Mbabane in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Mbabane

18°C (66°F) High Temp

4°C (40°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak with minimal rainfall makes it ideal for hiking in Eswatini and Eswatini - trails are accessible without mud, and visibility extends 80+ km (50 miles) on clear days
Perfect wildlife viewing conditions at Hlane and Mkhaya Game Reserves - animals congregate around water sources, grass is shorter after winter burning, and cooler mornings mean active game until 10am
Traditional ceremonies season including Incwala preparation rituals and reed dance practices - June marks the beginning of cultural calendar preparations with authentic local participation
Comfortable camping and outdoor activity weather - daytime temperatures of 18°C (66°F) are perfect for multi-day hiking, while nighttime lows of 4°C (40°F) provide excellent sleeping conditions without extreme cold

Considerations

Morning temperatures drop to 4°C (40°F) requiring warm layers and quality sleeping bags if camping - many visitors underestimate the cold and struggle with early morning activities
Weekend accommodation prices increase 40-60% as South African tourists flock to Mbabane for winter sun - book weekday stays when possible or reserve 6+ weeks ahead for weekends
Limited daylight hours with sunset around 5:30pm - outdoor activities must be planned carefully, and some highland areas become inaccessible after dark due to temperature drops

Best Activities in June

Sibebe Rock Granite Dome Hiking

June's dry conditions make this the perfect time to tackle the world's second-largest granite dome. Morning temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) provide comfortable climbing conditions, while afternoon highs reach ideal hiking weather. The 6-hour round trip offers 360-degree views extending to South Africa on clear days. Rock surfaces are completely dry, eliminating slip hazards that plague other months.

Booking Tip: Book guided climbs 7-10 days ahead through licensed mountain guides. Expect to pay E800-1,200 ($45-70) for full-day guided ascents. Start at 6am to avoid afternoon heat and ensure descent before sunset. Look for guides certified by Eswatini Mountain Club.

Malolotja Nature Reserve Multi-Day Hiking

The dry season transforms Malolotja's 180 km (112 miles) of trails into pristine hiking conditions. June's weather pattern of cool mornings and warm afternoons is perfect for the 3-5 day wilderness trails. Wildlife is more visible as vegetation dies back, and the absence of summer thunderstorms means uninterrupted trekking. Rivers are at manageable crossing levels.

Booking Tip: Reserve wilderness campsites 3-4 weeks ahead as only 6 groups per day are permitted. Trail fees are E50 ($3) plus E80 ($4.50) per night camping. Book through Eswatini National Trust Commission. Trails range from 15-35 km (9-22 miles) with elevation gains up to 500m (1,640 ft).

Traditional Homestead Cultural Experiences

June marks the beginning of cultural preparation season before major ceremonies. Families are engaged in traditional craft-making, beer brewing, and ceremonial preparation activities. The cooler weather makes full-day cultural immersion comfortable, and you'll witness authentic preparations rather than tourist demonstrations. Local communities are more available as agricultural work slows after harvest.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community tourism offices 5-7 days ahead. Authentic homestead visits cost E300-500 ($17-28) per day including traditional meals. Avoid operators promising 'traditional ceremonies' - genuine cultural events can't be scheduled on demand. Look for experiences that include craft workshops and traditional cooking.

Highveld Canopy Tour Adventures

The dry air and minimal wind of June create perfect conditions for canopy tours through indigenous forests near Mbabane. Visibility is excellent with less atmospheric moisture, and the 14 zip-line courses offer impressive views of the Lebombo Mountains. Cool temperatures mean comfortable harness wearing for the 3-hour experience without excessive sweating.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead, especially for weekends when South African tourists visit. Tours cost E450-650 ($25-37) and run twice daily at 8am and 1pm. Weight limits are 20-120 kg (44-265 lbs). Book morning slots for best photographic conditions and cooler temperatures.

