The best places to visit in June in the USA, Europe and beyond

The best places to visit in June include an exciting combination of palm-studded islands, historic cities, and coastal towns. These destinations offer endless opportunities for lazy beach bums, avid foodies, and history lovers to escape for a weekend getaway, or longer trips.

For those in the northern hemisphere, June marks the beginning of the summer season when spring rains have subsided and temperatures warm up. This is usually the month to enjoy especially popular destinations, like the sleepy villages of Cinque Terre and the dazzling pink sands of Crete, while it’s still relatively quiet without the peak July and August crowds. 

The blue skies and buzzing patios bring about a summer excitement and a desire to get outside and explore, play and tan. Whether you’re looking for a far-flung beach getaway, a wine tasting trip, or an active outdoor holiday, here are the best places to visit in June...

 Best places to visit in June in the USA  

Boston, Massachusettes

Best June holiday for: Historic sites and baseball games

Average temperature in June: 25°C

At nearly 400 years old, Boston is one of America’s oldest municipalities and is a destination that deserves a spot at the top of the list for history lovers. 

Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail that transports you to 16 of the city's most historic sites, which serves as an engaging introduction to Boston’s rich past. The trail’s collection of museums, burial grounds, churches, and parks reveal over 250 years of history and tell the tale of the American Revolution. From Boston’s oldest cemetery of King's Chapel Burying Ground to the end of the trail at Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, the Freedom Trail is well marked by a path of red bricks.

Despite the city’s heavy history, the presence of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) keep Boston’s atmosphere lively and vibrant.

Top Tip: For an iconic Boston experience, ride swan boats at the Public Garden, which opens for the season in early April and closes in late September.

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Boston here.

Portland, Maine

Best June holiday for: Fresh seafood and iconic lighthouses

Average temperature in June: 23°C 

With warm temperatures and low rainfall in June, Portland on the southern coast of Maine is extra dreamy this time of year. 

This New England city’s home to more than 500 restaurants, dozens of craft breweries,  distilleries and wine shops, and boasts a lively culinary scene. Time your visit for the annual Wine Week in mid-June, when amateur wine drinkers and seasoned wine connoisseurs gather to celebrate the city’s local food scene and quality wines while meeting acclaimed winemakers and chefs.

As a busy commercial fishing port, Maine’s seafood is unmissable. Gorge on fresh lobster rolls, fish tacos, crab cakes, steamed mussels, and seafood chowder in hip restaurants that are often hidden behind 19th-century brick facades.

To experience Portland’s coastal beauty, tour its historic lighthouses along the rugged coast, putting Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse on your itinerary. Don’t miss Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse and arguably most photogenic one which dates back to 1791.

Top Tip: Craft beer lovers should visit Allagash Brewing Company, the brewery that put Portland on the map as a craft beer destination. Sample their signature Allagash White, a Belgian-inspired wheat beer brewed with a refreshing blend of coriander and Curaçao orange peel.

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Portland here.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Best June holiday for: Beaches, hikes and hipster art galleries

Average temperature in June: 17°C

Anchored by Haystack Rock and characterized by calm tide pools and sandy beaches, the tiny coastal city of Cannon Beach in northwest Oregon is a favorite getaway destination for both locals and tourists.

With rideable swell, Cannon Beach unsurprisingly enjoys an active surfing scene. June is an ideal time for beginners to learn due to much smaller swell conditions and mild weather. For a more laid-back experience, walk the sandy shores of Arcadia Beach, hike the network of coastal paths at Ecola State Park for sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, or discover the eclectic boutiques and art galleries of downtown Cannon Beach.

Top Tip: Parking can be a challenge during the summer months, but Cannon Beach is a very walkable destination, providing you pack your best walking shoes. Alternatively, take advantage of the local shuttle, which costs $1 to ride.  

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Cannon Beach here.

Best places to visit in June in Europe

Cinque Terre, Italy

Best June holiday for: Colourful villages and magical sunsets

Average temperature in June: 26°C

Idyllic Cinque Terre consists of the five centuries-old seaside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each boasts pastel coloured homes in dusty pinks and canary yellows and harbours full of fishing boats, securing this areas status as one of the best places to visit in Europe for picture-postcard views to write home about. 

Visitors can easily travel between these villages by train, though you can also opt to rent a kayak and paddle between them. Spend your days soaking in the rays on Monterosso Beach in Cinque Terre’s largest village, visiting the medieval fortress of Doria Castle in Vernazza, tasting traditional Italian dishes or watching the sunset from the rocky outcrops of Riomaggiore. In any of these villages, foodies will delight in fresh seafood at the local trattorias and the Liguria region’s highly sought after pesto. 

For those who want to experience the rugged coastline on foot, hike the 12 km Blue Path Trail, which spans the length of the five hillside villages, transporting you past terraced vineyards and fragrant lemon and olive trees along the way.

Top Tip: For more affordable accommodation options, consider the nearby port city of La Spezia and Levanto instead of basing yourself in one of the five villages.

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Cinque Terre here.

