The Best Places to Visit in June for a Dream Holiday
From tropical islands to vibrant cities, here are the best places for a June getaway
~
June is a fantastic month to travel. In Europe, temperatures are already warm, but you can make it before the extortionate July and August holiday prices. In the southern hemisphere, the heat is bearable, and the beaches are still quiet - that's what we call a win-win. If you're wondering where to travel in June, then look no further than this guide - we are travel experts here at Plum Guide after all, and have all the answers. Whether you want to tick off bucket list destinations like Machu Picchu or the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the sand in Fiji or Barbados, or get a dose of culture in world-class cities like New York or Osaka, we've got you covered. Read on for our guide to the very best places to visit in June.
Berlin, Germany
A view of the Berlin Government Building next to a canal in summer, Berlin, Germany
It’s difficult to give a definitive answer to the question ‘where is the best place to travel to in June?’, but Berlin undoubtedly deserves a spot high on our list. Summer in Germany’s capital marks the start of the season for filling beer gardens, swimming in lakes, and attending events such as street festivals, parades, and the famous Fête de la Musique open-air music festival. As one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.
Woodshop, Plum Guide home in Berlin
Machu Picchu, Peru
A llama on a hill in front of the famous Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Peru
Clear skies and mild temperatures make June a fantastic time to visit this ancient Incan city. Tourist season hasn’t peaked yet, so you’ll just manage to avoid the worst of the crowds. The most common way to get to this architectural wonder is by train, but if you’re feeling extra fit and adventurous, why not hike the famous four-day Inca Trail?
Alicante, Spain
A staircase in a narrow street with red and yellow decorations, Alicante, Spain
If you’re wondering where to travel in June, and hoping for a promise of endless sea and sand (with a sprinkling of history and culture), then Alicante is your best bet. Set on the Costa Blanca, this port city is great for wandering round cobblestone streets, exploring museums and churches in the morning, before swimming or relaxing on the beach with a cold cerveza in the afternoon.
Food For Thought, Plum Guide home in Alicante, Spain
Fiji
A view of small boats on the clear water by the sand at Dravuni Island, Fiji
June is Fiji’s ‘winter’, but you can still don your swimsuit as temperatures hover in the mid-twenties. The bright blue waters surrounding the archipelago are at their best around this time of year, with great visibility making it ideal for snorkelling and diving. The cooler weather also makes for some epic sunsets - mark the perfect end to a busy day on Fiji’s pristine white beaches.
Barbados
An aerial view of clear white sand a bright blue water at Crane Beach, Barbados
Want to visit Barbados but don’t want to break the bank? June is the perfect month, as there are fewer tourists and lower flight prices. And although you could spend all your time on beaches here, you’ll find plenty of other fun activities - try a rum tasting or cocktail making workshop at the Mount Gay Visitor Center. Alternatively, feast on local cuisine like cou-cou and flying fish, and enjoy exploring the island’s lush rainforest.
Life In The Slow Lane, Plum Guide home in Barbados
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
A bird's eye view of waves rolling onto the shore at Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
This curve of soft sand on Sri Lanka’s east coast is home to one of the best surf spots in the country. This small, sleepy area is the ultimate laid-back beach getaway, with everything dotted along a single coastal road. Nearby Kumana National Park offers the chance to spot leopards, elephants, and crocodiles - or choose to stay put in a hammock at the beachside restaurants and bungalows.
New York City, USA
An aerial view of Central Park surrounded by buildings and skyscrapers, New York, USA
Although there’s no bad time to visit the Big Apple, the start of summer is particularly ideal. There's no shortage of things to do in June - whether that’s festivals, summer concerts, or even sports events. Even if all you end up doing is seeking out al fresco dining and rooftop bars (some offer incredible vantage points), it’s still a trip well spent.
The Glow Lamp, Plum Guide home in New York, USA
Kyrgyzstan
A white yurt hut overlooking green mountains in summer, Kyrgyzstan
If you’re on the lookout for unique destinations, Kyrgyzstan offers a rich history, incredible architecture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Once you’ve explored the capital of Bishkek, head out to the mountainous area of Naryn for the Kyrgyz Shyrdagy Festival - which celebrates the ancient Kyrgyz art of felt carpet making. June is a great month to experience the start of the whitewater rafting season too, and the perfect time to take on the country’s low-altitude hiking trails.
Provence, France
A view of small castle ruins in a large, purple lavender field at sunset, Provence, France
Known for its diverse landscapes, Provence is a canvas of rolling vineyards, pine forests, olive groves, and of course, the famous lavender fields. Mid-June is the start of the flowering season for lavender, so come with an empty suitcase to fill with the homemade souvenirs you can pick up from the lavender farms. Head south to find the sparkling Côte d'Azur, with its glamorous towns of Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
The French Effect, Plum Guide home in Provence, France
Niagara Falls, Canada
A view of a large waterfall from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls can be quite cold outside of the summer months, so June is an ideal time to visit. Straddling the border between the US and Canada, there are many ways to see one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Get up close on a boat excursion (be prepared to get more than a little wet), enjoy a bird’s-eye view from the Niagara SkyWheel, or join a walking tour to experience the falls from the ground.
