21 BEST Places To Visit In June

June is always a reliable time to travel! It’s one of those months you can find about anything you want, as long you’re still not craving winter. Not that it should be a problem, as most of us are more than happy to welcome the warm weather of the Northern Hemisphere. Destinations such as Alaska, South Korea, Antigua, Prague, and Iceland have ideal weather in June.

It’s the perfect month whether you want to surf in the South Pacific, sunbathe in France, or hike in the Andes. Many of the Northern Hemisphere’s beaches are starting to enjoy warm weather and water, so it’s a great time for a beach vacation. June is a great time to enjoy the warm weather before the full summer crowds arrive in July and August. Here are some of the best places to visit in June.

The Best Places to Visit in June

Ring Road, Iceland

No destination feels more like visiting another planet than Iceland, and we’d say that includes Antarctica! The truth is Iceland’s landscape can be found nowhere else. A mixture of hot springs, glaciers, wet deserts, lava fields, and a dizzying amount of waterfalls makes Iceland an adventure destination dream. Add to that Iceland’s charming and quirky culture with a love for hot springs that keeps visitors returning for more. Some of our favorite hot springs include Hvammsvik, Vök, and Reykjadalur.

Natasha Sits In A Field In Front Of A Waterfall In Icleand

June is what many locals consider to be the best time to visit Iceland. Weather is relatively stable by Iceland standards, and you’ll likely see a few sunny days on a trip to the country. Days are incredibly long in Iceland, and on June 21st, Reykjavik experiences the Midnight Sun. Even after the sun sets, it sits just below the horizon, so the country never truly sees night through most of the month. Photographers will rejoice as it provides incredibly long “golden hours” with amazing light.

With the daylight and decent weather, it’s a great time to drive the famed Ring Road. The highway circumnavigates the island nation and stops by many of the country’s highlights. It’s not a long drive, 14 hours, but we recommend visitors plan for at least a week to drive the road.

The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks

The natural wonders of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are astounding. They are arguably some of the most idealistic landscapes in the world and make for a hiker’s and climber’s paradise. The most famous park, Banff National Park, continues to grow in popularity thanks to the incredibly photogenic Moraine Lake. The lake can only be accessed from June to October. June allows access to the lake while avoiding the worst crowds of summer that arrive in July and August. Other spectacular alpine lakes include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Emerald Lake, and Bow Lake.

A View Of Spray Lakes From Tent Ridge At Golden Hour

The Canadian Rockies are a lot more than just Banff National Park, as the mountain range is largely protected through a series of national and provincial parks that are all interconnected. These include Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper National Park, Kananaskis Country, Mount Assiniboine, Mount Robson, and Height Of The Rockies Provincial Parks. It all adds up to a sprawling amount of natural spaces home to abundant wildlife. It’s all easily accessible from the wonderful resort towns of Banff, Canmore, and Jasper.

*We have a home in Canmore and may be slightly biased about how much we love this place! For more information, check out The Banff Blog, which covers Banff and Western Canada.

Peru

Peru is the quintessential destination for those looking to explore the Andes Mountains. No visitor’s trip to the country is complete without the classic Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most incredible wonders, along with many other Incan sites and trails for visitors to explore. However, there is much more to Peru than the former Incan Empire. The country has a fantastic coastline with surf, the Amazon River, a vast swath of rainforest, and historic colonial towns.

Peru experiences dry winter months in comparison to its rainy, hot summers. It’s one of the driest times of the year in Peru, so it’s excellent for hikers. It’s also a tremendous time to visit Andes sites like Cusco, Machu Picchu, and other historical sights. It’s a dry and sunny month for Peru’s coastal regions and the deserts. Temperatures on average for the highlands are still 16°C, but nights are cold, so pack accordingly!

Sicily, Italy

Natasha At The Blue Grotto On Island of Favignana Off Coast Of Sicily

If you’re after a reliable beach destination heavy on culture, food, and historic sites, look no further than the Italian island of Sicily. It sits at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, with a fascinating history that spans thousands with countless stories.

