Key facts at a glance
June is the region's most underrated summer month. The days are the longest of the year, the landscape is fresh and green, the lifts and summer attractions come into operation, but the main holidays have not yet started. Lake Zell reaches swimmable temperatures towards the end of the month. If you want summer without the crush, come in June.
June is the month when Zell am See-Kaprun tips into summer without summer being full yet. The days are the longest of the year, it stays light past 9pm, the alpine pastures are green, and the lifts gradually take up operation. At the same time the summer holidays in most source countries have not begun. Use that gap and you get the summer almost to yourself.
Weather and lake temperature
On average, valley highs sit at about 21 degrees, cooling to around 8 degrees at night. June is therefore pleasantly warm but prone to thunderstorms: storms frequently build over the Hohe Tauern in the afternoon. The practical consequence is simple and important: high-alpine tours start early and are back by midday.
Lake Zell is one of the warmer Alpine lakes. In June it often reaches 18 to 20 degrees, and by the end of the month swimming is comfortable for most. A month-by-month breakdown is in water temperature of Lake Zell.
What starts in June
June is the month the summer offering becomes complete:
- Lifts in summer operation on the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn.
- Kaprun high mountain reservoirs with Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden, see the reservoirs and getting there.
- Lake Zell boat service, see the boat service.
- Lidos open for the bathing season, see the lidos on Lake Zell.
- Summer card: the inclusive card offered by many properties pays off particularly from June, see the summer card.
Hiking in June
During June the high-level paths gradually clear. Early in the month there can still be snowfields above 2,000 metres; by the end most is walkable. The alpine huts open, which makes June one of the finest months for walks with a stop for food. Routes are in the hiking guide, on the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail and under safe alpine pastures. For families, the pushchair-friendly paths are the place to start.
Cycling, water and sport
June is the best cycling month: agreeable temperatures, clear pass roads, little traffic. Starting points in mountain biking and e-biking, road cycling and the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail. On the lake the water sports season begins with stand-up paddling and sailing, see water sports on Lake Zell. If you want to go higher still, paragliding is the way in.
Who June suits
June is the best choice for anyone who wants summer but not peak season: couples, walkers, cyclists, photographers and families with pre-school children. You get long days, green landscape, open attractions and much lower prices than July and August. If, on the other hand, you are counting on reliably warm swimming weather or want every high-level path free of residual snow, high summer serves you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Lake Zell in June?
Towards the end of the month, usually yes. Lake Zell is one of the warmer Alpine lakes and often reaches around 18 to 20 degrees in June. Early June is still fresh; by late June swimming is comfortable for most people.
Are all the lifts open in June?
Most take up summer operation during June, but not all at the same time. High-level paths and individual installations start later. Check current operating times directly with the operator.
How busy is June?
Much quieter than July and August. Summer holidays in most source countries only begin later, so trails, lifts and accommodation are relaxed and cheaper in June.
What is the weather like in June?
Mild to warm, with valley highs around 21 degrees. June is also a thundery month. Mountain tours belong in the morning, as storms frequently build in the afternoon.