Craft Route Gallery and Workshop Tours

June's comfortable temperatures make exploring the Mbabane craft route ideal - walking between galleries, glass-blowing workshops, and pottery studios without summer heat exhaustion. Many artisans are preparing inventory for the approaching tourist season, so you'll see active production rather than just finished goods. The dry air is perfect for pottery and textile work viewing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided route maps available from tourist information for free. Individual workshop visits cost E50-150 ($3-9) each. Plan 4-6 hours for the complete route covering 12 km (7.5 miles) around Mbabane and Malkerns Valley. Some workshops offer hands-on experiences for E200-400 ($11-23).

Ezulwini Valley Hot Springs and Spas

The contrast between June's cool air temperatures and natural hot springs creates a uniquely therapeutic experience. Morning temperatures of 4°C (40°F) make the warm mineral pools especially appealing, and the dry air helps with post-spa relaxation. Traditional healing ceremonies often occur at these sites during winter months, adding cultural depth to wellness experiences.

Booking Tip: Natural hot springs are free to access, but arrive early as local families use them heavily on weekends. Resort spa packages range E800-1,500 ($45-85) for half-day treatments. Book spa appointments 2-3 days ahead. Bring towels and water shoes for rocky spring bottoms.

June Events & Festivals

Mid to Late June

Incwala Preparation Ceremonies

While the main Incwala ceremony occurs later, June marks the beginning of preparation activities including traditional beer brewing and ritual purification ceremonies at royal residences. These preliminary events offer authentic cultural insight typically unavailable to tourists during the main ceremony period.

Throughout June

Sibahle Arts Festival Planning

Local artists and cultural groups begin intensive preparation for major cultural festivals, with workshops and practice sessions open to visitors. These working sessions provide insight into traditional music, dance, and craft preparation without the crowds of formal festivals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm sleeping bag rated to -5°C (23°F) - nighttime temperatures drop to 4°C (40°F) and mountain camps can be 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder

Layering system including fleece or down jacket - temperature swings of 14°C (25°F) between morning and afternoon require adaptable clothing

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - morning dew creates slippery conditions on granite surfaces and rocky trails until 10am

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 at altitude, and reflection off granite surfaces intensifies exposure during hiking

Headlamp with extra batteries - sunset at 5:30pm means early darkness, essential for any outdoor activities or campsite setup

Insulated water bottles - prevents freezing during cold mornings and keeps water pleasant for day-long hikes

Merino wool base layers - superior temperature regulation for June's wide temperature swings, unlike cotton which becomes uncomfortable when damp

Lightweight rain jacket despite low rainfall - morning mist in highlands and occasional afternoon showers require quick protection

Quality day pack 25-35L (1,500-2,100 cubic inches) - perfect size for day hikes with extra layers, water, and emergency supplies

Cash in small denominations - many cultural experiences and entry fees require exact change in Emalangeni, cards not widely accepted

Insider Knowledge

Morning game drives are exceptional in June - animals are active until 10am due to cool temperatures, compared to only until 8am in warmer months. Book the 6am slots that most tourists skip.

Local families begin traditional beer brewing in June using seasonal ingredients - if staying in homesteads, you can participate in this authentic cultural practice not mentioned in guidebooks.

South African school holidays create weekend crowds but leave weekdays surprisingly empty - shift your visit schedule to Monday-Thursday for 50-70% fewer tourists at major attractions.

The dry conditions make normally impassable 4WD routes accessible - local guides can take you to remote San rock art sites and mountain pools that are impossible to reach during wet months.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating cold morning temperatures - many visitors pack only for the 18°C (66°F) daytime highs and struggle with 4°C (40°F) mornings, especially when camping or on early game drives.

Booking weekend accommodation last-minute - South African tourists flood Mbabane on weekends for winter sun, driving prices up 40-60% and creating availability issues.

Planning sunset activities - June sunset at 5:30pm catches many off-guard, cutting short afternoon hikes and outdoor activities that seemed to have plenty of time.