Lebanon in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Lebanon

31°C (88°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect swimming weather with sea temperatures at 26°C (79°F) - warmest of the year without being uncomfortably hot
Ramadan typically ends early June, meaning all restaurants and cafes operate normal hours and locals are out celebrating with festivals and social gatherings
Peak season for Lebanon's famous cherry harvest in Hammana and Bikfaya - you can pick cherries directly from orchards for LL 15,000-25,000 ($1-1.50) per kilogram
Ideal hiking conditions in the mountains with comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures at higher elevations like Cedars and Ehden

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices are 40-60% higher than winter months, especially in coastal areas like Jounieh and Batroun
Intense UV index of 10 requires constant sun protection - locals take 2-3 hour midday breaks indoors between 12pm-3pm
Weekend traffic to mountain villages becomes extremely heavy as Beirutis escape the city heat - expect 2-3 hour delays on Saturday mornings heading to Faraya or Ehden

Best Activities in June

Baalbek Temple Complex Visits

June offers the perfect window to explore Lebanon's most impressive Roman ruins before the scorching July heat. Morning temperatures around 25°C (77°F) make the 2-3 hour walking tour comfortable. The annual Baalbek Festival also begins in June, with evening concerts among the temples creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) to avoid midday heat. Entry costs LL 30,000 ($2) for Lebanese residents, $15 for foreigners. Book festival tickets 2-3 weeks ahead through official channels. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cedars of God Mountain Hiking

June is peak season for accessing Lebanon's UNESCO World Heritage cedar forests. Snow has melted from most trails, but temperatures remain cool at 1,800m (5,905ft) elevation - perfect 15-20°C (59-68°F) hiking weather. The contrast between coastal heat and mountain freshness makes this essential for June visitors.

Booking Tip: Rent 4WD vehicle or book mountain tour packages as some trails require off-road access. Typical guided day trips cost $60-90 per person including transport from Beirut. Pack layers as temperature drops 6°C per 1,000m (3°F per 1,000ft) elevation gain.

Tyre Archaeological Site and Beach Combination

June's warm but not scorching weather makes this the ideal month to combine cultural exploration with beach relaxation. Morning visits to the Roman hippodrome and necropolis (when temperatures are 27-29°C/81-84°F) followed by afternoon swimming in the Mediterranean at perfect 26°C (79°F) water temperature.

Booking Tip: Start with archaeological sites at 9am opening, then move to public beaches by noon. Site entry is LL 20,000 ($1.35). Private beach clubs charge LL 45,000-75,000 ($3-5) including chair and umbrella. Book guided historical tours 1 week ahead during peak season.

Jeita Grotto Cave Tours

June's warm surface temperatures make the cool 16°C (61°F) cave interior incredibly refreshing. This is peak visiting season before summer crowds become overwhelming. The underground boat ride and walking galleries provide perfect midday relief from coastal heat, just 20km (12.4 miles) north of Beirut.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (9-11am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) to avoid peak crowds. Tickets cost $16 for adults, $8 for children. Advance booking recommended June-August. Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip for potentially wet surfaces. Tours typically last 90 minutes.

Byblos Harbor Food Tours

June marks the beginning of peak seafood season with perfect evening temperatures for waterfront dining. Local fish varieties like sultan ibrahim and hamour are at their best. Evening temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) create ideal conditions for 3-4 hour walking food tours through the ancient port city.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-8pm) offer best combination of comfortable weather and restaurant availability. Expect to spend $40-60 per person for guided food experiences including 6-8 tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead during June peak season. See current culinary tour options in the booking section below.

Qadisha Valley Monastery Hiking

June provides perfect conditions for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage valley with its cliff-hanging monasteries. Temperatures in the valley range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), ideal for the moderate hiking required to reach sites like Qozhaya Monastery. Clear skies offer impressive photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Full day trips from Beirut cost $70-100 per person including 4WD transport and guide. Independent visitors need sturdy hiking shoes for rocky terrain. Start early (7am departures) to complete 3-4 monastery visits before afternoon heat. Book through licensed mountain guides 1-2 weeks ahead.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June

Baalbek International Festival Opening

Lebanon's most prestigious cultural festival begins in mid-June with world-class performances in the Roman temple complex. International orchestras, opera, and traditional Lebanese music performances create magical evenings among 2,000-year-old columns. This is Lebanon's cultural highlight of the year.

Early to Mid June

Cherry Festival Season

Throughout June, mountain villages like Hammana, Bikfaya, and Ainata celebrate cherry harvest season with local festivals. Visitors can participate in cherry picking, taste traditional desserts made from fresh cherries, and enjoy folk dancing performances in village squares.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 10 on clear days, causing burns within 15 minutes of unprotected exposure

Lightweight breathable cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat in 68% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for ancient stone surfaces at archaeological sites like Baalbek and Tyre

Light cardigan or long-sleeve shirt for mountain visits - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in areas like Cedars of God

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosque and church visits - essential in conservative areas outside Beirut

Small daypack for water bottles - staying hydrated is crucial when walking between sites in 30°C (86°F) heat

Power bank and universal adapter - Type C and Type G outlets are standard, and long sightseeing days drain phone batteries quickly

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - occasional evening showers last 30-45 minutes but can be heavy

Swimwear and beach towel - Mediterranean water temperature at perfect 26°C (79°F) makes swimming irresistible

Cash in small denominations - many historical sites, local restaurants, and taxis prefer Lebanese pounds or small US bills

Insider Knowledge

Many Beirut residents escape to their mountain houses on weekends in June - take advantage of less crowded city restaurants and attractions on Saturdays and Sundays

Sea salt air can make skin feel sticky by afternoon - locals carry small packs of wet wipes and change into fresh shirts after midday

June is peak wedding season in Lebanon - if you hear loud celebrations and fireworks in mountain villages, you're witnessing traditional Lebanese wedding festivities that often last until dawn

Ramadan typically ends in early June 2025 - once Eid celebrations conclude, restaurants resume full daytime service and evening social life becomes much more busy with locals celebrating

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking mountain village accommodations too late - Lebanese families reserve their favorite spots in Ehden, Faraya, and Bcharre months ahead for June escapes

Underestimating driving times to mountain destinations on weekends - what takes 90 minutes on weekdays can take 3+ hours on Saturday mornings due to Beirut exodus traffic

Not carrying cash for small vendors and historical sites - credit cards aren't accepted at many ancient sites, local fruit stands, or traditional restaurants outside major cities