Some popular destinations in Sicily include Taormina, Mt Etna, Noto, Syracuse, Cefalu, Castellammare del Golfo, Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro, Palermo, Trapani, Erice, and the Valley of the Temples. There are just so many things to do in Sicily that it’s little wonder that visitors make frequent repeat visits to the island.

June marks the start of summer and the perfect time to enjoy the island’s tremendous beaches. It’s a tremendous time to enjoy warm and sunny weather before the full crush of summer crowds arrives in July and August. If you don’t mind brisk water, it’s a great time to swim — we’ve even been swimming comfortably in May.

Hvar, Croatia

Croatia’s dramatic coastline continues to increase in popularity thanks to its historic Venetian towns and deep blue Adriatic waters. One of the highlights of their coastline is the island of Hvar, with its lavender fields, craggy bays, and historic marina. It’s a refined island with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe that offers heritage and history.

The welcoming atmosphere on the sun-drenched island of Hvar is renowned, attracting celebrities like Beyonce, Prince Harry, Brad Pitt, and Tom Cruise, who have made waves with their visits on private yachts. From its seaside restaurants and beach clubs, you can dine on fresh Adriatic seafood and party late into the next morning.

Drone Shot Of Island of Coast Of Hvar Croatia

When not wining and dining, hike along ancient goat paths to abandoned villages, sunbathe au naturel in secretive coves, or race along dirt roads. Like much of the Croatian coast, the island is known for its hedonistic culture. 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 early so you don’t get priced out.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

“The Kruger,” as South Africans know it, is one of the world-renowned national parks to spot wildlife. It is the quintessential park to have a wildlife safari in South Africa. This is largely due to the park’s humongous size, roughly the size of Israel, and visitors are almost guaranteed to spot the “Big Five” in one day. Of course, there are more than five famous animals, as Kruger is home to approximately 517 birds, 147 mammals, and 118 reptiles.

Visitors can also choose from a huge range of budget and accommodation options. Kruger and the connected conservancies have everything from self-catered rondavels to six-star luxury lodges where no want goes unmet. One of its greatest strengths is the ability for guests to arrange a visit to the park without the costs involved in a traditional safari.

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 with all the creature comforts of the West, Kruger National Park is the one for you.

From May to October, the dry season is the best time to visit the Kruger National Park. This is due to the sparse vegetation making animals easier to spot, particularly around the watering holes, as water is limited. June is Kruger’s coldest month, but it is one of the best for wildlife viewing and stable weather. So be sure to pack a warm jacket for chilly morning game drives.

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; you will see why as you see it yourself. 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 at 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 day’s heat!

Milos, Greece

Natasha On A Unique Rock Formation Of Sarakiniko Beach

The Greek island of Milos is having a moment as more visitors look to escape the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos while remaining in the idealistic Cycladic Islands. It contains an interesting mix of hidden natural coves, wild landscapes, beaches, seaside towns, and historic sites. A day here is often spent lounging in a rocky cove, followed by a seaside restaurant and a sundown drink at a hip bar in the main town.

For a small island, it has some impressive gastronomic chops. Most notable is its fresh seafood and cheese. The island has long been famed within Greece for its goats that produce various delectable cheeses such as Misíthra and Melichloro. It makes for tremendous salads, a delicious accompaniment to freshly baked bread. Pair that with freshly stewed fava beans, local goat, or fresh seafood, and you’re in for a treat. Some amazing local restaurants to check out include O! Hamos! Tavern, Medusa, and Enalion.

Natasha Sits Alone On Church At Sunset On Milos

Milos’s history is also significant, with a historic amphitheater on the island and the origin of the famed statue Venus de Milo that now sits in The Louvre. However, the island’s natural beauty is the show’s real star, with its azure waters and the famed Sarakiniko Beach, which feels like another planet. 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, but the peak summer crowds in July and August haven’t arrived yet.

