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The Bahamas in June: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Visiting the Bahamas in June and need some help? We’ve done all the heavy lifting for you!

Generally, June in the Bahamas is hot and can be rainy resulting in a somewhat muggy month. But a bit of humidity is a great price to pay for lower rates on your vacation. There are fewer people who visit the Bahamas in June, so if saving money on your next trip is the goal, this is the perfect time to go. The rain won’t often get in the way of too many activities, so you should try anything from swimming with the pigs to spearfishing this month.

We’ve created this big guide to every aspect of what the Bahamas looks like this month to help you plan.

Bahamas Weather in June

Nassau New Providence Island Bahamas
Paulharding00 / Shutterstock

June weather in the Bahamas begins to feel most like Summer. It’s best to prepare for very warm to hot temperatures from day to day and to expect some rain at any point during your vacation. The temperatures tend to range between 87°F for the high and 75°F for the low. Water temperatures also warm up, averaging 82°F each day.

June weather can be hot and sunny but can quickly turn to cloudy and rainy. It’s actually considered one of the cloudier months of the year, but don’t let the clouds fool you into taking a break from your sunscreen application – UV rays are still very strong this month and you be quickly burned even when it’s overcast.

June has an average of 30% chance of rain each day, so always check the forecast before you head out. This month isn’t technically part of the hurricane season yet, but you can expect for there to be occasional afternoon thunderstorms and a possible chance of tropical storms.

Sea lice season is still underway in the month of June, but it’s usually not a concern and only affects some swimmers on the shoreline. Sea lice are actually jellyfish larvae which can become trapped in swimwear, giving you a rash or a possible allergic reaction. It’s important to pay close attention to beach signage and health advisories before jumping in the ocean.

Bahamas June Weather Cheat Sheet

Average Low Temperature75°F (24°C)
Average High Temperature87°F (31°C)
Average Sea Water Temperature82°F (28°C)
Humidity73%
Average Rainfall2.8 inches (71.1 mm)
Average Days with Rain9 days
UV Index11 (Extreme)
Day Length~13 hours 30 minutes
Sea ConditionsGenerally calm to slightly choppy
VisibilityTypically good, 8-10 miles
Dew Point~73°F (23°C)
Air Quality IndexGood
Likelihood of HurricanesModerate

Bahamas Affordability & Crowds in June

Green Turtle Cay Abacos Bahamas
Abacos / Paulharding00 / Shutterstock

June is still part of the shoulder season in the Bahamas, where crowds are dwindling but the islands are still somewhat busy. You’ll see more families this month as families come down after school lets out and fewer party people or snow birds. The weather will prevent more people from coming in this warm and muggy month.

It’s possible that some of the local businesses and restaurants will change their operating hours due to fewer tourists. However, if you don’t mind a bit of rain and pretty warm weather, June is a great month for saving a little money on your Bahamas getaway.

As far as affordability goes, it’s easier to score deals in the month of June. You can get cheaper travel, hotel or transportation rates this month and even get lower rates on tours and excursions. Overall, June will be less crowded and a little less expensive, though a bit rainy and humid.

Traveling to the Bahamas in June

Bahamas Flight
ttomasek15 / Shutterstock

Flights to the Bahamas will probably be the best option for arriving quickly, plus you’ll be able to get some decent rates for traveling this month. You can get discounts on flights to the Bahamas during shoulder season, especially when flying into airports on New Providence or Grand Bahama. You might even get discounts on short flights between islands this month since crowds are beginning to disperse.

Cruising to the Bahamas is by far one of the most involved and preferred ways to get to the islands. Cruises often do specials starting in the shoulder season in June since travel to the Bahamas is slowing down.

You can typically choose between a range of 2 to 7 day long trips when booking a cruise. Travelers will end up spending most of their time at sea, but you won’t have to worry about the agenda since most cruise lines have designated island activities on the itinerary.

Ferryboats are another fun way to travel to the Bahamas this month, especially if you live in Florida. The boats set sail from Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a 2.5 to 4 hour trip to your choice of Nassau, Freeport or Bimini. The ride can be scenic and breezy, but not entertaining or inclusive like a cruise.

The downside to choosing transport on the water is the potential cancellations due to inclement weather. It’s not as much of a possibility in June, but something to be aware of while planning.

Best Bahamas Islands in June

The Exumas are very popular, though not heavily populated, and can be expensive to visit during high season. June is the start of slow season, so this chain of islands will be exceptional to experience and friendly on the wallet.

Giongi63 / Shutterstock

The Exumas

The Exumas are a chain of over 350 cays, some of which are owned by celebrities. The ones that aren’t privately owned are open and welcome to all. The Exumas are most famous for their swimming pigs and June is actually a decent time to see them. The pigs can be found on Big Major Cay, just a boat ride away from Great Exuma, which serves as the chief island in the chain.

Georgetown on Great Exuma should be at the top of your list when looking for places to stay in the Exumas. It sits next to beautiful Lake Victoria and offers the best in accommodations and restaurants. You can get here by booking a charter plane to Exuma International Airport which is a 40 minute flight from Nassau. Sailing is also popular in the Exumas so it’s not uncommon to see many sailors piloting their own private vessels from island to island.

