June is the start of summer in Austria, and it's an ideal time to visit if you love the outdoors. From swimming and boating in lakes to whitewater rafting atop rivers and hiking in the mountains to wildlife watching, there's plenty to see and do in Austria this month. Plus, you can beat the summer crowds by arriving earlier in the season. Find out more about traveling to Austria in June.

Weather

June is the start of summer in Austria, a warm and dry season in this landlocked country. At lower altitudes, expect temperatures of around 77°F (25°C). Up in the mountains, the temperatures will be a few degrees cooler, while the larger cities (such as Vienna) may be a bit warmer. June is not especially humid, which can make higher temperatures feel more comfortable. You may encounter rain showers in June, but generally, nothing heavier.

Another feature of Austrian summers is the long days: the sun won't set until after 9 pm, which is ideal for evening walks, parties, and picnics.

Crowds & Costs

June is the start of the peak summer season for travel to Austria, but it's not as busy as July and August when most local, European, and North American visitors take their vacations. Don't expect to snag a bargain in June, but if you plan ahead, you may find cheaper flights and accommodation than later in the summer. Even at its busiest, Austria doesn't tend to get as crowded as other nearby destinations in Europe, such as Italy.

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Where to Go

The Salzkammergut lake and alpine region, near Salzburg, is very popular in summer, but you can beat the worst of the crowds by visiting in June. The picture-perfect town of Hallstatt is on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, in which you can cool off with a swim. Alternatively, escape the heat in the salt mines at Salzwelten or by visiting the ice formations in the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave.

If you love nature and flowers and missed the first blooms of spring, head to higher altitudes in June, where the flowers come into their colorful glory a bit later. The Hohe Tauern National Park in south-western Austria is green in the summer and blooms with flowers. There are hiking trails through the park, and you can arrange guided hikes accompanied by knowledgeable park rangers. Wildlife you may now spot in the park includes vultures, eagles, ibexes, marmots, and chamois.

What to Do

Swimming and boating are popular pastimes in Austria; although there's no coast, there are hundreds of lakes throughout the mountains and lower lands. Head to popular Millstätter See, Faaker See, or Wörthersee, all in southern Austria, to cool off with a boat ride or a lake swim. The surrounding mountain landscapes add to the appeal.

If you're looking for a more thrilling outdoor adventure, why not try whitewater rafting this month? The season usually runs between May and September, and water levels will be fairly high in June after the snowmelt. The Inn River is a popular rafting destination in Austria, a tributary of the Danube, running through western Austria. Both beginners and more experienced rafters can find whitewater adventures to suit their skill level.

Events in June

Vienna Festival of Arts and Music, Vienna. This festival celebrates creativity and innovation through theater, music, and dance through the visual arts from mid-May to mid-June. 

Whitsun Festival, Salzburg. This Baroque music concert series offers opera and musical performances in late May or early June.

Danube Island Festival, Vienna. This contemporary music festival in the capital is free and held in late June.

Midsummer Eve, nationwide. Bonfires and folkloric events take place throughout the country around June 21. Some of the liveliest events are held in the towns of the Tyrol Valley and the Wachau region.

More Helpful Information

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Austria in July
Best Time of Year to Visit Austria
How Many Days to Spend in Austria