Things to Do in Virginia Beach in June

June Weather in Virginia Beach

29°C (85°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

5.1 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak beach season with water temperatures at 26°C (79°F) - perfect for swimming without wetsuits and extended ocean activities
Longest daylight hours of the year (14+ hours) means more time for outdoor activities and beach lounging until 8 PM
All seasonal attractions fully operational - boardwalk vendors, water sports rentals, fishing charters, and outdoor concerts run daily schedules
Warm evening temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F) make nighttime boardwalk strolls and outdoor dining comfortable without jackets

Considerations

Peak tourist season means highest accommodation rates (40-60% premium over shoulder seasons) and advance booking essential
Beach crowds heaviest from 11 AM-4 PM, especially weekends - parking fills by 10 AM at popular spots like First Street and Rudee Inlet
Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days monthly, typically 2-4 PM, lasting 30-45 minutes with potential for beach evacuations

Best Activities in June

Ocean Kayak and Paddleboard Tours

June's calm morning waters and minimal wind before 11 AM create ideal conditions for paddling. The Chesapeake Bay side offers protected waters perfect for beginners, while ocean-side provides gentle swells for experienced paddlers. Water visibility peaks in early summer, and marine life including dolphins are most active during early morning tours.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend slots, 2-3 days for weekdays. Tours typically cost $45-75 per person for 2-hour experiences. Choose morning departures (8-10 AM) before afternoon winds pick up. Look for operators offering dry bags and safety briefings.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Fishing Charters

June marks prime fishing season with red drum, cobia, and striped bass most active in warmer waters. The bridge-tunnel structure creates unique fishing opportunities unavailable other times of year. Early morning charters (6 AM departures) avoid afternoon heat and catch fish during their most active feeding periods.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead for prime weekend slots. Half-day charters range $400-600 for 4-person boats, full-day $700-1000. Choose licensed captains with Coast Guard certifications and tackle included. Check cancellation policies for weather.

First Landing State Park Nature Tours

June's lush vegetation and active wildlife make this Virginia's most visited state park ideal for guided nature walks. The cypress swamp boardwalk offers 70% shade during peak heat, while beach trails provide ocean breezes. Early summer brings peak bird migration and turtle nesting activity along the shore.

Booking Tip: Self-guided access $4 per vehicle, guided tours typically $15-25 per person. Book guided programs 3-5 days ahead through park services. Arrive before 9 AM for parking and cooler temperatures. Programs run 2-3 hours with water stations provided.

Virginia Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

June's indoor climate-controlled environment provides perfect respite from afternoon heat and crowds. Behind-the-scenes tours reveal feeding schedules and marine care during summer's busiest season. Interactive touch tanks and sea turtle rehabilitation programs operate at full capacity with maximum educational programming.

Booking Tip: Standard admission $28 adults, behind-scenes tours additional $15-35 depending on experience level. Book online 7-10 days ahead for specialty programs. Visit during weekday afternoons (1-3 PM) when beach crowds peak but aquarium is less busy.

Historic Norfolk Botanical Garden Tours

June showcases peak blooming season with roses, lotus flowers, and summer perennials in full display. The 175-acre gardens offer extensive shade and water features providing natural cooling. Tram tours operate full schedules during summer months, covering 3.2 km (2 miles) with multiple themed garden stops.

Booking Tip: Admission $15 adults, tram tours additional $8. Gardens open 9 AM-7 PM in June with last tram at 5:30 PM. Visit early morning (9-11 AM) for photography and comfortable walking temperatures. Members get priority tram seating during peak times.

Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruises

June's extended daylight means sunset cruises depart around 7 PM, providing 2-3 hours of prime dolphin activity in cooling temperatures. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are most active during feeding times coinciding with evening hours. Calm waters and reliable weather patterns ensure high success rates for sightings.

Booking Tip: Cruises range $35-55 per adult for 2-hour trips. Book 4-6 days ahead for weekend sunsets, day-of often available for weekdays. Choose boats with covered areas and restroom facilities. Bring layers as ocean temperatures drop 3-5°C after sunset.

June Events & Festivals

Late June

American Music Festival

Virginia Beach's largest outdoor music festival featuring multiple stages along the oceanfront. Three-day event showcases regional and national acts across rock, country, and alternative genres with beach backdrop. Food vendors and craft booths create festival atmosphere.

Mid June

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Opening Events

Pre-season events and beach activities leading up to September's main festival. June features sand sculpting demonstrations, local art exhibitions, and community beach cleanups with prizes and local business partnerships.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and Virginia Beach enforces marine protection guidelines

Quick-dry beach towel and waterproof phone case - afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly with little warning

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - storms last 30-45 minutes but can be intense with wind

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, it traps moisture and heat

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - boardwalk and pier surfaces get slippery when wet

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in summer heat, many attractions have refill stations

Light sweater for evening - ocean breezes can drop perceived temperature 3-5°C after sunset

Waterproof daypack - protects electronics and documents during unexpected rain showers

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - extended sun exposure on beach and water activities

Aloe vera gel - even with sunscreen, reflected sun from sand and water increases burn risk

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid the main beach between 11 AM-3 PM, instead using Chic's Beach or Sandbridge for smaller crowds and easier parking

Free trolley service runs between attractions from Memorial Day through Labor Day - saves $15-20 daily parking fees at popular spots

Most restaurants offer 'early bird' pricing 4-6 PM to beat dinner rush - save 20-30% on oceanfront dining with same quality

Beach equipment rentals (umbrellas, chairs, boogie boards) cost 40% less at inland shops vs. beachfront vendors - rent at 17th Street shops and walk 2 blocks

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations less than 30 days ahead - June rates jump 40-60% and oceanview rooms sell out completely

Planning outdoor activities between 1-4 PM when thunderstorms peak - morning and evening activities have 80% less weather disruption

Driving to main beach areas after 10 AM weekends - parking fills completely and alternative lots charge premium rates