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Victoria in June
Discover the Spectacular Things to See and Do During Your Visit

If you are planning a trip to Victoria in June, then you’ve probably got questions like:

what’s the weather going to be like
what to pack and what to wear while you are here
what’s happening in Victoria in June
what are some things to do
and what local food is in season

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

One of 1600 flower baskets hanging from lamp posts across Victoria BC

If you didn't realize that Victoria is known as The Garden City, you'll quickly find out why if you're visiting in June. Since 1937 the city has celebrated the official beginning of summer with the placement of over 1,600 beautiful flower baskets on lamp posts throughout the city. I often joke that what other communities spend on snow removal, we spend on flowers - and I don't think I'm too wrong about that!

June is normally even busier than May as far as cruise ship arrivals with over 50 scheduled to dock and over 135,000 passengers disembarking to discover our beauty.

Kite fliers on a breezy June day at Clover Point

There are no statutory holidays in June however we do celebrate summer solstice on Wednesday June 21, 2023 and experience the longest day of the year.

June marks the beginning of festival season and after a 2-3 year hiatus, everyone is anxiously awaiting their full return. Although some festivals and activities have either discontinued or permanently altered the way they operate, for the most part things have returned to normal for the 2023 season.

One tradition that happens across the world at this time of the year is school graduation and prom ceremonies. In Victoria in June, it is common for students to pose for their class photo on the steps of the BC Legislature. So, if you happen to be in town and see hundreds of teenagers in their suits and gowns hovering around the grounds, you know what they're up to.

Class of 2019 on the steps of the BC Legislature

Weather in June

Victoria in June may possibly be my favourite month. The city is so colourful with all the flowers blooming and with an average high around 20 degrees and lows around 10, it is the perfect temperature to enjoy activities outside without overheating. It is one of the driest months of the year with an average precipitation of just 2.5 mm. The days are long and bright and warm and just ideal for experiencing everything the region has to offer. I highly recommend using Get Your Guide to find the best deals on tickets and tours. I like Get Your Guide because they connect you with local activities and tour guides who are passionate about showing you the best of Victoria.

June flowers at Beacon Hill Park

Dressing for the Weather

Summer is in full bloom in Victoria in June and shorts or capris and sandals are definitely the clothing of choice. Locals love the cool evenings which are ideal for sleeping, but we do acknowledge that some visitors can find it too cool once the sun goes down. It never hurts to have a light jacket or sweater handy (I love a lightweight fleece jacket like this one). You will also notice there is almost always a light ocean breeze so it can sometimes feel slightly cooler than the actual temperature, especially by the water.

Inner Harbour on a warm June day

What's in Season

Several of our local restaurants take advantage of local seafood, meats, cheeses, breads, beers, wines and produce. During June, we are starting to see more fresh fruits and veggies - which is a welcome sight! Food tours are very popular this time of year and Victoria is well known for its exceptional food options. I highly recommend connecting with a local guide for the best of Victoria eats.

For making your own meals, head out to one of the local farmers markets for the best of what's in season.

Fruits & Veggies

Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Garlic
Kale
Lettuce
Mustard Greens
Mushrooms
Onions (green)
Peas
Potatoes
Radishes
Salad Greens
Spinach
Squash (summer)
Turnips
Zucchini

Gooseberries
Rhubarb
Saskatoon Berries
Strawberries

Seafood & Herbs

Clams
Cod: Pacific
Crab
Crab: Dungeness
Flounder/Sole: Pacific
Halibut: Pacific
Lingcod
Mussels
Oysters: Pacific
Prawns: Jumbo
Prawns: Spot
Sablefish (Black Cod)
Salmon: Chinook/King/Spring
Salmon: Pink
Salmon: Sockeye
Scallops
Shrimp: Side Stripe
Shrimp: West Coast
Spring Dogfish

Bay Leaves
Basils
Chives
Cilantro
Dill
Epazote
Fennel
Lavender
Lemon Verbena
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Savory
Shiso
Sorrel
Tarragon
Thyme

What's Blooming at Butchart Gardens

Visiting Butchart Gardens while in Greater Victoria is highly recommended and our handy guide will let you know what's blooming throughout the year. Below is the flowers you will find at the gardens in June:

African Arrowroot
Angelonia
Aubretia
Azalea
Black Mondo Grass
Chilean Rhubarb
Cigar Plant
Coleus
Columbine
Cotoneaster
Daylily
Delphinium
False Spiraea
Floss Flower
Flowering Maple
Forget-Me-Not
Foxglove

Foxtail Lily
Fuchsia
Geranium
Heliotrope
Himalayan Blue Poppy
Iris
Labelia
Leopard’s Bane
Marigold
Mealycup Sage
Milkweed
Nectaroscordum
New Guinea Impatiens
Oriental Poppy
Ornamental Eggplant
Ornamental Onion

Painted Daisy
Pansy
Peony
Pepper
Poor Man’s Orchid
Purple Threadleaf
Rhododendron
Rock Cress
Rodgersia
Siberian Wallflower
Snapdragon
St. John’s Wort
Stock
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Pea
Waxleaf Begonia

Things to Do in Victoria in June

Horse drawn carriage ride through town on a warm summer day.

June is definitely a time to get outside and enjoy the plethora of activities in the region. From the global flair of the International Jazz Festival to the community spirit of the Oak Bay Tea Party, you'll love being in Victoria in June.

Busy lawns of the BC Legislature

If you are interested in walking or going for a bike ride, join a tour or enjoy our fantastic network of flat and accessible trails throughout the region on your own. The main trail is the Galloping Goose Trail which connects to the Lochside trail heading to Sidney and the E&N trail that goes through View Royal and Esquimalt. The entire network connects Sidney to Sooke.

You'll see families and people of all ages out and about on their scooters and bikes or walking or jogging.

The network of trails goes right through our downtown core and now includes easy access to our dedicated bike lanes.

There are several places to rent bikes if you want to join them or participate in a popular bicycle tour of the city.

Festivals and Events in Victoria in June include:

11-Apr-23 to 29-Oct-23 - Cruise Ship Season, Port of Victoria
02-Jun-23 to 04-Jun-23 - Oak Bay Tea Party, Willows Beach
03-Jun-23 - Neighbourhood Party 2023, Esquimalt Rec Centre
03-Jun-23 to 04-Jun-23 - Folktoria, Centennial Square
09-June-23 to 11-Jun-23 - Folk 'n Fiddle Festival, Mary Winspear Centre
11-Jun-23 - World Oceans Day Celebration, Fisherman's Wharf
14-Jun-22 to 26-Jul-22 - Memorial Park Musicfest, Memorial Park, Esquimalt; Tuesday evenings (2023 dates not yet confirmed)
16-Jun-23 to 17-Jun-23 - FernFest, Fernwood
18-Jun-23 - Father's Day
18-Jun-23 - Car Free Day, Douglas St from Chatham to Courtney (held annually on Father's Day however 2023 not yet confirmed)
21-Jun-23 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
21-Jun-23 to 25-Jun-23 - Ska & Reggae Festival, Ships Point and various downtown locations
22-Jun-23 to 02-Jul-23 - TD Victoria International JazzFest, Centennial Square and various downtown locations
23-Jun-22 - Diner en Blanc, Surprise location! (2023 date not yet confirmed)
24-Jun-23 - Vic West Fest, Vic West Community Association
30-Jun-23 to 1-Jul-23 - Sidney Days & Canada Day, Beacon Avenue
07-Jun-24 - Picnic in the Park (formerly known as YYJ Eats - rescheduled to 2024), St. Ann's Academy National Historic Site