June is one of the most popular months for vacationing, and it's easy to see why. With school still in session in numerous countries around the world, you'll find many top destinations free from their usual crowds. June also sees moderate yet warm weather on both hemispheres, showering you in sunshine without all the blistering heat the height of summer brings. From Europe to Asia, the best international destinations to visit in June will guide you on a whirlwind adventure through local hustle and bustle, giving you a true taste of culture, color, and joy.
With average temperatures of 65 to 85°F and low rainfall, June is one of the best months to go diving in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Made up of almost 3,000 individual coral reefs, this natural wonder is home to numerous species of turtles, dolphins, sharks, and rays. Take a diving tour and you'll find a vibrant underwater world you never knew existed. That said, snorkeling isn't the only way to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Swap your fish-eye view for a special bird's-eye view with a helicopter tour of the Heart and Hook Reefs.
An unbelievable destination amidst the clouds, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru blends mountain ridges with dense jungle. June may be part of the high season in Machu Picchu, but you'll still find plenty of opportunities to ditch tourist experiences for local culture. Temperatures range from 50 to 80°F, which makes June perfect for hiking the picturesque Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu in comfort. Just be sure to reserve your trek tickets early, as no one wants to miss out on those incredible views. On your low-energy days, visits to the city's temples are the ideal place to snap photos and enrich your understanding of the world's history.
For a summer escapade that feels like a true adventure, go on safari at the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania when temperatures reach 60 to 80°F. This lively ecosystem is one of few places on Earth where you can see the big five in their natural habitat: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo. From camping tours to morning hikes to night drives, there are so many ways to explore this unpolluted landscape. For a taste of the awe-inspiring great migration, don't forget to head to the western corridor where the wildebeest herds mass before crossing the Grumeti River in July.
Most of Fiji's parades and festivals don't hit town until the later summer, but that's what makes a June visit to the Mamanuca Islands so perfect. As the weather reaches around 65 to 85°F, this beloved volcanic archipelago offers the perfect balance between dynamic and peaceful. At Qalito Island, also known as Castaway Island, you'll find pristine luxury, white sand beaches, and traditional yet comfortable lodgings. On Mana Island, on the other hand, you can cross "swimming with reef sharks" off your bucket list.
Known as the land of fairy chimneys, Turkey's magical city of Cappadocia is made up of stunning rock formations and incredible dwellings carved right into the stone itself. From the mystical underground city of Derinkuyu to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Cappadocia is filled with scenes that look like they were pulled straight from a fantasy fairy tale. Travel there in June to enjoy temperatures between 50 and 80°F, and don't miss the hot air balloon rides. If you think this Turkish city looks breathtaking from down below, just wait until you see the landscape from 3,000 feet aboveground.
Experience the unspoiled beauty of the Maldives—one of Asia's most stunning archipelagos. Filled with luxurious private island resorts, the Republic of Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime beach experience for travelers in search of a premium getaway. To experience the wonders of diving here without the adrenaline rush, take a peaceful submarine tour through shoals of fish, dolphins, and turtles in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In June, you can enjoy temperatures of around 80 to 90°F.
England may not be known for great weather, but June in Newport, Isle of Wight brings fairly moderate days with very little rainfall. The temperature ranges from around 55 to 65°F, making it ideal for those looking for a break from hot summer weather. To take in the rich history and stunning landscapes all at once, try a long walk along the coastal paths with the help of a tour guide. Along the way, don't hesitate to stop at one of the wind-blown beaches for a spot of rock pooling or an ice cream break. Alternatively, sail the coastline by boat, docking to explore tasty local restaurants and traditional English ale.
While winter brings a lot of visitors to Copenhagen, the summer is a great time to catch the city's festivals. Celebrated early each June, the Copenhagen Carnival is a diverse and high-spirited three-day event that draws in thousands of dancers and hundreds of bands. You'll get to hear music from around the world, from samba to electronica, and there are plenty of workshops and performances for children to enjoy, too. Once the festival ends, the 70°F days are perfect for chilling outside cozy neighborhood cafes. During the cool 55°F nights, stroll through the open-air markets along Nyhavn.