Opatija, Croatia
A view of a small coastal village by the Adriatic Sea, Opatija, Croatia
If you want to see Croatia beyond Dubrovnik and Split, head to the coastal resort town of Opatija on the Adriatic Sea. Once a popular health resort for Austro-Hungarian nobility in the 19th century, the town is dotted with elegant Habsburg-era villas lining the well-kept beaches. Stroll along the promenade for views of neighbouring islands, or relax in the remarkable gardens of the Renaissance Revival style Villa Angiolina.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
An aerial view of bright blue water and grey rock formations, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Northeastern Australia’s dry season is the ideal time to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Although June is the winter season, you’ll still get warm weather and clear waters - perfect for snorkelling and diving. Cairns is a great city to base yourself, or you can opt for sailing around the Whitsunday Islands for some jaw-dropping scenery.
Rome, Italy
A view of the Colosseum in front of a blue sky in the evening sun, Rome, Italy
June is the start of summer, and the Eternal City is the best place to start your Italian adventure. Festa della Repubblica is one of the biggest national festivals in Italy, celebrated in early June each year. Rome really pulls out the stops when it comes to celebrating - you’ll witness official ceremonies, music performances, a military parade, an aerobatic show, and many more events around the city.
La Vetreria, Plum Guide home in Rome, Italy
Rwanda
A view of a small boa sailing on Lake Kivu at sunset, Rwanda
If you have gorilla trekking on your bucket list, then Rwanda is the place to be. June marks the start of the dry season (i.e. trekking season), so this is the best time to get your permit for Volcanoes National Park. Lush green rainforest protects the slopes of the Virungas mountain range - home to the endangered mountain gorilla, and a rich mix of grassland, swamp, heath, and bamboo forest.
Paros, Greece
Pink flowers by a white cottage with blue windows in Paros, Greece
Alongside neighbouring islands like Santorini or Mykonos, Paros feels like a truly authentic Greek island. Think beaches with crystal clear waters, Byzantine footpaths, and picturesque traditional villages. When you’re not lounging in the sun or trying out water sports, wander up into the mountains, to admire the whitewashed village of Lefkes. Surrounded by pine forests and olive groves, the village offers spectacular views of the island and beyond.
The Island Spring, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Singapore
A view of skyscrapers and a large ferris wheel behind a large body of water, Singapore
Wondering where to travel in June that offers non-stop entertainment? Welcome to Singapore. This island country and city-state is famously home to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, a treetop walk and indoor waterfall, centuries-old temples, casinos, museums, and galleries, extraordinary gardens, and impressive architecture. You’ll also find some of the best food in the world, from the country’s renowned hawker centres to the colourful eateries on the iconic East Coast Road.
Padstow, England
An aerial view of Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps in the sea at sunset, Padstow, Cornwall, England, UK
This charming fishing port on Cornwall’s north coast is a wonderful place for anyone seeking a seaside break in June. It’s surrounded by glorious sandy beaches, picturesque coastal walks, and fun days out - think wildlife boat trips, and the National Lobster Hatchery. With its reputation as a foodie destination (thanks to its association with celebrity chef Rick Stein), you’ll want to come hungry.
A Cornish Romance, Plum Guide home in Padstow, Cornwall, UK
Quito, Ecuador
A large white building, the Plaza de San Francisco, in old town Quito, Ecuador at sunset
High in the Andean foothills, Ecuador’s capital city is often overlooked in favour of the more popular Galapagos Islands. But with its well-preserved colonial centre boasting a vast array of historic churches, museums, and cobbled streets (not to mention its proximity to national parks, volcanoes, and wildlife), it’s definitely not one to miss. Foodies will particularly love Quito, as it has a blossoming culinary scene which really focuses on traditional ingredients.
Zermatt, Switzerland
A red train driving over a bridge between mountains in Zermatt, Switzerland
Although it’s not quite ski season in June, don’t dismiss Zermatt just yet. The summer months are great for hiking amongst the colourful wildflowers, mountain biking down scenic trails, or indulging in traditional Swiss delicacies. The town itself is packed with charms, with traditional chalets, luxury shopping outlets, high-end restaurants, chic bars, and plenty of live music spots lining cobblestone streets.
The Rocky Raccoon, Plum Guide home in Switzerland
Osaka, Japan
An aerial view of skyscrapers and unique walls in the city Osaka, Japan
One of Japan's finest cities, Osaka offers the best of both Japanese worlds - modern shopping streets, skyscrapers and bustling districts lit by neon lights, as well as historic temples and traditional culture. Osaka is nicknamed the ‘Nation’s Kitchen’, so make sure you try the city’s local dishes - indulge in okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes), and kushi katsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables).
