Goa Vacation In June
Summer vacations are just around the corner. The kids are desperate to get away from their usual hectic schedule and are asking questions, “When will you take us on vacation?” and “Where should we go?”. To answer these questions, we plan our family vacations during the summer. We have a tough time deciding on a destination, but do not have to stress over it anymore because there is one place that is simply spectacular at any time of the year – Goa. The month of June, according to the Hindu calendar, is celebrated for three days as the month of Bhadrapada. It falls in August and September in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is one of the most important festivals in Goa.
Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. A tropical paradise full of palm trees, white sand beaches and a stunning coastline. If you’re looking to beat the heat during summer, visit Goa. Also known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, it’s the perfect place to spend your vacation. More and more people are taking advantage of what is often called the Goan tourist season. This time of year is primetime for tourists in Goa as it offers beautiful weather for swimming and sun tanning, as well as low room rates at local hotels and guesthouses. However, it’s not just the weather that draws visitors to Goa. The fact that many events take place in Goa during this season also draws thousands of visitors seeking a memorable experience.
Goa Vacation In June
Goa in June sees a change – the hot Indian summer gives way to the monsoon. The rain clouds come in from the Arabian Sea in early June, hit the hills of the Western Ghats and pour their content over the towns, villages and beaches of Goa. Officially, June is the start of the monsoon season in Goa. The average temperature is 30°C, cooler than the 33°C of May. The humidity, however, is higher this month because of the cloud cover. The wind speed also picks up. June sees a lot more rain. In an average month, there are 22 rainy days.
There are few tourists this month, so the streets are cleaner and the beaches are empty. South Goa virtually shuts down this month. Almost all the beach shacks are closed, and there are no water sports. However, North Goa is still partially active, at least the major beaches of Baga, Candolim, Calangute, and Anjuna. The permanent structures – beach shacks, restaurants, and cafes and open around the year.
June is a great time to visit Goa if you enjoy the rains. The unpleasant heat of the summer is gone, its green everywhere because of the rain, but the rain is not as severe as July as it’s the beginning of the monsoon. The cloud cover over the sea, green coconut groves, and the rain makes it very romantic in Goa.
The hotels, resorts, and luxury villas in Goa all offer good discounts in June because of the lower demand for rooms this month. In fact, many villas offer up to 30% discount over the December-January period, so you can book a premium property, which would otherwise come at a steep price in the peak tourist season. Everything else will cost less in June too – bike/car rentals, restaurants, and flight tickets.
| Weather | Beginning of the monsoon season in Goa. Cooler and more pleasant than May. The average temperature is lower by 3 degrees than last month. 22 rainy days in June, with 868 mm rainfall. It can rain heavily on some days. More cloud cover as the month progresses. 8 hours of sunlight every day, less than May. |
| Beach | Cleaner and quieter beaches as there are very few tourists. There will be huge empty stretches. South Goa is almost completely empty. The busier North Goa beaches still sees some tourists and activities – Baga, Candolim, Calangute and Anjuna. Mostly Indians. There are almost no foreigners. |
| Sea | The sea temperature is a pleasant 29°C, which is cooler than May. High wind and rain can make the sea choppy. Swimming can be risky. In many beaches, you are allowed to get into the water, but swimming is prohibited. There are riptides at places. |
| Parties | With no foreign tourists and only a handful of Indians, there are very few parties this month. Even the most popular nightclubs go empty. The permanent beach shacks also play just music, without much dancing and partying. However, during the second half of June, a few nightclubs organize monsoon parties with rain dance. |
| Water sports | Most water sports activities are completely closed down as it is deemed too risky because of the rain, wind, and higher waves. The operators all close down to return only in October. There is fly boarding, however, which is becoming popular here. Another available option is white water rafting. The rivers are full and more adventurous, thanks to the rain. |
| Shacks | Most beach shacks are closed. Only the permanent structures are open, mostly in the busier North Goa beaches. The South is almost totally empty. |
| Festivals | Sao Joao Feast of St. John the Baptist, CUIndia: The StartUp Nation, Beach Side Party, Feast of Saint Peter and Paul. |
| Prices | Low prices. Everything will cost less in June – hotels and resorts, villas, flight tickets, car/bike rentals, cafes, and restaurants. You can get up to 30% discount on accommodation. |
WEATHER IN JUNE
May is usually the hottest month of the year. It is beginning to cool down in June, as the monsoon arrives in the first week. The temperature drops substantially by 3 degrees to 30°C. By the end of the month, it is further down slightly. It will also rain more heavily as the month progresses with the monsoon setting in firmly. So early June is the driest and the warmest. The cloud cover too will go up significantly as the month progresses. Early June is usually the clearest.
8 Mphavg
There is a lot of rain in Goa because of its coastal location. June receives 868 mm of rain, much higher than the 113 mm of May. But it is still less than the 995 mm rain of July. In an average year, it will rain for 22 days in June. On some days, it can rain heavily, and for hours, but there can be stretches of several days without much rain. At 81%, the weather in June is very humid too. The humidity is higher than May, but still lower than July, making it a relatively comfortable month to visit Goa, especially if you love the rains.
