Gaborone in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Gaborone

23°C (73°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) across 10 days means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled
Brilliant blue skies and exceptional visibility - perfect for wildlife viewing at Mokolodi Nature Reserve with 15+ km (9.3 miles) clear sight lines
Comfortable midday temperatures around 23°C (73°F) allow for full-day outdoor exploration without overheating
School holiday period brings busy local energy - traditional dance performances at Banjul happen twice weekly instead of monthly

Considerations

Extremely cold mornings at 5°C (41°F) require layered clothing and make early morning game drives uncomfortable until 9am
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months and require booking 6-8 weeks ahead
Strong UV index of 8 combined with high altitude creates severe sunburn risk - most tourists underestimate this

Best Activities in June

Mokolodi Nature Reserve Game Drives

June's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making animal spotting almost guaranteed. Clear skies provide perfect photography conditions with 15+ km (9.3 miles) visibility. Cool morning temperatures at 5°C (41°F) mean animals are active longer into the morning hours.

Booking Tip: Reserve morning drives 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Typical costs range P400-600 per person. Look for operators with heated vehicles for early morning comfort. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Gaborone Game Reserve Walking Safaris

Perfect walking weather with midday temperatures at comfortable 23°C (73°F) and virtually no rain. June's dry vegetation makes wildlife tracking easier, and the 5 km (3.1 miles) of established trails offer excellent rhino and giraffe viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book guided walks 10-14 days ahead, typically P300-450 per person for 3-hour experiences. Choose operators with certified guides who know current animal movement patterns. Current availability shown in booking widget below.

Kgale Hill Sunrise Hikes

June's clear dry air provides spectacular 360-degree city views from 1,287 m (4,222 ft) elevation. Cool morning starts at 5°C (41°F) make the 2.5 km (1.6 miles) ascent comfortable, while strong UV later requires early timing.

Booking Tip: Join organized sunrise hikes departing 5:30am, costs typically P150-250 per person. Independent hiking is free but requires headlamps and warm layers. Check current group hikes in booking section.

Traditional Village Cultural Tours

June school holidays activate traditional communities with special demonstrations of pottery, basket weaving, and seasonal harvest celebrations. Comfortable temperatures allow full-day village immersion experiences 30-45 km (18.6-28 miles) outside the city.

Booking Tip: Book authentic village experiences 7-10 days ahead, typically P600-900 per person including transport and meals. Look for community-based operators that support local development. See verified cultural tours in booking widget.

Gaborone Dam Water Activities

June's stable weather with minimal wind creates perfect conditions for sailing, fishing, and boat tours on the 142 square km (54.8 square miles) dam. Clear skies offer excellent bird watching with over 100 species concentrated around water sources.

Booking Tip: Reserve boat tours and fishing guides 5-7 days ahead, costs range P400-800 per person for half-day experiences. Choose operators with life jackets and sun protection included. Current water activity bookings available below.

Tlokweng Border Market Shopping

June's dry weather makes the 15 km (9.3 miles) journey to this massive cross-border market comfortable for full-day shopping expeditions. Peak season brings expanded vendor selections and special winter craft items unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Join organized market tours typically P200-350 per person including transport, or take combis for P15 each way. Tours provide cultural context and bargaining assistance. Check current market tour options in booking section.

June Events & Festivals

Mid to Late June

Botswana School Holiday Cultural Festival

Local schools showcase traditional dance, music, and storytelling performances at various venues across the city. Free events at Banjul and University of Botswana campus feature authentic cultural demonstrations rarely seen by tourists.

June 21st

Winter Solstice Celebrations

Traditional communities celebrate the shortest day with special ceremonies and seasonal foods. Several lodges and cultural centers offer authentic winter solstice experiences including traditional astronomy lessons.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated jacket for 5°C (41°F) morning temperatures - most visitors underestimate how cold June mornings get

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index 8 at 1,000+ m (3,280+ ft) elevation causes severe burns

Layered clothing system including thermal base layers, fleece mid-layer, and breathable outer shell

Warm sleeping attire if staying in budget accommodations without heating

Lightweight long pants for bush walking - dry vegetation creates scratching hazards

Quality walking boots with ankle support for rocky terrain on hiking trails

Headlamp or flashlight for early morning activities and frequent power outages

Lip balm with SPF - extremely dry air at 30% humidity causes painful chapping

Reusable water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in dry conditions even at cool temperatures

Warm gloves and beanie for early morning game drives in open vehicles

Insider Knowledge

Most tourists book afternoon game drives, but June morning drives at 6am offer the best wildlife viewing as animals seek warmth in open areas

Local supermarkets like Choppies stock affordable warm clothing if you arrive unprepared - Riverwalk Mall has the best selection

Friday afternoons see heavy traffic as locals head to cattle posts - plan city activities for weekday mornings

University of Botswana students are on holiday in June, making student areas like Mogoditshane much quieter and cheaper for accommodation

Avoid These Mistakes

Bringing only summer clothes - even locals wear heavy jackets in June mornings, and tourists regularly get hypothermia on early morning activities

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - June is peak season and quality lodges fill completely, forcing expensive last-minute bookings

Underestimating sun protection needs - the combination of high altitude, dry air, and strong UV creates sunburn conditions even at 23°C (73°F)