June marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, offering travellers an excellent opportunity to explore new destinations under favourable weather conditions. Whether you are seeking cultural experiences, natural beauty, or affordable travel options, June provides a perfect window for your adventures. Additionally, many destinations are less crowded compared to the peak summer months of July and August, offering a more relaxed experience. For the budget-conscious traveller, June can also mean lower costs for flights and accommodation before the summer rush begins.
As you plan your trip, it is crucial to secure international travel insurance for a safe and hassle-free experience. When travelling abroad, especially to multiple countries, international travel insurance is essential. It covers a range of potential issues, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. With the right insurance, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you're protected against unforeseen circumstances.
This comprehensive guide explores the best countries to visit in June, ensuring your holiday is both memorable and secure.
Top 20 destinations to visit in June
June is an ideal time for travel, offering pleasant weather and various cultural events worldwide. Here are twenty of the best countries to visit in June, along with their unique attractions:
Italy: With warm weather and fewer crowds, Italy in June is perfect for exploring the historical sites of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, and the picturesque hills of Tuscany. Enjoy local festivals and the beginning of the summer tourist season.
- Places to visit: Rome, Venice, Tuscany
- Things to do: Explore ancient ruins, gondola rides, vineyard tours
France: June in France means blooming lavender fields in Provence, outdoor cafés in Paris, and vibrant festivals. The French Riviera is especially alluring with its sunny beaches and azure waters.
- Places to visit: Paris, French Riviera, Loire Valley
Things to do: Eiffel Tower visit, beach relaxation, wine tasting tours
Spain: Spain offers a mix of cultural events and natural beauty. Enjoy the bustling cities of Madrid and Barcelona, the traditional festivals like La Patum, and the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol.
- Places to visit: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville
- Things to do: Visit Gaudí’s architecture, Flamenco shows, enjoy tapas
Japan: Experience Japan’s serene beauty with hydrangea blooms and fewer tourists. Visit Tokyo’s modern attractions, Kyoto’s historic temples, and Hokkaido’s stunning natural landscapes.
- Places to visit: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido
- Things to do: Temple visits, cherry blossom viewing, hot spring baths
Canada: June in Canada is perfect for outdoor adventures. Explore the vibrant city life in Vancouver, the majestic Rockies in Banff National Park, and the historic charm of Quebec City.
- Places to visit: Vancouver, Banff, Montreal
- Things to do: Hiking, wildlife spotting, cultural festivals
Greece: Greece offers idyllic island getaways and ancient ruins. Enjoy the warm but not scorching weather in Athens, the stunning views in Santorini, and the vibrant nightlife in Mykonos.
- Places to visit: Athens, Santorini, Crete
- Things to do: Acropolis tour, island hopping, beach partie
Portugal: Portugal’s mild June weather is ideal for exploring Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, Porto’s wine cellars, and the Algarve’s beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the Festas de Lisboa celebrations.
- Places to visit: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve
- Things to do: Tram rides, wine tours, coastal walks
Iceland: With nearly 24 hours of daylight, June in Iceland is perfect for exploring its unique landscapes. Visit Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and relax in the Blue Lagoon under the midnight sun.
- Places to visit: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon
- Things to do: Geothermal spa visits, glacier tours, northern lights spotting
Australia: While June marks the start of winter in Australia, it’s an excellent time to visit the northern regions. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy Sydney’s attractions, and venture into the Outback.
- Places to visit: Sydney, Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef
- Things to do: Harbour Bridge climb, cultural events, scuba diving
New Zealand: New Zealand’s winter offers stunning scenery and fewer tourists. Visit Queenstown for winter sports, explore Wellington’s cultural sites, and take in the breathtaking Fiordland National Park.
- Places to visit: Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua
- Things to do: Adventure sports, Maori cultural experiences, geothermal exploration
Norway: June’s long days are perfect for exploring Norway’s fjords, mountains, and cities. Enjoy Oslo’s museums, Bergen’s coastal beauty, and take a scenic cruise through the fjords.
- Places to visit: Oslo, Bergen, Lofoten Islands
- Things to do: Take a scenic train ride on the Flåm Railway for breathtaking views, Cruise through the Norwegian fjords, hike to Trolltunga
Sweden: Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden with traditional festivities. Explore Stockholm’s archipelago, Gothenburg’s cultural attractions, and the natural beauty of Swedish Lapland.
- Places to visit: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Kiruna
- Things to do: Celebrate Midsummer’s Eve, boating around Stockholm, visit Abisko National Park
South Africa: June is ideal for wildlife viewing in South Africa. Visit Cape Town’s landmarks, go on a safari in Kruger National Park, and drive along the scenic Garden Route.
