India, Asia

Goa in June

The monsoon arrives in force. Beach shacks are gone and swimming is unsafe. Sao Joao on June 24 is a highlight.

Think twiceMonsoon, highs near 85F (29C), very heavy rain

Goa beach, India — GoaPhoto: Original: Vyacheslav Argenberg Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

June is a month to think twice about visiting Goa. The monsoon arrives in force. Beach shacks are gone and swimming is unsafe. Sao Joao on June 24 is a highlight.

Weather: Monsoon, highs near 85F (29C), very heavy rain
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What June is like in Goa

June is when the monsoon arrives in Goa, and it comes in force. Expect very heavy rain, highs near 85F (29C), and rough, dangerous seas. The beach shacks are taken down, swimming is often banned, and many beach huts and small hotels close. Jeep trips to Dudhsagar Falls are usually suspended. Prices are at rock bottom.

This is an avoid month for beach holidays and most family trips. It can still work for a short, rainy stay focused on food, heritage and green countryside, especially around Sao Joao. For a proper beach trip, come from November to February.

Make the most of June

What is especially good about Goa this month.

Sao Joao on June 24

The feast of St John the Baptist sees young men in crowns of flowers and leaves jumping into wells and streams. Villages celebrate with music and boats.

The countryside turns green

Paddies and hills go green within weeks of the first rains, which is striking on a drive inland.

Monsoon hotel deals

Heritage stays and resorts that stay open offer their lowest rates of the year.

What to pack for June

A real waterproof jacket
Waterproof sandals with good grip
Dry bags for phones and documents
Several quick-dry outfits

Our timing tip

Check which hotels and restaurants actually stay open during the monsoon before you book, since many beach businesses close until autumn.

Book Goa for June.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Goa
Opens a hotel search for Goa in June, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for June
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Goa
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Goa
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Goa for June. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in June

Sao Joao

June 24 every year

The feast of St John the Baptist. Young men jump into wells and streams, wearing crowns of flowers and leaves.

Things to do in Goa

Full guide

Old Goa churches

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, with the relics of St Francis Xavier, and the Se Cathedral. Go early before the day-trip buses arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Fontainhas, Panaji

The old Latin quarter, with colorful houses and small cafes. Best explored on foot in the morning.

Tickets and tours →

South Goa beaches

Palolem, Agonda, Patnem, and Cola are calmer than the north. Beach hut camps operate from about November to April.

Tickets and tours →

Anjuna Flea Market

A Wednesday market that runs in the dry season, roughly November to April.

Tickets and tours →

Dudhsagar Falls

A huge four-tiered waterfall on the Karnataka border. It is fullest in the monsoon, but jeep access is usually suspended then; visit from October.

Tickets and tours →

Spice plantations near Ponda

Tours with a Goan lunch. Especially lush after the monsoon.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid December 20 to January 2. Rates spike, and the beaches and roads are packed with holiday traffic.
Stay in south Goa (Agonda, Patnem, Palolem) for calmer beaches, and visit north Goa on day trips.
Visit Old Goa churches early in the morning on a weekday, when day-trip tour buses are fewer.
Early November and late February are the smart months: full dry-season weather with a fraction of the peak crowds.

Know before you go

Licensed beach shacks operate roughly from October or November to May. They are dismantled during the monsoon and many beach huts and small hotels close.
During the monsoon (June to September), swimming is dangerous; lifeguards post red flags and swimming is often banned.
Jeep safaris to Dudhsagar Falls are usually suspended during the monsoon for safety.
Markets like the Anjuna Flea Market and the Saturday night markets operate in the dry season only.

Goa in June, quick answers

Is June a good time to visit Goa?

June is a month to think twice about visiting Goa. The monsoon arrives in force. Beach shacks are gone and swimming is unsafe. Sao Joao on June 24 is a highlight.

What is the weather like in Goa in June?

Monsoon, highs near 85F (29C), very heavy rain.

Is Goa crowded in June?

June is one of the quieter months in Goa; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Goa in June?

Sao Joao (june 24 every year).