Step foot onto the warm sand and you’ll understand why June in Galveston is one of the top times to visit the Texas Gulf Coast island.
With sunny days and low precipitation, June is one of the best beach months. All tourist services, attractions, and restaurants are fully open, and fun festivals fill the calendar.
Of course, this also means lots of vacationers on the island, so it’s never too soon to reserve your stay at a Galveston beach or bayfront rental. Luckily, there are tons of options available on the island’s quieter West End, so you can enjoy all the perks of a summer stay without the crowds.
June Weather in Galveston
June marks the official start of summer, and you can tell when you step outside. Daytime highs rise into the upper 80s and low 90s, with lows averaging in the high 70s. It’s the perfect time to take a dip in a refreshingly cool pool or the Gulf, which is around 84 degrees in summer.
June is also one of the driest months of the year, which means you can spend as much time outdoors as you like building sandcastles, paddling on the waves, riding bikes along the Seawall, or sailing on a fishing boat. Just remember to reapply sunscreen, stay hydrated, and spend time in the shade.
When you need a break from the sun’s rays, just head to one of Galveston’s indoor attractions like Moody Gardens or The Bryan Museum, or take a stroll along The Strand and pop into shops to cool off.
Best Things To Do in June in Galveston
June is hot but pretty dry, so it’s a great time to enjoy beaches, pools, and water parks. For a break indoors, the island has museums and shops where you can escape the sun while learning about Galveston’s history or picking up souvenirs.
1. Play at a Waterpark
Photo Credit: Galveston.com via Flickr CC2.0
The beach is always fun, but sometimes you want the extra amenities and fun of a family-friendly waterpark. Hot June afternoons in Galveston are the perfect time to cool off on twisty water slides, in lazy rivers, and under shady cabanas with a tropical drink. They offer perks like on-site dining and easily accessible restrooms, too.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston
The ultimate waterpark experience on the island, Schlitterbahn is known for its slides and wave pools. There are zones designed for every age, from little kid-friendly splash areas to swim-up bars for adults.
Palm Beach
This waterpark in Moody Gardens has a small sandy “beachfront” as well as water slides and splash pads for kids. Relax on lounge chairs and order frozen drinks to stay cool under the sun.
2. Go on a Boat Ride
Hot summer days are perfect for a boat ride. You can soak up the sun and Gulf views and cool off in the breezes as you cruise. There are a lot of different ways to take to the waves in Galveston — rent a kayak to explore paddling trails, join short dolphin-watching excursions, or book a full-day, deep-sea fishing trip.
- Wildlife watching excursions: Book a boat ride to look for dolphins in the Galveston Bay.
- Deep sea fishing excursions: Reserve a charter boat with a captain for a day of fishing and sightseeing in the Gulf.
- DIY day of paddling: Rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or canoe to paddle around the island. Galveston Island State Park is a great spot to launch and has mapped paddling trails.
- Rent a boat: Grab a pontoon or jet ski and take to the seas for a fun day of exploring.
3. Head to the Beach
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
You can’t visit Galveston in the summer without spending time on the sun-soaked beaches. Hot June days are perfect for boogie boarding on the light waves, splashing around close to shore, and playing games on the sand. With a low chance of rain in June, this is one of the best months to enjoy the coastline.
- East Beach: This large beach on the eastern tip of the island is a fan-favorite, with plenty of parking, food concessions, and restrooms.
- Stewart Beach: One of the top beaches along the Seawall for amenities, this one is a favorite for families with lifeguards, bathrooms, gear rentals, and snack stands.
- Babes Beach: Centrally located, Babes Beach spans 15 miles along the Seawall. It has a fishing pier and tackle shop and is a short walk from many restaurants.
- Galveston Island State Park: With capacity limits and admission fees, this state park beach can be among the quietest on island.
- Jamaica Beach: This small community on the West End has beach access on the Gulf where you can park right on the sand.