The BEST Things To Do In Milos, Greece

Scotland

Thanks to its warm locals, culturally rich history, and rugged landscapes, Scotland holds a special place in hearts. It’s one of our favorite places to travel; we know we’ll always return. The country welcomes the arrival of summer with more mild weather in June. Make no mistake, the weather remains unpredictable, but the longer daylight hours provide ample opportunity to explore Scotland’s remarkable landscapes, such as the Cairngorms, Outer Hebrides, Highlands, and Orkney Islands. Its landscapes and coastlines offer many experiences, such as hiking, biking, climbing, horseback riding, and even surfing.

City Center Street Of Edinburgh At Suset

It’s not just the countryside that allures travelers, as Scotland’s cities are just as vibrant. Edinburgh and Glasgow are historical cities that host plenty of festivals, events, and outdoor activities in the summer. Temperatures range from the average temperatures 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 get scattered showers with clouds to make your vacation photos moodier. It’s the ideal time to enjoy Scotland’s history and warm hospitality.

25 Scotland Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go

Hokkaido, Japan

Biei Flowers In June On Island Of Hokkaido

Japan is often described as an attack on the senses as its most popular attractions remain in its cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Despite having the largest metropolitan area in the world, the country has no shortage of green spaces, as most of it is forested. The Japanese have long revered nature as Shintoism, the country’s primary religion, places great importance on the harmony of natural spaces and spirits. This is apparent when visiting destinations such as the ancient pilgrimage trek, Kumano Kodo.

However, June marks the beginning of the summer monsoon season on the main island of Honshu. This means that for the best weather, travelers should head to the northern island of Hokkaido. The countryside of Hokkaido is remarkable, with serene farm life, breathtaking volcanoes, and sweeping forests. Most notable during this period is Biei, in which flower farms bloom across rolling hills. Those still after the city experience in Japan will find immense enjoyment in the island’s cities, such as Sapporo, Hakodate, and Otaru. Sapporo has to be one of my favorite cities in Japan for its culinary delights and incredible seafood.

Wilmington, North Carolina

I’ll always encourage people to visit one of the best places in North Carolina! Wilmington has a lot to offer visitors who want a beautiful beach destination on the East Coast. The Port City offers a historic waterfront with colonial streets, buildings, and homes, along with a burgeoning brewery and restaurant scene that is sure to win over visitors.

Beyond downtown, there are plenty of other things to do in Wilmington. It has a gorgeous coastline, a thriving college, and sights to entertain visitors for days, such as Airlie Gardens. Make sure to head to Wrightsville and Carolina Beach, and once you get to Carolina Beach, keep driving to Kure Beach. Enjoy the June weather, though, because this is essentially the last bearable month of summer.

July and August are absolutely brutal temperatures and humidity 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. We’re slightly biased in selecting Wilmington as it is our alma mater and family home.

Innsbruck, Austria

Natasha Stands In The Old Town Of Innsbruck

The “Jewel of The Austrian Alps,” or Innsbruck, is a city set at the base of the Nordkette, a towering stretch of mountain peaks. The tower of the historic city offers easy access for those seeking big alpine adventures. It’s not much of a surprise that many outdoor sports companies have chosen to set up headquarters here. However, it’s not all about big mountain adventures as the city’s old town, palaces, museums, and cafes will tide over the more relaxed crowd.

Its historic old town is a vivid display of Hapsburg imperial heritage with an astounding amount of Gothic Architecture that dates back to the 12th century. Walking the city streets feels like stepping back in time, and they hold a wealth of sites. Some of our favorite attractions include the Golden Roof, Ambras Castle, Catedral de Santiago, Das Tirol Panorama Museum, Nordkette Cable Car, Innsbrucker Hofgarten, and Alpenzoo, which is the highest zoo on the continent.