Swimming with the pigs isn’t the only unique experience here. Rock iguanas are also prevalent in the Exumas. Big Major Cay and Bitter Guana Cay are their favorite places to roam. Check out the sea turtles at Bay Beach or swim with the nurse sharks are Compass Cay. You can also take stingray swimming tours to Stocking Island.

If you prefer dry land, the white sandy beaches in Exuma are top notch. Coco Plum Beach is great for finding sand dollars on the shore, and Tropic of Cancer is perfect for sunbathing. The islands and cays are pristinely quiet and surreal in June. You can also rent watersport vehicles and gear along the beaches to try your hand at paddleboarding, kite surfing or snorkeling.

The Exumas are also widely known for their many snorkeling and diving locations. Thunderball Grotto is the most popular, featured in the 1965 James Bond movie. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is another great spot, along with Bird Cay, Duck Cay North, Three Sisters Rock, Jolly Hall Beach and Stingray Reef.

Best Things to Do in the Bahamas in June

The good thing about the Bahamas is that all the beachy activities you want to do in the islands are available year round. The weather and the temperatures don’t change too drastically to prevent you from doing anything – although you do need to watch out for the occasional rain shower or thunder storm. We’ll cover all the top things you should consider for your trip in June.

Swim with the Pigs of Exuma

Pig Island Bahamas
Funlovingukrainian / Shutterstock

Swimming with the pigs on Exuma is one of the top adventures in the Bahamas and it’s well worth it to go in June when fewer people are there. Keep in mind that morning and late afternoon will be the best time to take a tour since they are likely to be sleeping during the heat of the day.

There are lots of boat tours that head out to Exuma for this excursion, along with snorkeling tours that include this in their itinerary. You could also opt to take a small plane, or you can book a cruise that has Exuma on their schedule.

While in Exuma, be sure to check out the endangered Rock Iguanas which feed on vegetation around the Northern parts of the island. They can also be found on Allen Cay, or Iguana Island. The iguanas lay eggs in the Springtime, so June is the perfect time to spot freshly hatched babies around the island.

The warm waters in June are also perfect for swimming with stingrays. Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands or the coast of Bimini are the best places to wade in 3-4ft deep water with dozens of Southern stingrays. Be advised that swimming with rays outside of a tour is not recommended, though the creatures are mostly docile.

The Atlantis Stingray Experience is another excellent option for seeing the rays. Atlantis is extremely unique because their experience includes a school of cownose rays instead of the usual stingrays. Cownose rays are cuter in appearance and known for their rounded nose and pointy wings.

Go Spearfishing

Spearfishing Bahamas
timesommmer / Shutterstock

Spearfishing in the Bahamas is excellent in the month of June. With over 700 islands, the Bahamas are teeming with delicious fish and crustaceans for your next underwater adventure. Lobster, Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish and Lionfish are among the top targets for spearfishing the islands.

But you better brush up on your Bahamian spearfishing laws before you set sail – here’s where a guided charter will be advantageous. There are many things to keep in mind when spearfishing here including your gear, your spear and location. For instance, spearguns are prohibited in the islands, so divers use Hawaiian slings or pole spears instead. We highly recommend going with a guide to avoid breaking any of the extensive Bahamian spearfishing rules.

If you prefer to go scuba diving instead, the Bahamas is literally your oyster. In June, you’ll have some of the most perfect diving conditions guaranteed. There are also many different sites you can dive including the National Marine Parks, lots of ship wrecks, large blue holes and Caribbean reefs.

Divers who have their own boats can go it alone or at their own pace at almost any of the 700 islands in the archipelago. Those who don’t have the option to book a guide or do a liveaboard tour, which can be several days to a week long excursion. Liveaboards will take you to lots of different sites, so this option is often best for those who are strictly looking to dive in the Bahamas.

Tour Historical Sites

Fort Fincastle Bahamas
Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

Tours are one of the best ways to see the islands while getting a taste for the culture and history. Walking tours are pretty popular this month since there are fewer people on the islands. It can be a bit warm during the day for these, however, walking food tours are excellent this time of year. Nassau Food Tours in particular will take you to some of the most popular eateries on the island, as well as the John Watling’s Distillery for a rum shot to end the day.

The beach buggy tours on Nassau are also a blast for those who need a little more adventure. The buggies for rent can seat up to 6 people for your desired amount of time. You can choose explore the island at your own pace with a small group or you can follow a guide on a tour of different sites like the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle and other unique attractions.

If you’d like to do a bit of island hopping, the catamaran tours are our number one choice. They aren’t as private as the power boats or speed boats that visit each island, but they are a bit cheaper for a similar experience. The catamarans transport guests on an easy, breezy water tour of the islands and let passengers off at different stops in the archipelago.

Some of the stops included on the catamaran tours are swimming with the pigs on Exuma, snorkeling with sea turtles, or sunbathing on a private beach. Other outings include exploring local reefs or adventuring through beaches and shorelines.

