Zimbabwe in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Zimbabwe

22°C (72°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

2mm (0.08 inches) Rainfall

40% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing season - animals congregate around permanent water sources making game drives 40% more productive than rainy months
Excellent visibility with minimal dust and clear skies - perfect for Victoria Falls photography with 60-70% less water volume creating better viewing angles
Cool morning temperatures averaging 4-8°C (39-46°F) ideal for multi-hour game drives without overheating
Lowest rainfall of the year at 2mm (0.08 inches) means reliable road conditions and no cancelled activities due to weather

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 30-50% and popular lodges book out 6-8 months ahead
Morning game drives require heavy layers as temperatures can drop to 2°C (36°F) at sunrise before warming to 22°C (72°F) by midday
Victoria Falls water levels at 60-70% of peak flow - less dramatic than March-May though better for activities like white water rafting

Best Activities in June

Hwange National Park Game Drives

June offers Zimbabwe's best game viewing as the dry season forces elephants, lions, and buffalo to concentrate around waterholes. Morning temperatures of 4-8°C (39-46°F) keep animals active longer, while afternoon drives benefit from excellent visibility with minimal dust. The park's 400+ elephant herds are most predictable now, gathering at Nyamandlovu and Kennedy vleis.

Booking Tip: Book full-day game drives 4-6 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Expect to pay US$150-250 per person for day trips from Victoria Falls, or US$80-120 if staying within the park. Look for operators with thermal blankets for early morning drives and experienced guides familiar with current animal movement patterns.

Victoria Falls Adventure Activities

Lower water levels in June create perfect conditions for white water rafting with Grade 4-5 rapids at their most accessible. The reduced spray means better visibility for bungee jumping and zip-lining, plus helicopter flights offer clearer views of the gorge structure. Water temperature around 18°C (64°F) is manageable for river activities.

Booking Tip: Adventure packages typically cost US$100-180 for rafting, US$160-200 for bungee jumping. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as operators run fewer trips in peak season. Look for operators certified by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and providing full safety gear plus hot drinks for post-activity warming.

Mana Pools Canoe Safaris

June's low water levels concentrate hippos and crocodiles in deeper channels, creating predictable wildlife viewing. The Zambezi River runs clearer with less sediment, improving underwater visibility for fishing activities. Cool morning temperatures make 3-4 hour canoe expeditions comfortable without overheating.

Booking Tip: Multi-day canoe safaris cost US$300-500 per person per day including camping and meals. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for June as this is peak season for canoe-based activities. Seek operators with backup vehicles for land transfers when river levels drop further.

Great Zimbabwe Monument Cultural Tours

Cool, dry weather makes exploring the 11th-century stone ruins comfortable for extended walking. June's clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for the iconic conical tower and great enclosure. Morning visits at 7-9am take advantage of 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are US$15 for international visitors, guided tours add US$20-30. Book guides through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority office on-site. Allow 3-4 hours for complete exploration, starting early to avoid afternoon heat reaching 22°C (72°F).

Matobo Hills Rock Art and Balancing Rocks

Dry conditions provide safe access to remote rock art sites typically inaccessible during rains. June's low humidity preserves the 2,000-year-old San paintings, while clear skies offer dramatic photography of the granite formations. Cool temperatures make the 2-3 hour hikes to World's View and other sites manageable.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Bulawayo cost US$80-120 including transport and guide fees. Book through registered cultural heritage guides who provide historical context. Tours run 6-8 hours covering multiple sites, with lunch stops in Matobo village. Most operators require 48-72 hours advance booking.

Eastern Highlands Hiking and Trout Fishing

June offers ideal conditions for hiking the Nyanga and Chimanimani mountains with cool, dry weather and clear mountain views extending 50-80km (31-50 miles). Trout fishing peaks as cooler water temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) increase fish activity in streams and dams.

Booking Tip: Mountain lodge accommodation costs US$60-120 per night with guided hikes adding US$40-60 per day. Trout fishing permits cost US$10 per day from Parks offices. Book mountain lodges 6-10 weeks ahead for June as this is peak hiking season. Look for guides familiar with current trail conditions.

June Events & Festivals

Late April to Early May (occasionally extends into June)

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF)

Southern Africa's largest trade exhibition showcasing Zimbabwean culture, crafts, and cuisine alongside international business. Features traditional dance performances, local food courts, and craft demonstrations. Excellent opportunity to experience contemporary Zimbabwean culture beyond tourism.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm layers for morning game drives - temperatures drop to 2-4°C (36-39°F) at dawn, requiring fleece jacket and warm hat

Lightweight long pants and shirts for sun protection - UV index reaches 7 even in winter dry season

Sturdy walking boots for rocky terrain in national parks and cultural sites like Great Zimbabwe

Binoculars essential for game viewing - dry season vegetation allows spotting animals 200-300m (650-980 ft) away

High-capacity camera batteries - cold morning temperatures drain batteries 30-40% faster than normal

Lip balm and moisturizer for 40% humidity levels that can cause chapping and dry skin

Headlamp or flashlight for early morning game drives starting before 6am sunrise

Reusable water bottle - dry conditions require 3-4 liters (0.8-1 gallon) daily fluid intake

Cash in US dollars - most tourism operators prefer USD, especially for park fees and tips

Lightweight rain jacket despite low rainfall - occasional brief showers and wind protection in open game vehicles

Insider Knowledge

Book Hwange accommodation by December for June travel - the park's best camps like Nehimba and Somalisa fill up 8-10 months ahead during peak wildlife season

Morning game drives start at 6am when it's 2-6°C (36-43°F) - lodge staff provide hot water bottles and thick blankets, but bring your own warm layers underneath

Victoria Falls 'smoke' (spray) is minimal in June, allowing better photographs but also meaning rainbows only appear 11am-2pm when sun angle is optimal

Local supermarkets like TM Supermarkets stock better snacks and drinks than lodge shops at 40-60% lower prices - stock up in Harare or Bulawayo before heading to national parks

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists regularly arrive unprepared for sub-5°C (41°F) temperatures during early game drives, ruining the experience

Booking Victoria Falls accommodation last minute in June - prime lodges and hotels increase rates 40-50% and sell out 3-4 months ahead during peak season

Expecting dramatic waterfall photos like wet season shots - June's reduced water flow creates different but equally beautiful photographic opportunities that require adjusted expectations