Weather in Cape Town in June

Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 03.06.2024

Visit Cape Town in June when the city fully enters the winter chill, leaving behind the milder conditions of fall. The weather in Cape Town in June is characterized by cool days and cold nights, a significant change from the warm temperatures of autumn. With the summer winds already a distant memory, June offers a calm atmosphere for outdoor activities, allowing you to explore quieter streets and appreciate the unique beauty of Cape Town's natural landscapes and urban neighborhoods.

Is June a good time to visit Cape Town?

June in Cape Town is the heart of winter, when the climate becomes cooler and wetter compared to the dry and sunny summer months. During this period, the days become shorter and the nights longer and temperatures drop significantly, especially in the evenings and early mornings.

In general, the weather in Cape Town in June is characterized by frequent rain and cloudy days, which can affect plans for active vacations, such as walks on the beach, hiking in the mountains or leisurely exploring the city. However, if you're interested in indoor activities such as visiting museums, art galleries or exploring the local cuisine, June can still offer a fulfilling travel experience.

Transportation in the city can operate with minor disruptions due to wet weather, but Cape Town is well prepared for winter weather, so significant delays are rare.

June is considered low season in Cape Town due to the colder and rainy weather, resulting in fewer tourists, lower accommodation prices and more accessible attractions. This month has one of the highest rainfall levels of the year, which contributes to the lushness of the region's natural landscapes, but also unpredictable vacation plans.

Overall, June is not the best time to visit Cape Town if you're looking for warm weather and outdoor adventure. However, if you want to enjoy cultural events indoors in the city without the crowds and at a cheaper price, June can be an attractive option.

Want to learn more about South African destinations? Browse our customized South Africa itineraries, talk to our local experts, and read about the best time to travel to South Africa.

Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Cape Town South Africa

Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Cape Town South Africa © Shutterstock

Average temperatures in Cape Town in June

The weather in Cape Town in June is characterized by average temperatures of around 17°C (63°F) during the day, and around 8°C (46°F) at night. This significant drop in daytime and nighttime temperatures reflects typical winter conditions in Cape Town, as June falls during the Southern Hemisphere winter season. The cool daytime temperatures and cold nights provide a stark contrast to the warm and dry summer months.

At this time, the difference between day and night temperatures can be very noticeable, so you need to prepare for a wide variety of conditions - warm layers for the day that can be tailored for much cooler evenings and nights.

Compared to the peak summer months (December to February), when average temperatures reach 26°C (79°F) and minimum temperatures rarely dip below 15°C (59°F), temperatures in June are much lower. This makes June one of the coldest months in Cape Town, along with July and August, when the city's winter season kicks in.

Still hesitating? Find the perfect time to travel with our guide to the best time to visit Cape Town.

What about crowds and costs?

June is considered the low season in Cape Town due to the cool and wet winter weather, resulting in fewer tourists compared to the busy summer months of December through February. 

The reduced tourist flow results in attractions becoming less crowded, providing a more relaxing vacation for visitors. In addition, when demand decreases, prices for accommodation, tours, and other services tend to drop, making June a cost-effective time to visit the city.

The benefits of visiting Cape Town in June include enjoying the city's cultural and culinary offerings indoors without the summer crowds and at potentially lower costs. 

While outdoor activities may be limited by weather conditions, fewer tourists and lower prices provide a unique opportunity to experience Cape Town in a more intimate and budget-friendly setting, a stark contrast to the high season.

Want to be better prepared for your trip to South Africa? Read our useful travel tips for visiting South Africa. And if you're going on a family trip, also find out all the information you need from our guide to South Africa with kids.

Aerial view of coastline of Cape Town with Signal Hill and Table Mountain in background, South Afric

Aerial view of coastline of Cape Town 

Ready for your dream trip to Cape Town in June?

If you're looking to travel to Cape Town or other destinations in South Africa, browse our customized South Africa itineraries before you book your trip.

With a local expert on hand to take the hassle out of planning and booking, you can save time and focus on counting down the days until your trip!