Fish for Tarpon

Tarpon Fishing Bahamas
Daniel Y Smith / Shutterstock

Tarpon are in season during June and are a fun catch, especially when you go with a large group or book a charter. They can be found inshore, swimming through the breakers and through closer currents.

The Bahamas is also one of the best places in the world for bone fishing – so much that anglers will plan trips to the islands specifically to fish these elusive fish. Bonefish can often be found on the flats and near the mangroves, especially near the Abaco Islands, as well as Andros and off New Providence.

You can bring your own gear and go it alone, but we always recommend booking a pro to get you to the best fishing spots in the islands. A charter captain can also lead you to other fish in season in June, like Amberjack, Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Blue Marline, Bonita, Grouper, Permit, Shark, and Snapper.

The sportfish like Blackfin Tuna and Blue Marlin require a more extensive fishing trip offshore or deep sea. These trips can last at least half a day, but they are extremely fun for those seeking more thrill.

Rent an Underwater Submarine

Personal Underwater Submarine Bahamas
Fleckner / Shutterstock

If you want an extremely thrilling underwater dive that requires no previous experience, try the Personal Underwater Subs for rent in Nassau. These unique single-person submarines take you on a short dive to the local reefs where you can find fish, coral and other creatures. Renters don’t need any previous diving experience to operate these underwater vehicles, so anyone can do it.

Other rentals are available from local island shops or at your resort. You’ll find anything from snorkel gear, jet skis, banana boats and glass bottom boats for rent on the beach. Any one of these rentals can enhance any beach day, especially if you want to spend less on an excursion and go at your own pace.

Parasailing is extremely fun in the Bahamas. It sends visitors soaring over crystal clear waters and is an experience like no other. If you’re up for the challenge, book a tour that sets sail from Nassau, Cabbage Beach, Freeport or see if your local island has a parasailing company.

They’ll boat you a little ways off the coastline and let the balloon catch wind. Then they’ll strap you in and extend the rope till it’s 500 feet above water. You can see loads of marine life straight through the blue waters and wave to sunbathers on the shoreline. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the guides will reel you back into the boat and sometimes dip your toes in the water on the way back in.

Shop at Port Lucaya

Port Lucaya Freeport Bahamas
Yevgen Belich / Shutterstock

If you’re in the mood for a rest day or simply want to find some local goods to bring back home, the Bahamas has many different places for you to go. Most people will be looking for some authentic souvenirs to remember the islands and Nassau Straw Market is a great place to start. It’s been open since the 1940’s and sells lots of locally carved and woven goods.

Nassau is where you’ll find most of the historical shopping locations, so in addition to the Straw Market, be sure to swing by the Bay Street vendors as well as Festival Place on New Providence Island. You can find everything from local artisanal creations to edible treats or small keepsakes.

The open air shopping markets are also fun to explore, so take a look at the Port Lucaya Marketplace while in Freeport on Grand Bahama. This giant marketplace offers lots of different souvenirs both handmade and mass produced and also features many different eateries and bars. If you’re staying at Atlantis, Marina Village is a similar alternative with more luxury shops and restaurants.

June Events in Bahamas

Eleuthera Pineapple Festival Bahamas
dashkin14 / Shutterstock

Eleuthera Pineapple Festival

This annual festival takes place over Labor Day Weekend and celebrates all things pineapple. Pineapple are the primary staple and export of Eleuthera Island and this celebration recognizes the popular fruit in all its glory. From pineapple eating contests to bakeoffs to races, residents and visitors gather together to join in the fun.

Bahamas Summer Boating Flotilla

This popular “fling and flotilla” is a way for Floridians or others to take a big excursion to the islands for the weekend. Every Thursday in June through July, 22-foot boats take off from Fort Lauderdale and dock at Bimini. You have to sign up in advance since the trips take only 30 boats at a time, but it’s a fun way to travel en masse for a little Bahamas getaway.

Conclusion

June in the Bahamas is hot and humid, but it’s still a great month to get away. There’s still plenty of fun in the sun in June, including fishing excursions, excellent scuba diving, seeing animals in their natural environments and so much more.

June is also a great month for saving money on your vacation to the islands. The Exumas are usually a little hard to get to and somewhat expensive when taking a charter plane, but the trip can be less expensive in June. Plus you can experience all the sites and opportunities the Exumas have to offer without the large Winter crowds – including swimming with the pigs, seeing the iguanas, and hunting for sand dollars.

The main islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence Island will also see a drop in guests this month, so a cruise trip or ferry boat ride to these islands will be fun and less expensive than in other months. Just watch out for inclement weather when booking a last minute trip in June.

Interested in saving money and don’t mind a bit of heat, humidity or possible rain? June is an excellent month to plan a trip on a budget to the Bahamas!

This article is part of Roundtript’s series of expert Bahamas travel guides for every month of the year.


Spring in The Bahamas

Summer in The Bahamas

Fall in The Bahamas

Winter in The Bahamas
MarchJuneSeptemberDecember
AprilJulyOctoberJanuary
MayAugustNovemberFebruary

For a summary of each Switzerland month & season all in one place, check out our big guide to the Best Times of the Year to Visit The Bahamas.

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