The incredible mountain scenery of Innsbruck can be enjoyed all year round. However, if cold, snowy weather is not part of your vacation plans, visiting this European city in the Alps in June is best 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 scenery views.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital city of Copenhagen comes alive in the summer months. June means long sunlit days and pleasant weather perfect for exploring the city’s picturesque streets and waterfronts. Like Amsterdam, the city is famed for its extensive network of canals lined with stately Renaissance homes. The Danes provide an excellent selection of bakeries, theaters, cafes, museums, restaurants, art galleries, and crafters.

It’s an exceptional place to enjoy the hygge, a Scandinavian term that describes the feeling of comfort and contentment — like a good cup of coffee in a quaint setting. Copenhagen is a hip city that never seems to take itself too seriously. You can even travel to Europe’s most famous amusement, the historic Tivoli Gardens. June brings about plenty of blooming flowers, which makes for the ideal time to enjoy the park and city gardens.

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. It’s the most inviting time of year to visit Copenhagen and makes for an ideal stop.

Fiji

If you’re searching for a tropical island escape, it’s hard to find a better fit than Fiji. Its 333 islands cater well to visitors after sparkling blue water, white sand beaches, and luxurious resorts. Divers and anyone who loves to snorkel will appreciate the archipelago’s fantastic coral reefs. While adventurous surfers can find some incredible surf breaks.

Fiji is truly a unique destination worldwide, thanks to its remoteness. The closest destination to Fiji is New Zealand’s North Island, which is 1,300 miles away. This means that the island’s culture remains distinctly Fijian, who act as excellent hosts with fantastic hospitality. Fijians are proud of their cultural identity and happy to share it with island visitors.

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.

Provence, France

Tasha Looks Out From Eze Over Cote D'Azure

The southern coast of France sees no shortage of travelers, and it’s far from a unique destination. However, the Luberon mountains, hilltop villages, rolling lavender fields, and a staggeringly beautiful coastline have kept Provence popular for centuries. Its scenic landscapes have inspired artists such as Van Gogh. Those landscapes are renowned come June as the rolling hills of lavender farms explode in a fragrant sea of purple flowers.

The history here is rich, and its stunning landscape is blessed with vineyards and fine restaurants. Its coastline is a stop for the world’s most elite jet-setters and celebrities who descend on the coast for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix in April/May. We’ve never seen so many mega-yachts. However, once the events are over, June is the ideal time to visit before the full crush of the crowds arrives in July and August.

Our favorite destinations in Provence are Eze, Gordes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Casis, Saint-Tropez, Carrières des Lumières, and Roussillon. Provence’s greatest weakness is its popularity, as both French and international visitors rightfully love the destination. Unfortunately, that means bumper-to-bumper traffic on its highways and sky-high prices for accommodation in the high season.

If you want to hit up a festival during your visit, plan your trip around June 21^st, when the Fete de la Musique takes place. Enjoy all-night partying and dancing with live concerts in the streets of several towns along the Riviera.

Antigua

June is a surprisingly great time to visit the Caribbean, especially islands like Antigua. The island’s lush landscapes are at their most vibrant, with the rainy season bringing a burst of greenery and blooming flowers. Antigua has stunning beaches, historic sites, and a lively culture that serves delicious cuisine. The island has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year! Meanwhile, snorkelers and divers will love the island’s clear blue waters and abundant marine life.

It’s already well known for its more relaxed vibes than its sister island, Barbuda, and June is the ideal shoulder month to find a deal and enjoy fewer crowds. When not on the beach, visitors can check out the views from Shirley Heights or learn about the history of Nelson’s Dockyard. We love the Caribbean, but it pays to visit in the shoulder months like June.

South Korea

Few countries can rival South Korea‘s success with music, TV, and film cultural exports. Seoul is having a moment in the limelight, but given its size, there is a lot to explore for travelers in South Korea. Its buzzing modern cities have captured the world’s attention, but there’s much more to the country with its long history and dramatic volcanic coastline. Ancient Buddhist temples dot its charming countryside and are tranquil destinations for the spiritual.

