June marks the start of the glorious summer season around many parts of the world. Planning out the best places to visit in June and where you really want to go on vacation can be overwhelming. With summer almost in full swing, there are many dream destinations to choose from.
However, it all depends on what you want! Do you want mountains, beaches, cities, or to be surrounded by endless nature? We picked out our favorite places to visit in June in this post – something for every type of traveler!
The Best Places to Visit in June
Ring Road, Iceland
Long sunny days, less rain, heavy winds that turn into light breezes – June means summer in Iceland! June is what many locals consider to be the best time of year to visit Iceland. June in Iceland has the longest daylight hours and on June 21st you will witness the longest day of the year.
The Midnight Sun, or when the sun is still visible at midnight, will be a common occurrence now and can make for some stellar photos. This is a natural phenomenon that happens around the Arctic Circle so visiting Iceland in June is extra special and a reason in itself enough to go.
June in Iceland will yield 24 hours of daylight for a few weeks. If staying up all night and partying with the Icelanders is your cup of tea then summertime is when you will want to be in Iceland. Or if partying isn’t your thing the 24 hours of daylight will give you a huge advantage if you are driving around Iceland. More daylight means more time to see things and there is plenty to see in Iceland.
Banff National Park, Canada
The Canadian Rockeis are among some of the best places to travel in June! It’s sort of getting into summer by the time June arrives in Banff National Park. This is the end of the ski season (boo), but that doesn’t mean that Banff isn’t without anything to do (yay).
It’s a good time of year to visit Banff for hiking; the trails start to get popular in June. Though many are still a little wet and muddy. However, even though day temperatures are pretty high (we’re talking highs of 21°C), once the sun goes down, it’s still cold, sometimes hovering just above 2°C. It’s a good idea to bring some wet weather clothes, since there’s always the chance of getting caught in a shower.
The good news is the glacier lakes are now thawed. Lake Moraine access road opens by early June and you’ll finally be able to see the majestic body of water. The bad news? Crowds are coming. By mid-June parking at some of the main sites becomes an issue, and you’ll definitely need to secure camping spaces early during this time. Prices in Banff creep up, up, and up, but it’s still not as bad as July and August, so enjoy it now!
Peru
One of the driest times of the year in Peru. June is excellent for hikes, visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, and other historical sights dotted in the country’s Andean areas. Peru, in general, is one of the best places to visit in June.
Temperatures on average for the highlands are still 16°C, but nights are cold, so pack accordingly! The Amazon gets less rain in June; it’s much drier in the south. It’s just about the right time to trek in the southern part of the rainforest.
Basically, June is one of the best times to visit Peru if you don’t care about hot weather but like to get out and hike in nature – and see the country’s most incredible historical sights.
Sicily, Italy
June feels like spring when it first starts in Italy, but by the end of the month, it will definitely feel like summer, especially in Sicily. Temperatures follow a steady incline from 22°C to an average of 24°C, sometimes hotter.
Sicily is where it really starts to heat up; in the evening, it barely drops below 18°C. You’ll also see around 13 hours of sunshine a day in Sicily, which can’t be a bad thing when you’re on vacation.
Swimming in the sea is also beginning to feel like a sane pastime; beach days are well and truly on the cards. Beach, eat, sleep, repeat is the song of the island. And you really can get your fill of beaches in Sicily as well as your food with all the great Sicilian cuisine.
Hvar, Croatia
There is rarely a destination that is only for one type of tourist. The Croatian island of Hvar seems to deliver on almost all levels and is one of the top places to visit in June. There are some fantastic things to do in Hvar, and you definitely won’t be disappointed with the number of choices here.
It is a posh island getaway that serves up a laid-back Mediterranean vibe rich with heritage and history suitable for anyone wondering where to go in Croatia. The welcoming atmosphere on the sun-drenched island of Hvar is renowned, making it a well-known destination, yet it seems poised to grow even more significantly.
As celebrities like Beyonce, Prince Harry, Brad Pitt, and Tom Cruise continue to make waves visiting on private yachts. Visitors are provided a chance to hike along ancient goat paths to abandoned villages, sunbathe au naturale in beautiful turquoise coves, race along dirt roads, dine on abundant Adriatic seafood, and party late into the next morning.
