Things to Do in South America in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in South America
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season across most regions - only 5 rainy days expected with minimal precipitation of 15-80mm (0.6-3.1 inches)
- Ideal temperatures for multi-day treks: 18-25°C (64-77°F) during day, cool 2-10°C (36-50°F) nights mean comfortable hiking without extreme heat
- Crystal clear mountain visibility for Andes photography - humidity at 65% provides excellent conditions for capturing snow-capped peaks
- Festival season in full swing with Inti Raymi (June 24) in Peru and various winter solstice celebrations across the continent
Considerations
- Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, book 8-12 weeks ahead minimum
- Crowded conditions at major sites like Machu Picchu and Torres del Paine, with daily visitor limits often reached by 10am
- Cold nights require proper gear - temperatures drop to 2°C (36°F) at altitude, many budget accommodations lack adequate heating
Best Activities in June
Inca Trail Multi-Day Treks
June offers perfect conditions for the classic 4-day Inca Trail with dry paths, clear sunrise views over Machu Picchu, and comfortable 18-25°C (64-77°F) hiking temperatures. Cold nights at 2-10°C (36-50°F) mean excellent sleep in proper gear. Zero rain risk compared to 20+ rainy days in wet season.
Patagonia Hiking Expeditions
Winter in northern hemisphere means stable weather windows in Patagonia. Torres del Paine offers 12+ hours of daylight with temperatures perfect for full-day hikes. Wind speeds drop to 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph) compared to 80+ km/h (50+ mph) in summer months.
Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Tours
Low water levels in June concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, dramatically increasing animal sighting opportunities. Rivers drop 3-5m (10-16 ft), exposing beaches where caimans, river dolphins, and birds gather. Dry conditions mean fewer mosquitoes and clearer jungle walks.
Salt Flat Photography Expeditions
Salar de Uyuni in dry season creates perfect mirror effects during brief morning frost melt while maintaining accessibility across the 10,582 km² (4,086 sq mi) surface. Clear skies provide ideal conditions for sunset and star photography at 3,656m (11,995 ft) altitude.
Wine Harvest Experience Tours
June marks the beginning of harvest season in Argentina and Chile's wine regions. Participate in actual grape picking, stomping, and cellar tours while enjoying 15-20°C (59-68°F) perfect weather. Vineyards offer special harvest festivals and premium tastings unavailable other months.
Atacama Desert Stargazing Tours
World's driest desert offers unparalleled astronomical conditions in June with zero cloud cover and minimal humidity. Clear, cold nights at 2,400m (7,874 ft) altitude provide crystal visibility for Southern Hemisphere constellations invisible from northern latitudes.
June Events & Festivals
Inti Raymi Festival
Peru's most important Incan celebration recreates ancient sun worship ceremonies at Sacsayhuamán fortress outside Cusco. Over 500 actors in period costumes perform elaborate rituals in Quechua language, followed by street festivals throughout the Sacred Valley.
Festa Junina
Brazil's winter solstice celebration features bonfire parties, traditional quadrilha dancing, and special foods like pamonha and quentão. Rural communities host authentic celebrations while cities organize large public festivals in parks and cultural centers.
Buenos Aires Tango Festival
World's largest tango event transforms the city into an open-air dance floor with free outdoor milongas, professional competitions, and workshops in neighborhood cultural centers. Street performances occur nightly in San Telmo and La Boca districts.