South Africa has always been one of the African continent’s most popular travel destinations. Often referred to as ‘the rainbow nation’ it’s an incredibly diverse country in terms of the people that live there, the landscapes they inhabit and the stories from history that they are connected to.

There’s far more on offer in South Africa than traditional safari holidays. The country is also known for its winemaking, surfing beaches and cultural heritage, with destinations such as Cape Town, the Garden Route and Johannesburg seeing millions of tourists every year.

June is part of the low season for tourism in South Africa, making it an ideal time to visit if you want to experience a more authentic side of the country and also make the most of the dry season in the northern game reserves and national parks. In this article, we share all the information you need to plan a trip to South Africa in June, including where to go, what to do and what to expect from the weather.

Weather in South Africa in June

The weather in South Africa in June really varies depending on where you are in the country. It’s the winter season, so this generally means that the weather is cooler and wetter than at other times of the year, but conditions vary between locations. 

In Cape Town on the southern coast, the weather in South Africa in June is very wet, with more rain this month than at any other time of the year. The average temperature is 17°C during the day and it can drop down to about 9°C at night, which will feel quite chilly.

In Durban on the west coast of the country, the average temperature is a little warmer at 23°C, dropping to 14°C at night. Quite the opposite to Cape Town, June is actually the driest month of the year in Durban, and only four days are expected to see any rain, so you can be quite sure of mild and dry weather.

In Johannesburg in the north of South Africa, weather will also be warmer and drier than down on the south coast. You can expect average daily temperatures to reach 18°C and only a couple of days are likely to see rain, so whilst it won't be boiling hot in this part of South Africa in June, it will be very dry.

Where to Go in South Africa in June

South Africa is a very large country with many brilliant cities and towns. The winter weather in June means that some places are definitely more popular than others at this time of year if you’re seeking warm and dry weather, but it’s also the whale-watching season, which draws many travellers to the coast.

Here are three of the best places to go in South Africa in June.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is located in the northeast of South Africa and is one of the most popular places for a safari in the country. If you’re coming to South Africa to spot some of the African continent’s most famous wildlife, this is one of the best places for game drives and bush walks.

June is the driest and the coldest month of the year in the national park, so it’s quite cool in the evenings and mornings. It’s easier to spot the wildlife in the park at this time of year because the vegetation is drier, so whilst the savannah is not quite as lush in June, you’ll have an easier time identifying the creatures that live there.

Rivers and watering holes will see more visitors in June because the rest of the area is so dry, which is great if you’re on a game drive. You’ll also be able to spot groups of animals migrating to these drinking spots, which is always an impressive sight.

Hermanus

Hermanus is located on the western cape of South Africa and is the capital of the country’s whale-watching route. June is the start of the whale-watching season in Hermanus, so this is the best place to visit if you want to take part in a boat tour to go and find the incredible aquatic mammals as they visit the breeding grounds off the coast of the city.

The weather in Hermanus in June can be chilly and quite windy, but as it’s only the start of the winter season, you’ll still see a fair bit of sunshine. If you’re not spending your time watching whales, you can also enjoy the city's cultural attractions in the museums and galleries or sample the food from one of its brilliant restaurants.

Hermanus is also known for being one of the best places for wine tasting in this part of South Africa. The Hemel and Aarde Valleys are close to the city and produce a brilliant selection of grape varieties, so why not spend an afternoon sampling the different wines and enjoying delicious food pairings at a wine farm on the Hermanus wine route?

Durban

Durban is sometimes described as a city in South Africa that has no winter. If you’re visiting the country in June but want to enjoy as much sunshine as possible, Durban on the east coast is definitely the place to go.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Durban is a tropical city on the coast that has miles of golden beaches and plenty to offer travellers that want to spend time by the sea. Whilst the temperatures won’t be boiling, on sunny days you’ll want to be down on the seafront to enjoy the views and attractions, and the sea is still mild enough to swim in if you’re feeling brave!

Durban also has a really exciting variety of things to do on offer, with a diverse cultural identity that is reflected in its festivals, food and architecture. Since Cape Town is cold and wet in June, Durban is the best place to visit for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and brilliant attractions in the city and nearby.

What to Do in South Africa in June

South Africa is famed for the huge array of activities it has on offer for visitors. Whether you like to keep active and explore the outdoors when you travel, you’re a connoisseur of fine food and wine, or you’re looking for luxury experiences, there’s more than enough on offer.