Cameron Drinking Soju At A Korean Barbecue Restaurant

The food here is a serious business thanks to its fusion of various Asian cuisines with stands out such as Korean BBQ, gimbap, bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi. We firmly believe everyone needs to experience a true Korean barbecue on a charcoal grill with soju. When you’re not eating your way around the country, there is a dizzying amount of things to do, sights to see, excellent shopping opportunities, and cultural sites to explore.

Cameron And Natasha In Front Of Busan Tower Sign

June is the ideal time to visit the country as the country experiences cold winters and chilly springs/autumns. Summer is a warm time to travel in South Korea, but it’s also the wettest time of year, with frequent summer monsoon rains. May to June is the best time to visit for ideal weather to explore the country’s outdoors and soak up the vibe in its cities like Busan.

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 continues to grow in popularity for travelers. The big event that draws people in June is the Country Music Association Awards. The award ceremony hosts concerts of new and upcoming artists and its biggest stars. Live music is a facet of the city, and even outside of the festival, there is almost always a show taking place in one of the city’s bars.

Restaurants serve classic Southern staples – most notable is the city’s famous hot chicken. It’s more than fried chicken and country music; the city’s other nickname is the Athens of the South. Its second nickname comes from the city’s many universities that bring progressive ideas into the mix.

The city has no shortage of innovative restaurants, breweries, event spaces, museums, and cafes to explore — especially as a weekend getaway. Some more of the city’s top attractions include the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the Johnny Cash Museum, and Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery.

Prague, Czech Republic

June is the festival season in Prague, which means visitors from all over travel to the city to participate in the festivities. Mild temperatures make it an ideal time to stroll the city’s famed historic streets with medieval architecture. The city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, enjoy warm sunshine with the peak summer crowds. We love the city’s outdoor cafes and riverside restaurants, perfect for enjoying long summer days.

With its charming ambiance and favorable climate, Prague in June provides an inviting backdrop for a memorable European getaway. Beyond Prague, you can find plenty of gems around Central Europe. Cities such as Vienna, Budapest, and Dresden are all within a few hour’s train ride.

The picturesque Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a wonderful day trip option, showcasing a well-preserved medieval old town. June is the best month to cruise down the Danube River, but they’re often a costly endeavor — which can be done independently with train and hotels.

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 travel in Africa, and there are more reasons than just the dry, hot weather to go there in June! The country’s nickname is the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and that’s evident after a glimpse across its verdant landscape.

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 locals and visitors who can help choose a name for a baby gorilla. Almost every traveler to Rwanda will visit the famed Volcanoes National Park, home to habituated mountain gorillas. After a trek through the thick jungle, travelers will spend an hour observing the wild gorilla family. There are few experiences as soul-stirring as looking into the eyes of some human’s closest genetic relatives — it’s humbling.

Alaska

Alaska is like another country compared to the rest of the United States. It contains the country’s most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes. The glaciated St. Elias Mountains are the highest coastal mountain range on earth and tower over the state’s coastline. Adventure seekers will appreciate the long daylight hours for hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking. It all culminates with the midnight sun towards the end of the month.

The state’s wildlife is particularly active during this period, providing perfect opportunities to spot bears, moose, whales, and various bird species. It’s a great time to tackle the state’s scenic drives along the iconic Alaska Highway, venture into Denali National Park to see Mount Denali, or explore the stunning Kenai Fjords.

Many festivals also occur in June, including The Sitka Chamber Music Festival, Chickenstock Music Festival, and Fairbanks Summer Folk Fest. Alaska is America’s Last Frontier, and that still remains true. Alaska’s vast, untamed wilderness makes for an ideal summer escape.

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 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!

21 BEST Places to Visit in June