 69.8 | 73.4 | 77 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 60.8 | 60.8 | 57.2 | 53.6 | 50 | 44.6 | 44.6 | 46.4 | 48.2 | 51.8 | 55.4 | 59 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 20 | 30 | 50 | 70 | 90 | 100 | 70 | 50 | 40 | 20 | 20 |
Why Visit South Africa in June
Traveling to South Africa during this time of year has plenty of advantages, ranging from more temperate weather conditions to fewer crowds. You will find a few of them below.
- Better rates: The majority of June is considered an off-season due to rains. This means that flights and rooms may be cheaper. Be wary and avoid the last week of June into July which is when the locals take a winter break.
- Fewer crowds: Many visitors come to South Africa in June for hot beaches and avoid the Garden Route due to the rain. This means there may be fewer crowds along this road despite its lush greenery.
- Best game-viewing chances: As South Africa’s dense greenery thins out and animals do not take shelter from the heat, June is one of the best months to spot wildlife in South Africa, particularly at the famous Kruger National Park
- Start of whale-migration season: Although June is not the peak whale-watching season, during late June they can be spotted leaving their base in Hermanus. Get down to wave them off on their intrepid journey!.
Where to go and what to do
There are plenty of popular places to visit in South Africa. If you want to head to Cape Town and some of its best tourist attractions, like Robben Island, June is a great time to do so due to the lack of crowds. Wander around the city’s historically and culturally important streets before relaxing with a glass of local wine and delicious produce.
If you are near Jeffrery’s Bay, or J-Bay as it is locally known, rent a board or bring your own and get shredding out on the waves. June is in the middle of the peak surf season with many pro surfers taking part in warm-up tournaments before the world tour event kicks off at the start of July.
Looking for refreshments but wine is not your thing? Why not hit up the Capital Craft Beer Festival in Pretoria’s National Botanical Gardens? After a two-year break, this fun and interesting event is back for its eighth installment. Expect brewers from all over the world, but especially boutique ones from right here in South Africa.
Check out the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown which starts in June and offers two months of art, culture and performances, with performers and artists coming from all over to perform in this prestigious event.
What to bring
Thanks to the diverse weather conditions of South Africa in June, it is best to bring a little bit of everything. Layering when you are out and about is going to be key as it can swap from gorgeous sunshine to subtropical downpours to chilly winds very quickly. It is also best to bring some knitwear or larger coats for the evenings if you are staying in coastal regions like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
South Africa is a beautiful country to visit, with each month offering something truly unique, and June is no different. Make the most of the cooler clime to explore famous attractions before crowds pour in. Given South Africa’s size, it could be difficult to see everything you want to see if you plan a trip by yourself. Get in touch with our local travel experts and get yourself the perfect customized itinerary!
Check out our tours to South Africa in June for more ideas.