Here are some of the best things to do when you visit South Africa in June.

Explore the KwaZulu-Natal Coast

There’s plenty of sunshine to be enjoyed in South Africa in June if you know where to look for it in the winter. The KwaZulu-Natal Coast is one of these places, offering a long stretch of coastal towns and cities and lots of gorgeous beachfront scenery to admire.

A road trip along the Garden Route is a common recommendation for visitors to South Africa, but in June you’ll have a much better time driving along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal instead. Beginning at the coastal town of Amanzimtoti, which is a very popular destination for surfing, the area sweeps all the way down to Port Edward, which is a charming resort town that is edged by the dramatic Mtamvuna River Gorge.

One highlight of exploring the KwaZulu-Natal Coast is an area called the Hibiscus Coast, which is home to some of the best beaches and prettiest scenery. In June you’ll be able to experience an event known as the Sardine Run, where billions of the fish species spawn in the water along the coast and swim north, attracting a lot of other marine creatures for feeding.

Go Whale Watching

Whale watching season in South Africa is characterised by large numbers of whales migrating to the eastern coast of South Africa where the sea is warmer. They travel to this area to breed and give birth and tend to be much closer to the coast than at other times of the year, making it easier to see the creatures and bringing them together in larger groups than usual.

The peak of whale watching season begins at the end of June in South Africa, so if you’re visiting at the end of the month then whale watching is a brilliant and memorable activity. Organised whale-watching tours are the best way to maximise your chances of seeing the animals, either with a trip to a viewpoint or a tour on a boat.

Hermanus, as we’ve already mentioned, is the most popular place for whale watching in South Africa because of the frequency that pods of whales are spotted along the coast. But False Bay in Cape Town is also a good location, as are Plettenberg Bay and the De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Visit a Game Reserve

Safaris are one of the most popular things to do in a lot of African countries and South Africa is home to some of the best game reserves on the continent. Whether you visit a game reserve for a day-long safari drive or decide to stay in a camp for a couple of days to properly get the chance to see the area’s wildlife, there are so many exciting things to do.

We’ve already highlighted that Kruger National Park in the north of the country is a brilliant game reserve for wildlife, spanning around two million hectares and catering to travellers with a wide range of interests across the different camps and tours available. Sabi Sand Game Reserve is close to Kruger with the same impressive array of wildlife, whilst Pilanesberg National Park is a ‘transition zone’ which means it has a collection of flora and fauna that aren’t usually found in the same area.

If you want to experience a safari in South Africa, Craft Travel offers an incredible tour around some of the country’s game reserves.

Events in South Africa in June

If you decide to visit South Africa in June, there are several exciting cultural events happening in the country during the month.

Take a look at what’s on in June below.

National Arts Festival

The National Arts Festival in South Africa is the biggest festival celebrating African art on the continent. It’s been held in the town of Makhanda since 1974 and is a showcase of a wide range of art forms, including drama, dance, comedy, music and art exhibitions.

Knysna Oyster Festival

The Knysna Oyster Festival is an incredibly popular event for foodies in South Africa, but is also one of the winter season's biggest sporting events. It is the perfect opportunity to sample oysters in all kinds of recipes alongside delicious flavour and drink pairings, the Knysna Cycle Tour and the Knysna Forest Marathon are also held during the festival and attract plenty of serious athletes. It’s a great event for all ages, with plenty of other activities organised for families in particular.

Big Five Marathon

A key event in South Africa’s sporting calendar is the Big Five Marathon which is a unique long-distance race held in the Game Reserve of Entabeni. The event gives runners the chance to race through the habitats of the African continent’s most famous animals, and is a thrilling event that attracts people from all over the world.

Summary

Many people prefer to visit South Africa during the summer season because of the hotter weather, but June is actually the perfect time of year to come to the country if you want to enjoy whale watching, game drives or spend time in Durban or Johannesburg. There’s truly something for everyone in this diverse and colourful country, and without all the crowds of the peak tourist season, you’ll discover a more authentic side of South Africa.

If you’d like to plan a vacation to South Africa in June and are looking for the help of a luxury travel expert, Craft Travel has a range of exceptional itineraries for unforgettable holidays. Take a look at the tours on offer or get in touch to start planning your luxury bespoke travel experience.