Salzburg in June: What to Expect

June is a very good time to visit Salzburg. The world-famous Salzburg Festival doesn't begin until late July, which means June gives you the baroque city in good weather with manageable crowds and reasonable prices. The mountains are green, the Salzach is running, and the outdoor cafes are open. It's Salzburg as it should be experienced.

Weather

Temperatures reach 20-24°C through June, with the Alps providing a spectacular backdrop to the city. Alpine thunderstorms are possible, rolling in fast from the mountains in the afternoon. The mornings are usually clear and ideal for exploring the Altstadt and climbing to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Pack a light waterproof for afternoons. Evenings are pleasant for outdoor dining in the old town.

Crowds and Prices

Without the Festival, Salzburg in June is busy but not impossible. The Getreidegasse (Mozart's birthplace street) and the old town are popular, but queues at the fortress and the Mozart Wohnhaus are manageable. Accommodation prices are significantly lower than during the Festival (late July through August), which makes June particularly good value. Day trips to the Salzkammergut lakes and the Sound of Music filming locations are easy from the city.

What's On

The Salzburg Whitsun Festival (Pfingstfestival) takes place in late May or early June, featuring a smaller programme of classical music, opera, and theatre as a precursor to the main summer season. It's a very good event in its own right and much easier to get tickets for than the main Festival. The city also has the Hellbrunn Palace's trick water fountains and gardens, which are in full operation through June.

One Thing to Watch

The Sound of Music tours are a major Salzburg industry. If you want to do one, they're genuine fun even if you've never seen the film, but book in advance in June when they fill up quickly. If the film means nothing to you, you can skip the tours entirely and still have an excellent visit: Salzburg's baroque architecture, the fortress, and the Altstadt are reason enough.

The ConciseTravel Salzburg guide covers the Altstadt, the fortress, and how to plan around the Festival calendar for the best experience.