Windhoek in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Windhoek
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect dry season conditions with zero rainfall and clear sunny days - ideal for game drives at Namibia where visibility is excellent and animals congregate at waterholes
- Cool morning temperatures of 7°C (44°F) create comfortable conditions for hiking the Khomas Hochland mountains and exploring Daan Viljoen Game Reserve without overheating
- June marks the peak of Namibia's winter tourism season with crisp, clear air providing impressive photography conditions - the low humidity makes the dramatic desert landscapes appear razor-sharp
- Windhoek's altitude of 1,700m (5,577 ft) combined with winter conditions creates perfect weather for walking the city center and exploring Independence Avenue without the exhausting summer heat
Considerations
- Nighttime temperatures drop to 7°C (44°F) requiring warm clothing - many accommodations lack central heating, making evenings uncomfortably cold for unprepared visitors
- High season pricing means accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, with mid-range hotels jumping from N$800 to N$1,300 per night
- Strong winds are common in June, creating dust storms that can disrupt outdoor dining and make contact lens wearing uncomfortable - locals call this 'berg wind' season
Best Activities in June
Etosha National Park Wildlife Safaris
June is absolutely prime time for Etosha - the dry conditions force animals to concentrate around permanent waterholes, making wildlife viewing predictable and spectacular. Morning game drives at 6am take advantage of cool 7°C (44°F) temperatures when animals are most active. The lack of vegetation makes spotting easier, and you'll see massive elephant herds, lions, and the rare black rhino. Book 4WD safari vehicles as the park's roads can be rough after winter maintenance.
Khomas Hochland Mountain Hiking
The cool June weather transforms Windhoek's surrounding mountains into a hiker's great destination. Morning temperatures start at 7°C (44°F), warming to a comfortable 20°C (68°F) by midday - perfect for tackling the challenging trails without heat exhaustion. The dry air provides crystal-clear views extending 50km (31 miles) to the Namib Desert. Popular routes include the Auas Mountains and Gamsberg Pass, offering encounters with mountain zebra and kudu.
Sossusvlei Desert Photography Tours
June's low humidity and stable high-pressure systems create exceptional conditions for capturing Namibia's iconic red dunes. The 7°C (44°F) dawn temperatures mean comfortable sunrise shoots at Dune 45, while the dry air intensifies the red-orange sand colors. Clear skies provide dramatic contrast for the white clay pans of Deadvlei. Professional photographers consider June optimal for the famous oryx and desert-adapted elephant shots.
Traditional Herero and Himba Cultural Experiences
June coincides with important Herero cultural celebrations, particularly Maherero Day preparations. The comfortable daytime temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make village visits pleasant, while evening cultural performances around fires are enhanced by the cool 7°C (44°F) temperatures. Learn traditional fire-making, taste oshifima maize porridge, and witness traditional dress ceremonies that are more elaborate during winter cultural season.
Windhoek Craft Beer and German Heritage Tours
June's cool evenings create perfect conditions for exploring Windhoek's thriving craft beer scene and German colonial architecture. The comfortable 20°C (68°F) afternoon temperatures are ideal for walking tours through the Alte Feste fortress and Christuskirche, followed by evening brewery visits when temperatures drop to a pleasant 12°C (54°F). Local breweries feature seasonal winter ales only available June through August.
Waterberg Plateau Nature Conservancy Tracking
The cool June weather makes the challenging 2-3 hour hike up the Waterberg Plateau manageable, with morning starts at 7°C (44°F) warming gradually. This is prime time for tracking endangered white rhino and sable antelope - the dry conditions make animal tracks visible in the red Kalahari sand. The 200m (656 ft) climb offers panoramic views across the plateau, best captured in June's clear, low-humidity air.
June Events & Festivals
Windhoek Winter Festival
A month-long celebration of Namibian arts, crafts, and traditional music that takes advantage of June's perfect weather. Local artisans set up stalls along Independence Avenue, while evening concerts feature traditional Damara and Nama music. The festival showcases winter comfort foods like potjiekos stews and traditional biltong preparations.
Maherero Day Commemorations
Important Herero cultural preparations begin in June leading up to the August main event. Traditional dress rehearsals, cattle blessing ceremonies, and ancestral honor rituals take place in Windhoek's Katutura township. Visitors can observe traditional Victorian-style dress fittings and hear oral histories from community elders.