- Places to visit: Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg
- Things to do: Safari tours, wine tasting, historical site visits
Ireland: Ireland’s lush landscapes are at their best in June. Discover Dublin’s vibrant culture, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, and the scenic Ring of Kerry.
- Places to visit: Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney
- Things to do: Drive along the Ring of Kerry, experience traditional Irish music and dance in Galway’s pubs, visit the Giant's Causeway
Scotland: With pleasant weather and long daylight hours, Scotland is perfect for exploring. Visit Edinburgh’s historic sites, the Isle of Skye’s rugged beauty, and the mystical Loch Ness.
- Places to visit: Edinburgh, Isle of Skype, Loch Ness
- Things to do: Attend the Edinburgh International Film Festival, hike in the Cairngorms National Park, explore ancient ruins like Urquhart Castle
Turkey: Turkey offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Explore Istanbul’s rich heritage, Cappadocia’s unique landscapes, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus in comfortable weather.
- Places to visit: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya
- Things to do: Balloon rides, historical tours, beach activities
Croatia: June in Croatia means warm weather and clear waters. Explore Dubrovnik’s medieval charm, Split’s historical sites, and the stunning Plitvice Lakes.
- Places to visit: Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes
- Things to do: Coastal walks, historical tours, national park visits
Peru: June is the dry season in Peru, ideal for visiting Machu Picchu. Explore Cusco’s rich history, the Sacred Valley’s beauty, and Lima’s vibrant culture.
Switzerland: Switzerland’s pleasant June weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Hike in the Swiss Alps, explore Zurich’s cosmopolitan charm, and enjoy the lakeside beauty of Lucerne.
- Places to visit: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken
- Things to do: Mountain hiking, lake cruises, chocolate tasting
Netherlands: The Netherlands in June offers long daylight hours and vibrant culture. Wander through Amsterdam’s canals, visit the Keukenhof Gardens, and explore the picturesque village of Giethoorn.
- Places to visit: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague
- Things to do: Canal cruises, museum visits, tulip garden tours
Each of these countries offers unique experiences in June, from cultural festivals and historical sites to breath-taking natural landscapes, making it a fantastic month for global exploration.
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Best holiday destinations in June
Here’s a look at some of the best holiday destinations in June, considering cost, crowd levels, and visa requirements.
Italy:
- Cost: Moderate to high; accommodation and dining in major cities can be expensive.
- Crowds: Moderate; summer tourists start arriving but it’s less crowded than July and August.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens.
France:
- Cost: Moderate to high; Paris and the French Riviera are pricey, but countryside areas can be cheaper.
- Crowds: Moderate; popular attractions will have tourists, but it's not peak season.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens.
Spain:
- Cost: Moderate; varies by region, with coastal areas being more expensive.
- Crowds: Moderate; busy in cities like Barcelona, quieter in rural areas.
- Visa Requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens.
Japan:
- Cost: Moderate to high; Tokyo and Kyoto are expensive, rural areas less so.
- Crowds: Low to moderate; fewer tourists than during cherry blossom season.
- Visa requirements: Visa exemption for many countries for short stays; otherwise, a visa is required.
Canada:
- Cost: Moderate; major cities like Vancouver and Toronto are pricier.
- Crowds: Moderate; national parks can be busy, but there’s plenty of space.
- Visa requirements: Visa or eTA required for most non-citizens.
Greece:
- Cost: Moderate; islands can be more expensive than the mainland.
- Crowds: Moderate; not as crowded as peak summer months.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens.
Portugal:
- Cost: Moderate; Lisbon and Porto are affordable compared to other Western European cities.
- Crowds: Low to moderate; less crowded than July and August.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens.
Iceland:
- Cost: High; accommodation and food are expensive.
- Crowds: Low to moderate; summer tourists arrive, but it's manageable.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens.
Australia:
- Cost: Moderate to high; depends on the region, with Sydney and Melbourne being more expensive.
- Crowds: Low; winter season means fewer tourists, ideal for northern regions.
- Visa requirements: Visa required for most non-citizens.
New Zealand:
- Cost: Moderate; less expensive than Australia, but flights can be pricey.
- Crowds: Low; winter means fewer tourists.
- Visa requirements: Visa waiver for many countries; otherwise, a visa is required.
Each destination offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and activities, making June a perfect time to explore these places. Always check specific visa requirements and current travel advisories before planning your trip.
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