Pretoria - Things to Do in Pretoria in June

Pretoria in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Pretoria

21°C (69°F) High Temp
5°C (41°F) Low Temp
5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect winter weather with crisp mornings and warm afternoons - ideal for outdoor activities from 10am-4pm
  • Clear skies 70% of the time provide excellent visibility for this destination tours and Voortrekker Monument visits
  • Low tourist season means 30-40% cheaper accommodation rates and no crowds at major attractions
  • Peak Jacaranda bloom season (early June) transforms the city into purple-lined streets, especially along Church Street and in Brooklyn

Considerations

  • Morning temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) requiring warm layers until 9am, catching many visitors unprepared
  • Highveld altitude at 1,339m (4,393ft) intensifies UV exposure despite winter temperatures - sunburn risk remains high
  • Some outdoor markets like Hazel Food Market operate reduced winter hours or close early due to cold evenings

Best Activities in June

Union Buildings and Government Precinct Tours

June's clear winter skies provide perfect visibility for exploring Pretoria's administrative heart. Morning temperatures are crisp but comfortable for the 2km (1.2 mile) walking circuit. The Jacaranda trees surrounding the buildings create impressive photo opportunities in early June.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours cost R150-250 per person and run 9am-3pm. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve

Winter's dry conditions make the 3km (1.9 mile) hiking trails accessible and dust-free. The monument's interior provides warmth during cold morning starts, while afternoon visits offer spectacular views across Pretoria from the 40m (131ft) granite structure.

Booking Tip: Monument entry costs R40 adults, R20 children. Guided tours available hourly 9am-4pm. Best visited 10am-2pm when temperatures reach 18-20°C (64-68°F). Check current tour schedules in booking section below.

Pretoria National Botanical Garden Nature Walks

June showcases the garden's winter flora with aloes in full bloom. The 76-hectare site offers sheltered valleys that stay warm during cold snaps, plus the quartzite ridge provides excellent city views. Perfect weather for the 5km (3.1 mile) trail network.

Booking Tip: Day passes R35 per adult. Guided botanical walks available weekends at 9am and 2pm. Best visited during warm afternoon hours 11am-3pm. No advance booking required for self-guided walks.

Cullinan Diamond Mine Day Trips

June's stable weather conditions ensure consistent underground mine tours at 50km (31 miles) from Pretoria. Cool surface temperatures make the contrast with warm underground tunnels comfortable, and clear roads ensure reliable transport.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost R800-1,200 including transport from Pretoria. Book 14 days ahead as tours are limited to 20 people. Tours run Tuesday-Saturday, departing Pretoria 8am, returning 5pm.

Hatfield and Brooklyn Restaurant District Walking Tours

Winter evenings create cozy indoor dining atmospheres in Pretoria's student and diplomatic quarters. The 2km (1.2 mile) walking circuit between venues is manageable in cool weather, with restaurants offering hearty winter menus and local craft beer.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost R450-650 per person including 4-5 stops. Evening tours 5-9pm work well despite cold - restaurants provide warm interiors. Book 5-7 days ahead through certified food guides.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve Game Drives

Winter's sparse vegetation at this 3,800-hectare reserve 15km (9 miles) south of Pretoria provides excellent wildlife visibility. Animals congregate around water sources, and cool temperatures make afternoon drives comfortable. Home to white rhino, Buffalo, and over 200 bird species.

Booking Tip: Day permits R40 per vehicle plus R25 per person. Self-drive or guided options available. Best wildlife viewing 2-5pm when animals are active in warmer afternoon temperatures. Open daily 6am-6pm.

June Events & Festivals

Early June

Jacaranda Festival

Early June marks peak Jacaranda bloom across Pretoria's 70,000 trees. Purple-lined streets create impressive photography opportunities, particularly along Church Street, Eastwood Street, and the Brooklyn suburb. Local markets sell Jacaranda-themed crafts and purple-colored foods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system: 5°C (41°F) mornings require fleece or wool sweater, removable for 21°C (69°F) afternoons
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index 8 combined with 1,339m (4,393ft) altitude creates intense sun exposure even in winter
Comfortable walking boots with ankle support for rocky trails at Voortrekker Monument and botanical gardens
Light waterproof jacket - brief winter showers occur on 10 days but rarely last more than 30 minutes
Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities starting before 9am when temperatures hover around 5°C (41°F)
Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat - clear winter skies create bright conditions throughout the day
Camera with extra batteries - cold weather drains battery life faster during outdoor activities
Closed-toe shoes mandatory for mine tours and nature reserves, plus long pants required at some cultural sites
Light scarf or neck warmer for evening restaurant walks when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F)
Portable phone charger - many outdoor attractions have limited charging facilities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation in Brooklyn or Hatfield neighborhoods - locals prefer these areas in winter for their proximity to heated shopping malls and restaurants during cold evenings
Visit Jacaranda-lined streets between 11am-2pm for best photography light - shadows from bare winter trees create dramatic contrast with purple blooms in early June
Fuel up rental cars the night before cold mornings - Pretoria's altitude can affect engine performance in temperatures below 5°C (41°F), particularly with budget rental vehicles
Many locals take weekend drives to nearby Magaliesberg mountains in June for hiking - crowds at Pretoria attractions are lightest Saturday mornings when residents leave the city

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists often pack only for daytime 21°C (69°F) temperatures and suffer in 5°C (41°F) dawn conditions
Booking tours for late afternoon departure - winter daylight ends around 5:30pm, cutting short outdoor activities that seemed to have plenty of time
Ignoring altitude effects - visitors from sea level often experience dehydration and sun sensitivity due to Pretoria's 1,339m (4,393ft) elevation, especially in dry winter air

Activities in Pretoria