Most days will be a mixture of clouds, rain storms and sunny patches. When the rain comes, it will usually last for only about half an hour or so.
| Climate in Goa | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high, °C | 31,6 | 31,5 | 32,0 | 33,0 | 33,0 | 30,3 | 28,9 | 28,8 | 29,5 | 31,6 | 32,8 | 32,4 | 31,3 |
| Average low, °C | 19,6 | 20,5 | 23,2 | 25,6 | 26,3 | 24,7 | 24,1 | 24,0 | 23,8 | 23,8 | 22,3 | 20,6 | 23,2 |
| Average precipitation mm | 0,2 | 0,1 | 1,2 | 11,8 | 112,7 | 868,2 | 994,8 | 512,7 | 251,9 | 124,8 | 30,9 | 16,7 | 2926 |
Goa gets 8 hours of sunshine in June, because of the cloud cover, and less than the 12 hours of May. The average sea temperature is 29°C, cooler than last month. The water is warm enough for swimming, but it’s wise to stay away from the water because of the higher waves, rain, and windy conditions. Swimming can be risky. There are no water sports this month, because of this high risk. The average wind speed is higher than May.
There is something magical about visiting Goa during the rainy season. The locals are taking a break from the busy tourist season, so you will have more of a chance to get to know them. You can take a ride around the countryside, watching the locals going about their daily lives. Walk for long hours on the beach, if you don’t mind a little drizzle. Sometimes, it feels great to get wet.
The rain can be very beautiful and relaxing. You can sit on your balcony and sip a cup of coffee while reading a good book and listening to the rain fall on the roof. The storms can be quite dramatic and spectacular to watch.
PROS AND CONS TO VISITING IN JUNE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheaper Prices – Low demand for rooms as there are few tourists. Many villas, hotels, and resorts will offer a discount. Many guest houses and home stays can be closed. Flight tickets, transportation, car/bike rentals will cost less as well. Bargain deals when you buy clothing and souvenirs. | No Water Sports – High waves, winds, and rain makes water sports risky. Most operators are closed in June. Avoid water sports even if you can find any. June is however a good month for white water rafting. It is more adventurous, challenging, and thrilling. |
| Fewer People – Almost no foreigners and just a few Indian tourists. So you will have less crowded and more serene Goa. June is a more quiet and peaceful month. The beaches will be more pristine. More privacy at the beach. No traffic jams. Enjoy long walks on the beach. | Beach Shacks Are Closed – Most of the beach shacks are closed in June. Only the permanent structures, the biggest restaurants and shacks will be open. Most of the open places are in North Goa. The South looks desolate. |
| Greener and Cleaner Goa – With few tourists, the streets and beaches will certainly be much cleaner. Chance of water logging, but not much. The rain makes Goa lush in June. Greenery everywhere. Visit the Spice Plantations. The ponds and rivers will be full, looking more beautiful. | Power Outages – Chance of power cuts if there are thundershowers or heavy rain. You won’t have power for long hours if the electric poles are uprooted. Most big hotels/resorts and villas have power backup, though, so the power is restored quickly. |
| No Long Queues or Waiting – In peak season, you might have to wait for more than an hour to get a seat at the popular restaurants and bars. Not anymore. In June, there is zero waiting time. The service and the quality of food served are also better. | The Markets – The Anjuna Flea Market is closed in June. It opens on a small scale in September and picks up in November. The Mackie’s Night Bazaar will also be closed this month. But the super markets and most shops are still open. You will find street vendors too. |
BEST THINGS TO DO IN JUNE
- The Spice Plantations – Take in the aroma of the spices and learn how they are grown. Visit the Savoi Plantation to see cardamom, Peri Peri, palm trees with their roots, vanilla, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and hundreds of species of orchids. Plus, you will see many exotic birds. There are other plantations as well, like Sahakari, and Tropical. Washed by the monsoon rains, the plantations look the greenest and the prettiest this time of the year. You can give elephants a bath, and enjoy a traditional Goan lunch that is cooked with the farm spices.
- Fontainhas – This is Goa’s old Latin Quarter, a UNESCO Heritage Zone. You will love the historic Portuguese-inspired architecture here, the narrow winding lanes and streets, colourful buildings with ornate balconies, Portuguese mansions, quaint shops, bakeries, restaurants, and art galleries. You will get a distinct Mediterranean feel. Go on a walking tour.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries – The hinterland of Goa, the villages and wildlife sanctuaries, Cotiago National Park, Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park and the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary come to life in June. The trees have new leaves, thanks to the rain. There is a lot more greenery everywhere. The cooler weather and cloud cover has its effect on the animal life as well. There are a lot more birds, butterflies, and other animals that seem happy with the rains.
- Trekking the Western Ghats – Admire the beauty of the Western Ghat hills by going on a trekking or hiking trip. There are many trails you can explore. Perhaps you can trek to Tambdi Surla. You won’t sweat as much as the summer’s heat is gone. There is rain, but not as much as July, so the trails are not that slippery. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a raincoat.
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls – June is a good month to visit India’s 5th tallest Dudhsagar waterfall. It won’t be as spectacular as August, but it is still very impressive this month. You can witness the waterfall coming to life as the rain lashes Goa, making the water comes down steeply from a height of 600 meters. There is a lot more water this month in the river.
- Whitewater Rafting – June is a good month for this exciting, and adrenalin pumping sport. You can choose from Valpoi River, Mhadei River, and the Mandovi River. There is whitewater rafting at many places in Goa. With the monsoon rains, the rivers are full, and the rapids will be more challenging. For 1,500-2,000 INR per person, you will get basic lessons, safety briefing, lifejackets, rafting gear, and of course, the memorable rafting experience.
- The Beaches – The beaches are cleaner in June as there are fewer tourists. South Goa beaches, Cavelossim, Palolem, Benaulim will be almost totally deserted. A few Indian tourists visit Goa in the monsoon, so there is some activity in Colva. The popular North Goa beaches, Baga, Candolim, and Calangute become very crowded in the peak season. In June, you will have calm and peace there and can enjoy their beauty. Relax on the beach in complete privacy, or walk in the rain – it can be a thrilling experience.
