What are you looking for?

South Africa in June

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

The dry season continues into June in Kruger National Park and surrounds. Reduced rainfall further dries out the land and reduces the amount of water sources, causing wildlife – from large herds of elephants to hyena packs – to congregate around the remaining waterholes.

As the vegetation turns from lush green to dry golden hues, animals are more easily seen as they traverse the vast plains in search of food and water. This is the time of the year when seeing the Big Five (in Big Five safari destinations) is often accomplished in just one or two days.

In Cape Town, temperatures continue to plummet and rainfall increases. Surfers will enjoy getting out into the ocean at coastal destinations, as big waves are consistent. June is also the start of whale-watching season in Hermanus.

Weather in June

Morning Safari with elephant on road in Kruger National Park, South Africa
The dry season continues into June in Kruger National Park and surrounds | Photo: Getty

Daytime temperatures in Kruger National Park and surrounds can reach a high of 25 °C/77 °F and a low of 9 °C/48 °F, with very chilly conditions in the early mornings and evenings, so warm clothes are a must for game drives. The dry weather opens up more opportunities to explore the wilderness, such as horseback riding safaris. With an average rainfall of only 0.2 in this month, you’ll enjoy clear skies during game drives and walking safaris. Cape Town’s temperatures can reach a high of 18 °C/64 °F and a low of 8 °C/46 °F, with an average rainfall of 3.7 in.

Average Weather in June

Kruger and Surrounds

Temperature CelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min 9℃48℉ 0.2 inches
Max 25℃77℉0.4 inches

Cape Town

TemperaturesCelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min8℃46℉2.6 inch
Max18℃64℉4.8 inches

Destinations to Visit in South Africa in June

From the start of June, Hermanus sees the southern right what migrate to its waters | Photo: Getty

Hermanus

Starting from June, Hermanus sees a member of the marine Big Five travel close to the shore: the southern right whale. These whales migrate to the waters of Hermanus to breed and nurse their young. Watch by land, air, or boat as these gentle giants breach and lobtail.

Tswalu Kalahari Private Wildlife Reserve

Tswalu offers safari-goers a sublime desert adventure complete with a star bed experience (sleeping beneath the open sky) and visiting meerkat families. This time of the month sees cold early mornings and evenings, brilliant blue skies, and golden grasses drying out. During a safari here, you have the chance to spot unique desert-adapted species such as black-maned lions and oryxes.

Pilanesberg National Park

Winter is the dry season at Pilanesberg National Park. The weather makes it the perfect opportunity for a safari in South Africa since the wildlife tends to be more visible as they’re in search of water sources. The park also houses the Big Five for those who have these majestic animals on their wish lists.

Activities to Do in June in South Africa

Whale watching is excellent during this period | Photo: Getty
  • Surfing along Cape Town’s coast
  • Whale watching by boat and along the coast
  • Game drives in national parks and game reserves
  • Walking safaris and animal tracking
  • Horseback riding safaris
  • Stargazing

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

960 Reviews - 5/5 Stars

Craft your journey with the expertise of our dedicated Africa Safari Experts

Start Planning

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"Discover Africa Safaris made the entire experience very enjoyable. If anything went wrong Dev and his team were on it in moments. Every part of the trip was conducted by professionals from Federal airlines to the two safari lodges. I can't say enough abo..."

Dave, United States•08 Jul 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We live in Australia and I honestly didn’t know who to contact about organising a trip of a lifetime and I really wanted someone that knew Africa and not someone that was from Australia and just guessed. I found Discover Africa on TikTok and got in touch..."

Natalie Flick, Australia•29 Jun 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"Working with Susan made our experience just perfect. She has everything organized and it all went so well. Her recommendations were perfect. We loved the safaris she chose, the lodges, guides, staff and the experience were wonderful."

Marlene Wheatley, Canada•22 Mar 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"Megan Warrington was amazing to work with. She was very informative and kept us up to date on everything. I found out that I would need to have surgery a few days after returning from the trip and asked Megan if she would be able to arrange for a wheelchair..."

Carla Novak, United States•09 Mar 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I was recommended Discover Africa by a friend who raved about them for their African Safari adventure and they didn't disappoint. From the start the communication was timely, despite the time zone difference, and the advice was thorough and precise. It seem..."

Stephen Suster, Australia•18 Jan 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We have just returned from the most incredible 2 week trip in Africa, travelling to Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Victoria Falls - it was made all the more special by the incredible guidance, planning and organisation of Discover Africa, specifically ..."

Anita Panikkar, Australia•10 Jan 2026•

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.