Indonesia's Central Java province is home to one of the most celebrated cities in South East Asia. Yogyakarta, also known as Jogja, is filled with friendly locals, a diverse landscape, and some of the world's most impressive temples. Exploring Yogyakarta by bike is a great way to soak up the unique vibes, whether you want an adrenaline-filled ride down steep inclines or a casual cycle through the stunning villages. Plus, with June temperatures averaging around 70 to 80°F, you won't find yourself sweating all the time. Some other unmissable yet little-known activities include watching the sunrise at Borobudur Temple (the world's largest Buddhist monument), taking a jeep ride to Mount Merapi, and watching the traditional street performances.
Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and lively arts scene, Basel is Switzerland's must-see destination for all culture addicts. June is too early for the renowned Art Basel fair, but there are so many more ways to get your art fix while the streets aren't so crowded. Craft your own medieval paper at the Basel Paper Mill Museum, take in the 500-year-old municipal art collection at Kunstmuseum, or delve into design at the Vitra Design Museum. There's just as much beauty in nature here too, with plenty of green spaces to fill your down days. You shouldn't need more than a light jacket, with temperatures ranging from 55 to 75°F in June.
The narrow cliff-top roads of the Amalfi Coast are known to be among the world's most scenic drives, and June is a particularly good time to enjoy them. If you're a confident driver, rent a car and spend a few days enjoying the route from Sorrento to Positano to Amalfi. Sorrento is a great starting point for day trips to some of Italy's historic destinations, including Naples and Pompeii. Positano is home to pastel houses stacked like toy bricks, the streets filled with charming boutiques and authentic dining experiences. Then, just an hour on, you'll reach the down-to-earth coastal resort of Amalfi, where you can enjoy coffee and pastries on the seafront. Each spot on the trip offers something different, but June weather is around 70 to 80°F throughout.
Boasting sunny days of 75 to 90°F, June in Sabah, Borneo is perfect for any traveler in search of a hot vacation with more to do than just tan on the beach. Over the years, this Malaysian state has become one of the top destinations for ecotourism thanks to its diverse, otherworldly landscapes. Whether you're hiking to the top of Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia's tallest peak), monkey-spotting in the dense jungle, or diving around the islands, you'll enjoy some of the most Instagrammable views Asia has to offer. And, if you do want to sun yourself by the beach, the white sands filled with frangipani flowers and coconut trees are just as beautiful.
There's a reason Greece is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in Europe. This year, try a June trip to Mykonos. As you snap selfies on streets of blue-capped, white-washed houses along the crystal coastline, you'll know you've made the right decision. A favorite for couples, Mykonos is filled with romantic places to visit. Platys Gialos, Psarou, and Ornos are all great beaches to explore, while Elia Beach is a favorite for same-sex partners. The weather stays around 70 to 80°F throughout June, keeping you sun-kissed all vacation long.
If you don't have much money to spare, Croatia could be your ideal June travel destination. Food, drinks, lodging, and leisure are all relatively inexpensive here, but Plitvice Lakes National Park is more beautiful than many locations with higher price tags. One of the country's natural wonders, the park is home to sixteen waterfalls, lake-top walkways, and beautiful birds to spot throughout the trek. It's also within day-trip distance of more popular Croatian destinations like Zadar and Zagreb. On this side of the country, June weather can go from 50 to 75°F, so make sure you pack accordingly.
June is the ideal time to visit Ladakh, a peaceful region in the Indian Himalayas. The Ladakhi people have an incredible way of life, living off locally produced food and water systems with minimal waste. And, with a culture that encourages outdoor activity over staying indoors, this place is perfect for adventure-lovers. While the temperatures can range from 40 to 70°F, they're rarely too hot or too cold. There are plenty of treks and tours to choose from — day-long jaunts to weeks-long camping experiences where you can take your time getting to know the locals.