4. Sightsee and Shop Around The Strand
Spending time shopping and dining in the Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area is a must on a Galveston vacation. The commercial zone is near the piers on the bay side and is full of Victorian-era buildings converted into cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques, and bars. There are a few areas to explore along The Strand and nearby blocks, so plan to spend at least half a day here.
- The Strand: This street offers stunning old buildings full of beachy shops, colorful restaurants, and lively bars.
- Pier 21: This waterfront zone has a nautical museum at the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, and a seafood eatery.
- Postoffice Street: This cultural district near the strand is known for its art galleries, cute cafes, and the Grand 1894 Opera House.
5. Museum Hop
Photo Credit: Victoria Ditkovsky
With both indoor and outdoor options, Galveston museums and old mansions offer a fun alternative to the beach when you need a break from the sun or a change of scenery. Plus, they preserve some of the island's most interesting bits of history and culture.
- The Bryan Museum: This American West-themed museum has a collection of photos, paintings, artifacts, and more spanning over 12,000 years of Texas history.
- Galveston Railroad Museum: A favorite with kids, this museum is all about the choo-choos. The railyard is filled with interactive locomotives, cabooses, cars, and a 1930s train station holds informative displays.
- Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion: This pair of 1800s mansions are in Galveston’s East End Historic District and welcomes visitors to explore the collectibles and antique rooms on self-guided tours.
- Galveston Naval Museum: Located on a small island off Galveston in the bay, the Galveston Naval Museum and Seawolf Park offer a chance to explore two World War II ships — a submarine and a destroyer.
- Moody Gardens: One of the top attractions on the island, Moody Gardens is known for its trio of glass pyramids that hold museums, an aquarium, and a rainforest full of wildlife.
June Events in Galveston
Come for the sun and sea and stay for the fun events! June in Galveston is special — the island is the birthplace of Juneteenth, an event remembered all year and celebrated a little extra around the holiday. Check out these events in Galveston to find the best things to do.
1. Juneteenth
Photo Credit: Svet foto
Juneteenth marks the date of June 19, 1865, when orders announced in Galveston emancipated over 250,000 people enslaved in Texas. The island preserves this history in art, exhibits, and tours year-round, but extra Juneteenth celebrations include a parade, community gatherings, lectures, concerts, and a festival.
2. World Ocean Day Festival
The World Ocean Day Festival in early June brings ocean education and appreciation to East Beach. The fest will include eco-art workshops, a drum circle, nature journaling, watercolor painting, and a “Beautify the Bucket Art Contest.”
3. Galveston Island Revue Weekend
Photo Credit: Galveston.com via Flickr CC2.0
With an old-fashioned theme, the Galveston Island Revue Weekend features classic cars, vintage vendors, retro tunes, and a “Bathing Beauties Contest.” Held in early June, the event is a fun opportunity to don your best vintage wear to the beach!
4. Strand Summer Series
Held on select dates between April and September, the Strand Summer Series brings free live music and movies to downtown Galveston. Concert nights are held in Saengerfest Park along The Strand, and film nights on Hendley Green nearby.
Packing for June in Galveston
June is a sun-soaked summer month in Galveston, so be prepared for hot days and warm evenings. Sunscreen and shady hats are essential for spending time outdoors! Before you pack the suitcase, check the packing guide below.
- Swimwear and beach gear
- Hats and sun visors
- Sunglasses
- Beach bags and baskets
- Beach toys and games
- Sunscreen and aloe
- Sundresses, shorts, and tank tops
- Lightweight activewear
- Comfortable sneakers and walking sandals
- Camera, tablets, earbuds, and chargers
Visiting Galveston in June
June in Galveston is a sunny month ideal for long days at the beach and waterpark. It’s also one of the busier months on the island, with schools out of session and lots of folks hitting the sand for a getaway.
Get a jump on your trip planning by searching for your vacation rental at Sand ‘N Sea.
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