Are you planning to visit Destin, Miramar Beach, or Okaloosa Island in June 2024? This post will cover everything you need to know about what to expect as far as weather, crowds, sunsets, activities, and upcoming events.
In my article about the Best Times to visit Destin, I ranked June as 3rd on the list, so it’s pretty high on my favorite months here, outranked only by October and May.
June in Destin is when the feeling of summer having arrived really hits after May gets us warmed up with increasing crowds, events, and warmer weather. By the time June hits, Destin is packed with summer crowds and it continues nonstop until early August.
I should mention that this high rating for a summer month is rare among locals. Most locals would probably put June and July lowest on their list unless they work in tourism because of the heavy crowds and traffic that summer brings.
My work does not rely specifically on summer tourism like many do, but I still love summer in Destin and I get excited when June hits.
The sea oats are blooming again in June, the water has warmed up to comfortable swimming temperatures, Crab Island has more clear water days, summer events and fireworks are in full swing, Destin Harbor is busy with boats, and there’s so much I can take pictures of.
It might seem like June should be lower in my “Best Times to visit Destin” rankings given the hot humid weather, traffic and crowds, but I really think June is a great time for a beach vacation in Destin if you can work around the drawbacks.
The Gulf of Mexico water has warmed up to comfortable swimming temperatures by the time June hits and I have found it to be pretty consistently clear in June compared to other months, unless the June Grass hits.
June Grass is a type of green slimy seaweed that sometimes shows up on the beaches in summer. There is absolutely no way to predict June Grass, Sargassum, or any of the other seaweed that sometimes shows up on the beaches. 2022 was a particularly terrible year, but hopefully 2023 will be a return to normal where the seaweed shows up less often and is sporadic and comes and goes quickly.
Do not believe anything you read online about June Grass or seaweed forecasts. If we get this stuff on the beaches, it would usually come sometimes between May-August but there is no way to predict it. Watch the live beach cams in the Destin area as your trip approaches for an accurate look at how the water looks.
As far as crowds go, June is one of the busiest months in Destin, topped only by July when crowds hit their all-time peak because of the July 4th holiday.
There are no big holidays in June, so just expect a steady level of crowds but without the extreme extra spike that holidays such as Memorial Day and July 4th bring.
June Weather in Destin
Average High = 88 degrees
Average Low = 69 degrees
Average Gulf Water Temperature = 82 degrees
Average Rainfall = 6.7 inches
June in Destin is sunny and warm during the day and usually also warm enough in the evening to not need a sweater. I don’t start taking my evening sweater off until some point in May when the summer humidity creeps in, so I love this moment of being able to go without it in June.
While the temperatures are hot in June in Destin, they are not as uncomfortably hot as it can get in the later summer months of August and September where it feels unbearable at times.
June has one of the highest rainfall averages of the year, with only July and August being higher. Mostly, it’s afternoon thunderstorms that come as a relief to cool off from the heat and humidity of the day.
June is the official start of Atlantic hurricane season on the Gulf Coast, but you will rarely see much tropical activity compared to August, September and October.
Most of our hurricane and tropical storm activity occurs in the later fall months when the gulf waters are warmer, making it more ideal conditions for hurricanes and storms to escalate. We will get a named storm in June sometimes, but it’s not very common or something to worry too much about.
June Sunsets in Destin
The sun will not rise or set over the Gulf of Mexico in June, which is what I consider being the biggest drawback of summer in Destin.
Because of our south-facing beaches, the sunsets and sunrises will only be over the water from October-March, but we still get some of the prettiest skies in summer due to all the interesting clouds that the humidity brings.
If you want to see the sunset over the water in summer, you can find it down towards Panama City Beach and east of there, where the coastline takes a southward curve.
To find the best spots for summer sunsets in Destin, read my detailed post on the topic here: Where to see the Best Sunsets in Destin
June Activities in Destin
June will have all the Destin water sports, tour excursions, and fishing charters staying very busy, so you should reserve any June excursions in advance to secure a spot.
Things like pontoon boat rentals, parasailing, dolphin cruises, Crab Island excursions, and snorkeling adventures can be harder to book last minute in the busy summer months.
For my tips about Parasailing in Destin, check out my post here: Parasailing in Destin ~ 6 Essential Tips for a Great Flight
June Fishing in Destin
The fishing charter boats in Destin will also be at their busiest this month with the federal Red Snapper season opening June 1st and running through August 19th. Book your fishing excursion in advance if you are planning a trip during this time.
It’s especially important to book your Destin fishing trip in advance in June when everyone is excited about the season opening and ready to get out there on the water. Red snapper is one of the most popular fish to catch among Destin visitors because they are both tasty and beautiful in photos.
Luckily, many fishing boats will change their schedules to accommodate two trips a day in June, so you should have plenty of options.
I have only been fishing once, and it was on a party boat. Party boats are how many people enjoy their first fishing trip because it’s an excellent introduction to deep sea fishing at a lower cost. If you want a less crowded experience, try a shared or private trip instead.