This lifestyle becomes a regular occurrence come June. The start of the high season and summer in Europe. It’s a fantastic, but busy time to visit. Book your accommodation up early so you don’t get priced out.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
“The Kruger,” as South Africans know it, is one of the most world-renowned national parks to spot wildlife. It is the quintessential park to have a wildlife safari in South Africa.
The park is roughly the size of Israel and visitors are almost guaranteed to spot the “Big Five” in one day. However, given the popularity of the Kruger finding the sweet spot can be difficult without totally going broke.
Kruger is the largest South African National Park and has one of the highest densities of wildlife of all the national parks. Kruger is home to approximately 517 birds, 147 mammals, and 118 reptiles. The best time to visit the Kruger National Park is during the dry season which lasts from May to October. June means that vegetarion is sparse making animals easier to spot, particularly around the watering holes.
The best news is it’s one of the best African parks to self-drive. Visitors to the park are offered a wide range of services. The park offers guided drives, bush walks, backpacking trails, and golf. It’s also the only park we’ve visited in Africa where the rest stops are stocked with cappuccinos, tasty snacks, and even souvenirs, and the road is pretty much all paved. If you’re looking for a park that has all the creature comforts of the west then Kruger National Park is the one for you.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Being in the Southern Hemisphere we bet you didn’t think the middle of Australia would be one of the best places to visit in June, did you? Have you heard of Australia’s famous monolith? Uluru is a sacred site to the Aboriginal people and as you visit and see it for yourself, you will see why. Almost as if a spirit placed the enormous rock in an endless desert themselves, Uluru is truly a spectacle.
It’s not just Uluru that is special, but the entire Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a desert with flowering plants, and dingos calling in the night head to Uluru in June.
Why June? Truthfully, it’s the desert and temperatures are at their lowest in June. It’s best to arrive at Uluru at sunrise or sunset and beat the heat of the day!
Milos, Greece
The Greek island of Milos had been on our list of places to visit in Greece for years. We had seen photos of the moonscape beaches and heard about how quiet the island was in comparison to others, so it was only a matter of time before we ventured to Milos ourselves.
After visiting 20 other Greek islands, including Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos I can without a doubt say that Milos ranks up there as one of our favorites. Milos has everything you could want out of a trip to the Greek islands. Great food? Epic beaches? Amazing sunsets? Friendly people? Yup! All those things are what make Milos so special.
June is the start of the high season on the Greek Islands. It’s busy, but it’s still a good time to visit. The weather is glorious with almost all sunny days, and the peak summer crowds that come in July and August haven’t arrived yet. You still might even be able to score a deal on accommodation and renting a car!
The BEST Things To Do In Milos, Greece
Scotland
June means it’s finally getting to be summer (ish) in Scotland. It’s an ideal time for you to vacation in Scotland and soak up the rare Scottish sunshine.
Temperatures range from the average temperatures that run between 10°C and 16°C, but you’ll still see some wet days. That being said it’s rare for it to pour the entire day, and instead, you’ll likely just get some scattered showers with clouds to make your vacation photos moodier.
Scotland doesn’t have the most ideal weather after all, but if you want to be safe book a vacation here between June and early September. In June, some of the best things to do in Scotland is enjoy Edinburgh, drive the North Coast 500, hike in Cairngorms National Park. Or spend time on the Isle of Skye, which is one of the best places to visit in Scotland!
25 Scotland Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go
Hokkaido, Japan
Though June is the first slice of summer in Hokkaido, the temperatures hover around the late-teens and maybe just above 20°C. You may even be able to leave your jacket or sweater at the hotel as June kicks off.
While tsuyu – or Japanese rainy season – is pelting the island of Honshu to the south, Hokkaido is basically unaffected by either the downpours or the high humidity, remaining pleasant. Even the sea temperatures are around 14°C. Hokkaido’s lakes also start opening for the tourist season. Hiking and splashing around in water become suitably acceptable.
This is when the flowers really start to look incredible in Hokkaido; head to Biei for row upon row of colored petals at its flower farms.
Wilmington, North Carolina
I’ll always encourage people to visit one of the best places in all of North Carolina! Wilmington has a lot to offer visitors who want to hit up the beaches in the Southern USA, but still have fun in a historic downtown area. Downtown Wilmington, with its historic building and homes, fully deserves to be appreciated. I love the historic waterfront and find it one of the best cities to visit in North America.