  • Cape Amazing: Cape Town Explored (8 days): Visit Cape Town, South Africa's most exciting city, following a circular route around the stunning peninsula. Take advantage of deserted sandy beaches, quaint towns, and rich vineyards before heading to the Kapama Private Game Reserve to meet the big five.
  • City Life & Safari - South African Gems (17 days): The ultimate South Africa road trip in just 17 days. Start in Cape Town: Table Mountain, Robben Island, Peninsula, and more. Head further into the wine lands to relax, and then head to Kruger National Park - a 3-day safari awaits you, before ending your journey in Johannesburg.
  • Best of South Africa (17 days): Discover the best that South Africa has to offer - start with the marvelous city of Cape Town and its peninsula, on to wine lands with magnificent views on the Garden Route and on to culture, heritage and wildlife in Plettenberg Bay. Finish your journey with an introduction to the authentic nature of Kruger.

What to do in Cape Town in June

The weather in Cape Town in June can be cool and wet, but the city still offers a range of cozy and cultural activities, making it a unique time to explore the city's diverse attractions.

Treat yourself to a spa day

The cool June weather is the perfect excuse to indulge in spa treatments. Cape Town is home to several luxurious spas offering a wide range of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. 

Spend the day at one of the city's top wellness centers, such as the Twelve Apostles Hotel Spa or Arabella Spa, where you can enjoy thermal pools, steam baths, and customized treatments while taking in the breathtaking views.

Attend a live musical performance or theater performance

Winter in Cape Town is a great time to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene indoors. Check out the Baxter Theatre or the Artscape Theatre Center for a variety of performances ranging from classical music concerts to contemporary dance and drama. It's a perfect way to spend an evening, soaking in local and international talent.

Looking for even more ideas for your summer adventure? Explore our list of the best holiday destinations for June.

Long Street, Cape Town South Africa

Long Street, Cape Town, South Africa © Shutterstock

Take a cooking class

Embrace indoor activities and learn something new by signing up for a cooking class. Cape Town offers many culinary events that allow you to learn how to cook traditional South African dishes or international cuisine. 

Cooking schools such as The Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour offer not only cooking lessons but also cultural experiences.

Visit Cape Town Science Center

Ideal for families and anyone interested in science and technology, the Cape Town Science Center offers interactive exhibits and educational activities. It's a fun way to spend the day learning and solving scientific problems, perfect for a rainy day.

Take historic walking tours

Even in winter, the city's history can be explored on short outdoor excursions. Join a historic walking tour of central Cape Town neighborhoods such as the Company Garden, Bo-Kaap, or the Castle of Good Hope. 

These tours are usually short enough to be enjoyed in cooler weather and provide an in-depth look into the city's rich history.

Before you head to South Africa, also be sure to read our guide on whether South Africa is safe, which contains everything you need to know about travel safety.

Kirstenbosch National park in cape town, South Africa © Shutterstock

Kirstenbosch National park in cape town, South Africa © Shutterstock

Visit Cape Town in different months

Cape Town, the jewel at the tip of Africa, offers a variety of experiences throughout the year, each month bringing its unique charm and set of activities. Discover all that this vibrant city has to offer, regardless of the time of year:

  • July: immerse yourself in the heart of winter with serene scenery, fewer tourists and the famous Knysna Oyster Festival.
  • August: witness the wildflowers blooming in the Western Cape and enjoy the cool but improving weather as winter begins to fade.
  • September: celebrate the arrival of spring with breathtaking floral displays in the Cape Floral Region and mild weather for outdoor adventures.
  • October: enjoy a vibrant spring ideal for whale watching, shark cage diving and visiting the blooming Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
  • November: feel the warmth of late spring as the city prepares for the busy summer season. It's the perfect time for an early visit to the beach and al fresco dining.
  • December: immerse yourself in the holiday season with sunny days, bustling markets and lively beaches, marking the beginning of the summer vacation rush.
  • January: experience the peak of summer with perfect beach weather, vibrant nightlife and a lively minstrel carnival in Cape Town.
  • February: enjoy the last of the hot summer days and fewer people. This is the perfect time to visit the city's famous vineyards and outdoor festivals.
  • March: witness the transition from summer to fall: the combination of warm days and cool nights is perfect for hiking and exploring the city.
  • April: experience mild fall weather, perfect for outdoor activities without the summer heat, as well as spectacular fall foliage.
  • May: the beginning of the cooler season, ideal for cultural vacations as indoor activities and museums become more appealing.
Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 03.06.2024

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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