Things to Do in St. Johns in June

June Weather in St. Johns

29°C (84°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

165mm (6.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season timing - fewer crowds at Signal Hill and Cape Spear with 40% less visitors than July-August peak
Ideal weather for hiking the East Coast Trail - temperatures peak at 29°C (84°F) but ocean breezes keep it comfortable, unlike the sweltering heat inland destinations experience
Lupine wildflowers bloom across Trinity and Bonavista Peninsula creating spectacular purple landscapes that only happen mid-June to early July
Iceberg season finale - last chance to see massive bergs off the coast, particularly around Twillingate, before they melt completely by July

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - you might experience fog, rain, and sunshine all in one afternoon, requiring flexible outdoor plans
Accommodation prices increase 30-40% from May as summer tourism kicks in, especially downtown St. Johns properties
Persistent fog can roll in suddenly from the Atlantic, reducing visibility to 50m (164 ft) and canceling boat tours with little warning

Best Activities in June

East Coast Trail Coastal Hiking

June offers perfect conditions for tackling sections like Spout Path or Motion Trail. Temperatures stay comfortable at 22-29°C (72-84°F), wildflowers are blooming, and morning fog often clears by 10am revealing dramatic coastal views. The trails can be muddy after June's 10 rainy days, but this actually reduces dust and makes for better photography conditions.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for self-guided hiking, but guided interpretive walks fill up quickly. Book 7-10 days ahead through certified guide services. Trail maps cost CAD $25-35. Allow full days for longer sections - the 5.3km (3.3 mile) Spout Path takes 3-4 hours with photo stops.

Trinity Bay Iceberg and Whale Tours

June is the sweet spot for combined iceberg and whale watching. Humpback whales arrive as icebergs are still present but becoming less numerous. Sea conditions are calmer than early spring, reducing seasickness risk. Tours from Trinity or Heart's Content offer 90% success rates for whale sightings in June.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as June is peak demand period. Tours typically cost CAD $89-129 per person for 2-3 hour trips. Weather cancellations are common - choose operators offering free rebooking. Morning tours (9am-11am) have calmer seas and better visibility.

Avalon Peninsula Cultural Circuit

June weather is ideal for the driving circuit including Heart's Content Cable Station, Brigus historic sites, and Cupids. With 15+ hours of daylight, you can easily cover multiple sites in one day. The combination of mild temperatures and pre-peak tourism means sites are accessible but not crowded.

Booking Tip: Self-drive circuit works well with rental car rates at CAD $65-85/day in June. Allow 2 full days to properly explore. Many historic sites have limited hours - verify current schedules. Some smaller museums operate weekend-only until Canada Day.

St. Johns Harbour Kayaking

Protected harbour waters are perfect for beginner kayaking in June's mild conditions. Water temperature reaches 8-10°C (46-50°F) - still cold but manageable with provided gear. Evening paddles around 7pm offer stunning light on the Narrows entrance and colourful downtown row houses.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours cost CAD $79-99 including gear and brief instruction. Book 5-7 days ahead. Tours operate tide-dependent schedules. Multi-day packages (3+ consecutive days) often include 15-20% discounts. No experience necessary but basic swimming ability required.

Trinity and Bonavista Peninsula Scenic Drive

June brings optimal conditions for the 250km (155 mile) peninsula loop. Lupine wildflowers create purple corridors along Route 230, Trinity's historic streetscapes are lush and green, and Bonavista lighthouse offers clear ocean views before summer fog patterns establish. Road conditions are excellent after spring maintenance.

Booking Tip: Plan 2-3 days for the full circuit with overnight in Trinity village. Accommodation in Trinity books early - reserve 3+ weeks ahead for June dates. Gas up in Clarenville - services are limited on peninsula. Local B&Bs cost CAD $120-180/night and include area expertise.

Cape Spear Sunrise and Puffin Watching

North America's easternmost point offers spectacular 5:15am sunrises in June with excellent chances of puffin sightings at nearby Witless Bay colonies. The 30-minute drive from downtown St. Johns gets you there for golden hour photography. Puffin colonies are most active early morning and evening during June breeding season.

Booking Tip: Cape Spear requires no advance booking and no fees, but Witless Bay boat tours cost CAD $45-65 for 90-minute trips. Book puffin tours 1 week ahead - they run weather-dependent schedules. Early morning tours (7am departure) have calmer seas and more active birds.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June

St. Johns International Women's Film Festival

Annual celebration featuring emerging female filmmakers from Atlantic Canada and beyond. Venues include LSPU Hall and Arts and Culture Centre with evening screenings perfect for rainy June days. Mix of documentaries, shorts, and features with director Q&As.

Late June

Trinity Pageant Historical Festival

Trinity village transforms into an 18th-century settlement with costumed interpreters, traditional crafts demonstrations, and historical reenactments. The outdoor components work perfectly with June's mild weather, and indoor exhibits provide backup for rainy spells.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails stay muddy 2-3 days after rain, and June averages 10 rainy days

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 22°C (72°F) to 29°C (84°F) daily, plus ocean breezes drop perceived temperature 5-8°C (9-14°F)

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers last 15-45 minutes and can appear suddenly

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 8 and reflects intensely off water and white limestone cliffs

Insect repellent containing DEET - blackflies peak in late June, especially on wooded trail sections

Warm fleece or wool sweater - evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset around 9:15pm

Waterproof day pack - essential for trail hiking and boat tours where gear stays dry

Binoculars (8x42 minimum) - wildlife viewing distances range from 100-500m (328-1,640 ft) for whales and icebergs

Quick-dry hiking pants - denim stays wet for hours in June's 70% humidity

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - 5:15am sunrise at Cape Spear feels like 15°C (59°F) with windchill

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early May - St. Johns has limited downtown inventory and June marks the start of wedding season when locals book heritage properties

Grocery shop at Dominion on Elizabeth Avenue rather than tourist-area stores - prices run 20-30% lower and selection is better for trail snacks and picnic supplies

Check Environment Canada marine forecasts before booking boat tours - June fog can roll in within 30 minutes and persist for days, unlike the brief showers shown in general weather

Most locals take vacation the last week of June into early July - restaurants and attractions may have reduced hours or temporary staff, so verify current schedules rather than relying on published information

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - bringing only summer clothes then freezing during evening harbour walks or early morning activities

Booking too many boat tours in advance - June weather is unpredictable and you'll likely face 1-2 cancellation days, leaving you with limited indoor backup plans

Driving the outport roads too quickly - wildlife crossings are frequent in June as animals move to summer feeding areas, and gravel road conditions can deteriorate rapidly after rain