Things to Do in Virginia Beach in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Virginia Beach
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak beach season with water temperatures around 24°C (75°F) - warm enough for extended swimming without a wetsuit, and the ocean is typically calm in early June before afternoon sea breezes kick in around 2pm
- Longest daylight hours of the year with sunset around 8:20pm, giving you roughly 14.5 hours of daylight to pack in beach time, boardwalk activities, and outdoor dining without feeling rushed
- Summer festival season is just ramping up with multiple free outdoor concerts at 31st Street Park and the oceanfront stages - typically 4-5 events per week through June without the July/August crowds
- Accommodation sweet spot - you're past Memorial Day weekend pricing spikes but before peak July rates, with mid-week stays in June running about 15-20% cheaper than identical properties in late July
Considerations
- Humidity sits consistently around 70% through June, which makes that 29°C (85°F) feel closer to 32°C (90°F) by mid-afternoon - the kind of sticky heat where you'll want to shower twice daily and cotton clothing becomes your best friend
- Weekend crowds from Washington DC and Richmond start building through June, particularly around the oceanfront between 8th and 25th Streets where parking lots fill by 10am on Saturdays and Sundays
- Afternoon thunderstorms pop up about 10 days throughout the month, typically between 3-6pm - they're brief but intense, occasionally shutting down water activities for 30-45 minutes when lifeguards spot lightning within 16 km (10 miles)
Best Activities in June
First Landing State Park Trail Exploration
June is actually ideal for the 32 km (20 miles) of trails here before the peak summer heat sets in. The maritime forest provides decent shade, and you'll catch nesting ospreys and great blue herons that are actively feeding young in June. The Bald Cypress Trail stays relatively cool even when beach temps hit 29°C (85°F). Water levels in the freshwater ponds are still high from spring, making the scenery more dramatic than late summer when things dry out.
Virginia Aquarium Marine Discovery Tours
June brings peak dolphin activity as Atlantic bottlenose dolphins move closer to shore following fish populations. The 90-minute boat tours departing from the aquarium marina have roughly 95% dolphin sighting rates in June versus 70% in shoulder months. Water visibility is typically 3-4.5 m (10-15 feet) this time of year, and you might spot sea turtles coming up for air. The tours run multiple times daily, and the afternoon departures around 3pm often catch dolphins feeding as the tide changes.
Chesapeake Bay Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The bay side is noticeably calmer than the ocean in June, with morning waters often glassy until around 11am when the wind picks up. Launch from Chic's Beach or the Lynnhaven Inlet area where you can paddle through protected waterways and spot stingrays in the shallows. June water temps around 23-24°C (73-75°F) mean if you tip over, it's refreshing rather than shocking. The marsh grasses are bright green this time of year, and you'll see fiddler crabs by the hundreds at low tide.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Cycling
The 5 km (3.1 mile) boardwalk is perfect for early morning or evening rides in June when temperatures drop to around 21-23°C (70-73°F). The dedicated bike lane runs the entire length from 2nd to 42nd Street, and you'll pass dozens of free outdoor fitness stations, street performers, and the iconic King Neptune statue at 31st Street. Sunset rides around 8pm are particularly nice - you get golden hour light, cooler temps, and the boardwalk comes alive with live music from various venues.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Nature Photography
June is prime nesting season for over 60 bird species here, including least terns and piping plovers. The 15 km (9.3 miles) of trails through dunes and maritime forest are less crowded than the main beaches, and the early morning light (around 6-7am) creates incredible conditions for photography. You might spot white-tailed deer, river otters, and loggerhead sea turtles. The refuge stays about 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than the developed oceanfront thanks to constant sea breezes.
ViBe Creative District Gallery Walks and Street Art Tours
When afternoon thunderstorms roll through or the humidity becomes oppressive around 2-4pm, the ViBe District offers air-conditioned gallery hopping and covered street art viewing. This 5-block arts district near 19th Street has rotating exhibitions, working artist studios, and some of the best murals on the East Coast. June brings the lead-up to the Vibe Creative District Mural Festival planning, and you'll often catch artists working on new pieces. The area also has excellent coffee shops and craft breweries for cooling down.
June Events & Festivals
American Music Festival Preview Concerts
Throughout June, the oceanfront stages host free preview concerts leading up to the main American Music Festival in September. These are typically regional and tribute bands playing everything from classic rock to beach music, with 4-5 shows per week at the 31st Street Park stage and 17th Street stage. Bring beach chairs or blankets, arrive around 6:30pm for 7pm starts, and enjoy sunset views while listening to live music. Completely free, family-friendly, and a genuine local tradition.
Patriotic Festival
Late June brings this multi-day celebration leading into Independence Day, featuring air shows with military flyovers (Virginia Beach has a major naval presence), beach concerts, and fireworks. The Navy parachute team typically does demonstrations, and you'll see vintage aircraft from nearby Oceana Naval Air Station. Gets crowded but offers a unique military-town atmosphere you won't find at typical beach destinations. Most events are free, though premium seating areas for air shows run 15-25 dollars.