Beyond downtown, there are plenty of other things to do in Wilmington. It has a gorgeous coastline, a thriving college, and so many unique restaurants and sights to keep visitors entertained for days. Make sure to head to Wrightsville and Carolina Beach, and once you get to Carolina Beach, keep driving to Kure. They are all so wonderful to visit.
Make sure to enjoy the June weather though, because this is essentially the last bearable month of summer. July and August are absolutely brutal temperature and humidity wise in Wilmington, and the only place you’ll want to be is at the beach or in AC.
June, however, still sees some cool days and lower humidity. Try to visit Wilmington earlier in June for more comfort and lower prices.
Innsbruck, Austria
The incredible mountain scenery of Innsbruck can be enjoyed all year round. However if cold, snowy weather is not part of your vacation plans, it’s best to visit this European city in the Alps in June when the skies are clear and the temperatures warm up.
This is also the best time of year to enjoy the amazing hiking trails that’ll allow you to get the best views of the scenery. If you’re there during the first days of the month, you’ll be able to attend the Innsbruck Alpine Trilrun Festival.
However, it doesn’t matter what time of the month you go there, there are plenty of attractions to check out including Golden Roof Museum, Ambras Castle, Catedral de Santiago, Das Tirol Panorama Museum, Nordkette Cable Car, Innsbrucker Hofgarten and Alpenzoo which is the highest zoo on the continent.
Copenhagen, Denmark
With average temperatures around 20°C, Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit in June. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in this super hip city but drinking local craft beers or sipping specialty coffee are favorite local pastimes any time of day.
Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, The Round Tower and the National Museum of Denmark are some of the popular attractions around the city. During the first week of June, the Distortion Festival is much like a giant street party celebrating the city’s nightlife with lots of music and dance.
Tahiti
June in Tahiti is actually winter, but don’t expect to see any snow, ice, or freezing temperatures in this tropical paradise! What you will experience is temperatures in the high 20s, warm ocean water and sunny, blue skies.
This is perfect weather for enjoying the beautiful, white sandy beaches and many attractions such as Fa’aruma’i Waterfalls, Papeete Market, Museum of Tahiti and The Islands, Pā’ōfa’i Gardens and the Water Gardens Vaipahi. The best part about Tahiti in June is there are no crowds because it’s the low season.
French Riviera
The French Riviera is what dreams are made of, and is one of the best places to visit in June in all of Europe. This region in the south of France looks like something out of a movie with its sparkling waters, sandy stretches, stunning vineyards and scenic coastal villages.
Many people choose to visit the region in the middle of summer but why go there during the most crowded time of year when you can go there in June when the daytime temperatures are steady at around 23°C and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez…it doesn’t matter what area you choose to explore because there are endless things to see and do.
If you want to hit up a festival during your visit, plan your trip around June 21st when the Fete de la Musique takes place. Enjoy all-night partying and dancing with live concerts taking place in the streets of several towns along the Riviera.
Antigua
If one were to think that prices would be higher when traveling to a hot, sunny destination in June, one would be wrong when it comes to Antigua! That’s right; you’ll spend less on attractions and hotels in June despite enjoying temperatures in the high 20s.
This tropical island has its fair share of incredible sandy beaches but there are many other must-see attractions as well. Be sure to check out Shirley Heights Lookout, Nelson’s Dockyard, Devil’s Bridge National Park, Stingray City Antigua and Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.
Basel, Switzerland
Come June, the temperatures in Basel are warming up and reaching the low 20s. This charming artsy town is popular with travelers interested in the arts because the world-renowned art festival Liste Art Fair takes place in mid-June.
During the first three weeks in June, the Groove Now Blues Festival also takes place in Basel. Unique architecture is another top draw here with some homes and buildings dating back to the 13th century. Want to check out the sights? The Gothic Cathedral of Basel Minster, the Fine Arts Museum Basel, Zoo Basel, Museum Tinguely and Tinguely Fountain are all worth checking out.
Switzerland Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
Nashville, USA
Nashville, Tennessee is known for many things – like Music City or the Hippest City in the South. It’s one of the top cities to visit in the United States and has rose in popularity in just the last 10 years.
The top event that draws people in June is the Country Music Association’s yearly festival that sees the downtown district turned into a giant party. When not partying it up at a festival, there are many great cafes and restaurants to check out downtown.