Here’s my post about my fishing experience with Pelican Adventures if you want to know what to expect on a party boat fishing trip: My Fishing Trip on the Vera Marie Party Boat
Crab Island in June in Destin
Crab Island is a shallow sandbar in Destin where boats gather to enjoy the day hanging out in the shallow, crystal clear water. Crab Island is known for having water that looks like a swimming pool, but the color actually varies a lot throughout the day and year.
Crab Island is only accessible by watercraft such as boat, jet ski, or kayak. You can rent a boat or go with a tour company offering excursions taking you out there.
June and July will be the busiest months at Crab Island by far because of the comfortable swimming temperatures and the busier tourist season. Summer will also have the most consistently clear water since the high tide times fall during the daytime hours more often than other times of the year.
Plan your Crab Island visit in the time window around 2 hours before and after high tide to get the best water color because this is when the clear water from the Gulf of Mexico is coming in. Crab Island is filled with water from the bay when the tide is going out making it more of a tea color.
All the Crab Island information and planning can be confusing at first, but I wrote a detailed guide here with printable tide charts for each month, that will help you plan the perfect day: Crab Island in Destin: 2023 Ultimate Visitors Guide
June Events in Destin
June is full of events to enjoy, most of them geared towards families since that’s our highest demographic of visitors in the summer in Destin.
Both Harborwalk Village and The Village of Baytowne Wharf will continue to have a series of events that will take place weekly all summer. Below I give details about the summer events lineup for each and then continue with other big events happening in June.
Harborwalk Village June Events 2024
Harborwalk Village has a summer series of weekly events that runs from late May through mid-August. They also have live music on Saturday nights during this time at the events stage from 6:30-9pm. Details about the Harborwalk Village summer events are below.
Fat Tuesday Parade at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Every Tuesday in June 2024 (continuing through summer)
- Time: Concert at 6:30pm | Parade at 8:30pm
- Cost: FREE
It’s Mardi Gras in summer at Harborwalk Village! Catch beads, treats and trinkets as the floats roll through the Village every Tuesday night. The event starts with music on the main stage at 6:30 and the parade rolls at 8:30.
This is a popular event so stake out your spot early. Anywhere along the path through Harborwalk Village is a good view from Fishheads bar on Harborwalk Marina all the way to the end at Emerald Grande.
All American Thursdays and Fireworks at Harborwalk Village
- Date: Every Thursday in June 2024 (continuing through summer)
- Time: 6:30 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Celebrate the USA with a one-of-a-kind vintage airshow, hero salute, live entertainment, fireworks, and a fire spinning show! The Hero Salute & Vintage Air Show start at 6:30 and the event ends with fireworks at 9:00pm followed by a fire-spinning show on the main stage.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Harborwalk Village fireworks including all the 2024 scheduled shows here: Where to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks
More info about Harborwalk Events: Harborwalk Village Events Calendar
Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin June 2024 Events
Baytowne Wharf also has a summer series of weekly events that runs from late May through early August. Those are detailed below.
Scallywag Sunday at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Sunday in June (continuing through summer)
- Time: Shows at 7:00pm and 8:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Featured pirate Captain Davy performs his live show on the events plaza stage where he does magic tricks, sings, tells jokes, and makes balloon animals. Kids of all ages love Cap’t Davy.
Movie Monday on the Lawn at Baytowne Wharf
- Dates: Every Monday in June (continuing through summer)
- Time: 8:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and cozy up on the Events Plaza Lawn for a featured film. The event takes place every Sunday during summer. Baytowne gives out free popcorn at the stage during the movie.
Sunday Cinema June 2024 Schedule:
June 3: Elemental
June 10: The Super Mario Bros Movie
June 17: Cars
June 24: Vivo
Boomin’ Tuesdays Fireworks Night at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Tuesday in June 2024 (continuing through summer)
- Time: 7:15 to 9:15pm (Fireworks at 9:15)
- Cost: FREE
Enjoy a DJ Dance Party in the Events Plaza then watch as the night sky lights up with a breathtaking fireworks show over the Lagoon at 9:15pm. The Baytowne Fireworks are one of my favorite shows in the area because they are synched to music and feature a lot of unique shaped fireworks.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Baytowne Wharf fireworks including all the 2024 scheduled dates here: Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks and the 2024 Schedule of Shows.
Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf
- Date: Every Wednesday in June (continuing through October)
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
The Wednesday Night Concert Series is a popular event at Baytowne Wharf that runs through spring, summer and fall on the Village Lawn and Events Plaza Stage.
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, drinks and snacks to enjoy the summer nights outside with live music from a different band each week. The concert series will feature both local and regional talent from a variety of genres.
WNCS June 2024 Music Schedule:
June 5: Modern Eldorado
June 12: Sand Ole Opry
June 19: The High Aces
June 26: Six Piece Suits
Fly Guy Thursdays at Baytowne Wharf
- Dates: Every Thursday in June (continuing through summer)
- Time: Shows at 6:30 and 8:30pm
- Cost: FREE
Fly Guy Thursdays (previously Hydroflight Mondays in prior years) is a weekly show at Baytowne Wharf where you can watch fly-board extraordinaire and pro-athlete, Ben Merrell, flying over the Village Lagoon.
