Windsor - Things to Do in Windsor in June

Windsor in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Windsor

27°C (81°F) High Temp
18°C (64°F) Low Temp
45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

  • Long summer days with 16+ hours of daylight - sunrise at 5:30am, sunset after 9pm gives you maximum time for outdoor activities and sightseeing
  • Perfect weather for Thames River activities - calm waters, comfortable 27°C (81°F) daytime temperatures ideal for river cruises and waterfront dining
  • Royal Windsor Horse Show and Trooping the Colour season - June is peak royal events month with special ceremonies and parades
  • Legoland Windsor operates full summer hours with all outdoor rides open, plus smaller crowds than July-August school holidays

Considerations

  • Weekend accommodation prices peak 40-60% higher than weekdays due to royal events and wedding season - book at least 6 weeks ahead
  • Morning river fog until 9-10am can delay outdoor photography plans and river activities
  • Popular riverside restaurants require reservations 2-3 weeks ahead due to wedding and corporate event season

Best Activities in June

Windsor Castle Royal Tours

June offers the best castle experience with extended summer hours (9:30am-6:30pm) and blooming castle gardens. State Apartments are less crowded than peak summer months, and you'll catch glimpses of royal preparation activities for summer events. Morning fog clears by 10am for perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book online 7-10 days ahead for £2-3 savings per ticket. First entry at 9:30am or after 4pm for smallest crowds. Allow 3-4 hours including gardens. See current tour options in booking section below.

Thames River Cruises and Riverside Walks

June weather is perfect for Thames activities - warm afternoons (27°C/81°F) with cool river breezes. Water levels are optimal after spring rains but before summer low periods. Eton College and Long Walk views are spectacular with full green foliage.

Booking Tip: Afternoon departures (2-5pm) offer best weather and light. Round-trip cruises typically cost £18-25. Book morning fog backup plans for early departures. Current river tours available in booking widget below.

Royal Borough Food and Market Tours

June brings peak season for local farmers markets (Saturdays 9am-1pm) and outdoor dining. Royal Wedding cake shops and traditional pubs have seasonal menus featuring English strawberries and summer ales. Perfect weather for food walking tours combining indoor/outdoor venues.

Booking Tip: Weekend food tours book up 2 weeks ahead. Weekday afternoon tours (2-5pm) avoid wedding party crowds. Tours typically £35-55 per person including tastings. See current food experience options below.

Great Park and Royal Landscape Gardens

June is peak blooming season in Windsor Great Park - rhododendrons, roses, and Virginia Water gardens are spectacular. Long daylight hours (until 9pm) perfect for evening walks. Deer watching is excellent as young fawns are active.

Booking Tip: Free park access, but guided walks cost £12-18. Best timing: early morning (7-9am) for deer or late afternoon (5-8pm) for golden hour photography. Parking fills weekends after 10am.

Historic Eton and Royal Borough Walking Routes

June weather perfect for 3-5km (1.9-3.1 mile) walking routes between Eton College, Windsor Bridge, and historic town center. Comfortable temperatures and extended daylight ideal for self-guided or group walks. Eton's summer term creates authentic atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes free with apps/maps. Guided heritage walks £15-25 per person, book 5-7 days ahead for weekends. Early morning or late afternoon timing avoids midday sun. Current walking tour options in booking section.

Royal Ascot Racing Experience

Mid-June Royal Ascot (typically June 17-21, 2025) is the social event of the year - 5 days of world-class horse racing with royal attendance. Dress codes strictly enforced, but atmosphere is unmatched. Even general admission offers spectacular people-watching and racing.

Booking Tip: General admission £35-45, premium enclosures £75-200+. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for best selection. Dress code required: men need suits/ties, women need modest dresses and hats. Transport books up early - plan rail or coach options.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June (typically June 17-21)

Royal Ascot Racing Festival

The world's most prestigious horse racing event featuring 5 days of racing, royal processions, and high fashion. Strict dress codes create elegant atmosphere. General admission offers great racing views and people-watching.

Mid June (usually third Monday)

Garter Day Ceremony

Annual Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel featuring royal procession, ceremonial uniforms, and medieval pageantry. Public can watch processions and ceremony from designated viewing areas.

Throughout June

Windsor Festival

Classical music and arts festival featuring concerts in historic venues including St George's Chapel and Windsor Castle. Mix of international artists and royal-themed performances throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - June showers are brief but frequent, 10 rainy days average with 45mm (1.8 inches) total rainfall
Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestone streets and riverside paths can be slippery when damp from morning fog
SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 during 16-hour daylight days, reflection off Thames intensifies exposure
Smart casual outfit for dining - many riverside restaurants have dress codes, and June wedding season raises standards
Light layers for temperature range - starts at 18°C (64°F) mornings, reaches 27°C (81°F) afternoons, plus cool river breezes
Portable phone charger - long daylight hours (5:30am-9:30pm) mean extended sightseeing days drain batteries quickly
Small umbrella or rain hat - morning fog and brief afternoon showers common, but full rain gear unnecessary
Formal attire if attending Royal Ascot - strict dress codes enforced, men need suits/ties, women need modest dresses and hats
Camera with good low-light settings - morning fog until 9-10am creates atmospheric but challenging lighting conditions
Cash for small vendors - farmers markets, street food, and some historic venue gift shops still prefer cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Visit Windsor Castle after 4pm in June for smallest crowds and golden hour photography - most tour groups finish by 3:30pm, giving you peaceful access to State Apartments and gardens
Book Thames-side restaurant tables for sunset (9:15-9:30pm in June) at least 2 weeks ahead - locals know June has the longest days and perfect river dining weather
Take the 6:51am train from United Kingdom Paddington to Windsor - you'll arrive before tourist crowds and catch morning mist over the castle for dramatic photos, plus save £10-15 on off-peak fares
Windsor Great Park's Valley Gardens are impressive in June but hidden from most tourists - enter via Christchurch Road gate and walk 1km (0.6 miles) south for rhododendron displays rivaling any botanical garden

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Royal Ascot week impact - hotel prices triple within 25km (15.5 miles) radius, restaurants book solid, and transport overwhelmed. Plan around June 17-21 or book 3+ months ahead
Wearing uncomfortable shoes for cobblestone walking - Windsor's historic center has uneven surfaces that become slippery with morning dew and light rain
Planning only indoor backup activities - June weather changes quickly but clearing usually happens within 30 minutes, so flexible outdoor plans work better than hiding indoors all day

Activities in Windsor