Some of the city’s must-see attractions include the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the Johnny Cash Museum and Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery.
Fiji
High season has yet to start in June in Fiji so those beautiful, sandy beaches the island nation is known for are free of tourist crowds! But that’s not the only good reason to visit this time of year. Prices for hotels and all-inclusive packages are at their lowest and the weather is just right with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Besides lounging on the beach, visitors enjoy a wide variety of activities including hiking, golfing, shopping and exploring the vibrant towns. Some of the top attractions in Fiji include Kula Wild Adventure Park, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Tavoro Falls, Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, Sabeto Hot Spring and Mud Pool and the Lavena Coastal Walk.
Warsaw, Poland
If you thought eastern and central Europe experienced cooler temperatures than other areas of Europe during the spring and summer months, think again! Warsaw sees highs of around 22°C during June which is perfect weather for exploring this unique and historic city and for attending the lively parties the city is known for including the Orange Warsaw Festival.
If you’re interested in some of the city’s top attractions, check out The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw Uprising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Copernicus Science Centre, Palace on the Isle and Museum of King Jan III’s Palace.
Prague, Czech Republic
June is festival season in Prague and that means visitors from all over travel to the city to take part in the festivities and it also means the prices for airfare and hotels are lower. The weather is half-decent this time of year too with temperatures averaging around 21°C.
This is perfect weather for attending festivals such as Prague Rocks and the Metronome Festival. It’s also perfect weather for exploring the city’s top attractions which include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Petrin Tower and Lennon Wall.
Rwanda
Perhaps you’ve never thought of Rwanda as a destination for a vacation but in recent years, this East African country has become a top destination in the world. Rwanda is easily one of the best places to visit in Africa and there are more reasons than just the dry, hot weather to go there in June!
One of the top things to do in the country is gorilla tracking, but so many other things make Rwanda such an amazing place to visit. Explore the trendy capital of Kigali, where you’ll dine in top restaurants, hang out at the beaches along Lake Kivu and visit top attractions including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Inema Arts Centre and Niyo Arts Gallery.
Every June, the Gorilla Naming Ceremony takes place, and this is a popular event for both locals and visitors who can help choose a name for a baby gorilla.
Alaska
In June, Alaska doesn’t get super hot. After all, it is very far north so cooler temperatures are expected. Temperatures usually average 16 to 20°C, but it’s the 18 hours of sunlight that make June a great time to visit.
The long days mean you have more time to enjoy hiking, exploring in the great outdoors and visiting attractions such as Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska SeaLife Center, Museum of the North and Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
Many festivals also take place in June including The Sitka Chamber Music Festival, Chickenstock Music Festival, and Fairbanks Summer Folk Fest.
San Sebastian, Spain
What is San Sebastian like in June? Well, it’s sunny, it’s warm and the rain is infrequent. Although it’s the start of the busy season, there are not nearly as many people around as there are later in the season.
With temperatures averaging around 21°C in the daytime, swimming, sunbathing and surfing at beautiful Playa de la Concha are popular ways to spend the day. Come evening, bar hopping along the city’s old streets or enjoying a late meal of delicious tapas is the perfect way to end the day.
Some of the city’s top attractions include the Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral, San Telmo Museum and Palacio Miramar. If you happen to be around on June 23rd, you can take part in the lively festivities of San Juan Day.
FUN Facts About Spain You Should Know!
Andaman Islands
If 30°C and sunny is the kind of weather you like on vacation, the Andaman Islands may just be the perfect place for you in June. And as a bonus, you won’t have to deal with high-season crowds!
This island paradise is made up of many islands full of white, sandy beaches including Radhanagar which many say is the most scenic beach in all of Asia. Besides stunning beaches, there are many other attractions in the region including the Cellular Jail Museum and the Naval Marine Museum Samudrika.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always ALLBIRDS! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See why you should get a travel credit card and how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
Travel More
Now that we’ve narrowed down the best places to visit in June, let’s explore other months!
- The Best Places to Visit in January
- The Best Places to Visit in February
- The Best Places to Visit in March
- The Best Places to Visit in April
- The Best Places to Visit in May
- The Best Places to Visit in July
- The Best Places to Visit in August
- The Best Places to Visit in September
- The Best Places to Visit in October
- The Best Places to Visit in November
- The Best Places to Visit in December