There are 2 shows each evening. Be sure to stay for both as they are each totally different with the night show featuring colorful lights on the water jets and Ben will also hand out glow necklaces to the crowd.
More info about Baytowne Wharf Events: Baytowne Wharf Events Calendar
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk June Events 2024
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk also has a summer series of weekly events running from late May through mid-August. It’s a great spot to enjoy some fun events among the backdrop of the beach and beautiful Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.
Pirate Show at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
- This event is still TBA for 2024. I will update as soon as they confirm the return of these events
Featured pirate Captain Davy performs his live show on the Al’s Beach Club stage where he does magic tricks, sings, tells jokes, and makes balloon animals. Kids of all ages love Cap’t Davy.
Movies on the Beach at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
- This event is still TBA for 2024. I will update as soon as they confirm the return of these events
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and find a spot on the sand in front of the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk for a different featured film every week in summer.
Tuesday Movie Night June Schedule:
June 4: TBA
June 11: TBA
June 18: TBA
June 25:TBA
Wednesday Night Fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
- Dates: Every Wednesday in June (continuing through summer)
- Time: 9:00pm
- Cost: FREE
Watch the night sky light up over Gulf of Mexico as the Okaloosa Island fireworks launch from the end of the fishing pier every Wednesday night all summer.
Enjoy dinner with a fireworks view from many of the Boardwalk restaurants or spread out along the sand to watch the show. If you want to see them really up-close, walk half way out on to the fishing pier. It’s a beautiful sight no matter where you watch these from.
I wrote a detailed article about the best viewing spots for the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk fireworks including all the 2024 scheduled dates here: Where to Watch the Okaloosa Island Fireworks and the 2024 Schedule of Shows
Beach Luau Party at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
- This event is still TBA for 2024. I will update as soon as they confirm the return of these events
Al’s Burger Bar at the Boardwalk presents their free weekly beach luau party every Thursday night in summer.
This is a family-friendly event featuring live music, a free Hawaiian lei, free kids activities, free games with a chance to win prizes, and an island inspired fire and dance performance at 8pm.
More info about Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Events: Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Events Calendar
Other Destin Area Events in June 2024
While summer isn’t as packed with bigger festivals and events that you will find in spring and fall in Destin, there is still one of the biggest annual fishing events to enjoy if you are here in late June.
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Baytowne Marina
- Dates: June 19th-23rd 2024
- Time: Event times vary, see schedule
- Website: https://www.fishecbc.com/
The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic has set the precedent for world-class sport-fishing tournaments. The event is timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s Blue Marlin season and is enjoyed annually by both fishermen and observers.
Named as one of the top ten big-money tournaments in the world, the ECBC’s cash awards surpass $2 million – with over 27 optional entry levels.
The night-time weigh-ins held at the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin are free and open to the public. Along with the weigh-ins, there will also be vendors, live music, fireworks, food, drinks and a kids’ fishing tournament to enjoy.
You can watch shotgun start of the tournament from Destin on the first day of the tournament by walking out to the East Jetties on Holiday Isle.
The boats will leave Baytowne Marina at 11am making their way to the start line and then at noon they will all take off at once marking the official start of the tournament. It’s quite a sight to see!
You can get to the East Jetties through O’Steen Beach Access on Gulf Shore Drive. You can read more about this beach area and the other public beaches in Destin in my post here: Find your Perfect Beach ~ Guide to the 13 Public Beaches in Destin
Don’t stop at the first set of jetties at O’Steen for the start line view. Keep going until you get to the ones on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a decent walk through the sand but worth it for the best start line view.
Here’s a quick time lapse of this walk if you are unsure of how to get there once you reach O’Steen beach.
You can also see the boats parading towards the start line by walking up on the Destin Bridge.
I hope this post helps you plan the perfect June 2024 visit to Destin, Florida.
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
Shop my Destin Photography Prints, Books, and Vacation Rentals
Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
…..🌴😃🐬 I have a few rentals including a large house with a boat slip, a 2-bedroom condo, and a 1-bedroom apartment. All are directly on Destin Harbor with private gated access to the most beautiful beaches in Destin. 
If you enjoy my posts, please consider supporting my blog by shopping my products. I appreciate every sale, and it helps me continue to put out quality free content for you. Thank you SO much 🙂
Watch you every morning…!! I’ll be back at our EG condo in July and I want to purchase one of your pelican pictures ..
So informational with bashful pictures!
Thank you 😊
This is so informative. We are starting to plan our next get away and will definately use your guides as we plan 💜🙂 Thank you for taking the time to put these together!!
Thank you Stefanie, would love to see you in Florida someday!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
Great! I always try to keep the pelican in stock at my Harborwalk tent. He’s one of my favorites! Thank you!
I enjoyed looking at some of your work – you have such great talent with the camera! You have inspired me to blow the dust from my Canon and get out there again – what you are doing is what I dream of doing. Photography!!
Thank you! Yes, dust off that Canon!