Crete, Greece

Best June holiday for: Beaches galore

Average temperature in June: 28°C

When it comes to European islands, Greece has some of the best, and of the best Greek islands, Crete if often a top pick for tourists. Besides the archaeological sites that reside on Greece's largest island, travellers to Crete come for its soft sandy beaches and cooling dips in the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Base yourself in the popular towns of Chania on the northwest coast, in Rethymnon for its mountain scenery and traditional villages, or in Agio Nikolaos on the picturesque Gulf of Mirabello.

For more rugged landscapes and quiet coves, head to Crete’s south coast, and tan on the palm-studded Preveli Beach. But budget enough time to see the shimmering pink sands of Elafonissi Beach too, two hours southwest of Chania by bus.

Top Tip: It’s possible to drive to Elafonissi Beach from Chania in about 90 minutes. Opt for the route that takes you through Topolia Gorge, with a stop in the Cave of Agia Sofia. 

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Crete here.

Kotor, Montenegro

Best June holiday for: Medieval sites and small-town charm

Average temperature in June: 28°C

Revel in the medieval charm of Kotor, a coastal town on the stunning Bay of Kotor. Surrounded by bayside views, this atmospheric town is a popular stopover on some of the best cruises' itineraries, and also sees crowds of day-trippers from Dubrovnik. Stay overnight in Kotor for the opportunity to have the town to yourself once the daytrippers have left. 

Like all the best European city breaks, most of the best sights can be seen on foot during a day of exploration. Wander the finely preserved medieval town and enter Stari Grad, the Old Town of Kotor through one of its three main gates: the River Gate in the north, the South Gate, or the main Sea Gate to the west. From the Sea Gate, head over to the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, one of two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro, to marvel at its Romanesque interior. 

Next to the UNESCO designated Old Town, conquer the 1355 steep steps along a section of the Old City walls to Saint John’s Fortress, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Bay of Kotor.

Top Tip: To avoid the crowds and queues, plan your activities in Kotor around the cruise ship schedules.

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Kotor here.

 Best places to visit in June across the world 

Kelowna, Canada

Best June holiday for: Wine tasting, picnics and lazy lake days

Average temperature in June: 24°C

Situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley, a four-hour drive east of Vancouver in the province’s southern interior, Kelowna is a popular summertime destination for its beaches and picturesque vineyards. 

Those eager to get outdoors will enjoy early morning hikes up Knox Mountain or Mount Boucherie for a view of the city, while sun-worshippers will enjoy lazing by the lake. 

As the birthplace of BC wine, Kelowna is home to five wine trails and over 40 wineries, all within a 20-minute drive. Wine lovers can learn about the different grape varietals and food pairings from each winery’s experts.

And due to the region’s climate and diverse landscape, the Okanagan Valley produces top-quality fruits. With plenty of u-pick farms around, visitors are invited to pick fresh cherries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries starting in mid-June.

Top Tip: Some wineries offer free tastings with purchase, or if you join their exclusive wine club.

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Kelowna here.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Best June holiday for: Exploring the outdoors and game spotting

Average temperature in June: 15°C 

Though gorilla trekking can be experienced year-round, June offers some of the most ideal conditions to see these gentle creatures. Without the persistent mists in the mountains and due to it being the start of Rwanda’s dry season, viewing conditions are optimal.

In the bamboo-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park, animal lovers can spot some of the world's remaining 1000 mountain gorillas in their natural habitat from just a few feet away. Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the enchanting eco-lodges in surrounding areas such as Bisoke, Muhabura and Karisimbi, and revel in the views over jungle canopies and dramatic peaks.

Combine gorilla trekking with a game spotting trip at Akagera National Park, where antelopes and black rhinos can be spotted during the dry seasons.

Top Tip: A permit for gorilla trekking must be obtained before your trip and costs $1500.

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Rwanda here.

Fiji

Best June holiday for: Island hopping

Average temperature in June: 29°C

Though June actually marks the beginning of winter in Fiji, you won’t even know it with highs of around 29°C and relatively low humidity that time of year. 

With 333 palm-lined islands that are surrounded by turquoise water and colorful coral reefs, first-timers will find it difficult to pick which to explore. Each island has its own sense of identity, whether you’re after family-friendly destinations, a backpacking adventure, or a stay at one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

Start on Viti Levu, the country’s largest island and home to the capital of Suva on the island's eastern side. Outdoor adventurers can zipline through the jungle, raft, kayak down the Navua River, or shop for souvenirs in tourist-laden Nadi, on the island's western side.

Head to the Mamanuca Islands for dazzling white sand beaches and fish-rich coral reefs. This stunning setting made appearances in Tom Hanks's movie Cast Away.

Nature-lovers should consider Vanua Levu, the second largest island in Fiji, where you can visit the cascading waterfalls of Waisali Nature Reserve and hike to its hot springs.

Top Tip: Sunday in Fiji is church day, so towns are relatively quiet, and shops are generally closed. 

See the latest official tourism travel advice for Fiji here.