10 Best Places to Visit in June 2024 According to Travel Experts

Are you looking for the perfect destination for your June 2024 vacation?

With warm weather, long days, and plenty of festivities, June is an ideal time to travel. But with so many amazing places around the world, it can be hard to narrow down your options.

Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. We analyzed insights from top travel experts and seasoned globetrotters to compile this list of the 10 best places to visit in June.

Whether you’re seeking a tropical beach getaway, a nature-filled adventure, a cultural and historical experience, or a foodie’s paradise – this guide has you covered.

Let’s dive in!

1. The Amalfi Coast, Italy 🇮🇹

Picture yourself sipping limoncello while overlooking the colorful cliffside villages and sparkling Mediterranean sea. That’s exactly what you can expect on the Amalfi Coast in June. This UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Italy is straight out of a postcard.

What makes June the perfect time to visit? The weather is warm and sunny, but not scorching hot like later in the summer. Tourist season is picking up but it’s not yet super crowded. It’s ideal for enjoying the beaches, boat tours, and dining al fresco.

Some top things to do:

• Explore the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
• Take a boat tour to the island of Capri and see the famous Blue Grotto
• Hike the scenic Path of the Gods trail for stunning coastal views
• Tour a lemon grove and sample limoncello, the region’s signature liqueur
• Visit the gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

The Amalfi Coast is perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape, friends looking to enjoy the dolce vita lifestyle, photographers wanting to capture the colorful scenery, and foodies eager to indulge in fresh seafood, pasta, and Italian wines. Just be prepared for some stairs and hills in these vertical villages!

Where to stay: Book a room with a view in Positano for the ultimate Amalfi Coast experience. Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano are iconic 5-star hotels, while Villa Fiorentino and Hotel Marincanto offer more affordable options with similarly awe-inspiring vistas.

2. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩

June falls within the dry season in Bali, offering prime weather to enjoy this Indonesian island’s lush landscapes, spiritual sites, and world-famous beaches. Expect warm, sunny days in the 80s°F with low humidity and little rain.

Bali offers diverse experiences for every type of traveler:

• Nature lovers can hike active volcanoes like Mount Batur, visit the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and chase waterfalls in Ubud
• Beach bums can bask on the popular shores of Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu or find hidden coves on the Bukit Peninsula
• Yogis can practice at the many studios and retreats in Ubud, the island’s wellness hub
• Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can explore vivid reefs and shipwrecks off the coast of Amed and the Gili Islands
• Culture seekers can tour ancient Hindu temples such as Uluwatu, Tirta Empul and Besakih, see a Balinese dance performance, and shop for handicrafts in Ubud

While June is an ideal time to visit weather-wise, it’s important to note that it is the beginning of peak tourist season. Book accommodations well in advance and be prepared for bigger crowds at major sites.

Where to stay: The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a bucket-list splurge, with luxury villas right on the Ayung River in Ubud. For dreamy beachfront digs, it’s hard to beat Alila Villas Uluwatu, an eco-friendly cliffside resort on the Bukit Peninsula.

3. Banff National Park, Canada 🇨🇦

For pristine wilderness and jaw-dropping natural beauty, head to Banff, Canada’s first national park. June is when the destination really starts to come alive after a long winter. It’s an ideal sweet spot when most hiking trails and attractions are open but summer crowds have not yet peaked.

Top things to do in Banff in June:

• Drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic routes in the world, stopping to admire glacier-fed Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield along the way
• Go hiking on trails like the Parker Ridge or Wilcox Pass for panoramic mountain views
• Paddle a canoe on iconic Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, both known for their dazzling turquoise color
• Visit the adorable mountain town of Banff, ride the Banff Gondola for an aerial perspective, and relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Spot wildlife like elk, moose, bears, bighorn sheep, and marmots

June is right on the cusp of peak season – while this means the weather is mild and amenities are open, some of the higher elevation hikes may still have snow and ice, and the campgrounds and hotels will be booking up. Make reservations early to secure your spot.

Where to stay: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs are iconic railway hotels dating back to the late 1800s, offering unparalleled Rocky Mountain lodging. For a cozier feel, Moraine Lake Lodge is a charming lakeside property right in the heart of the park.

4. Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

June marks the start of winter in Cape Town, which makes it a great value time to visit this vibrant South African city. With mild temperatures in the 60s°F, low rainfall, and fewer crowds, you can enjoy Cape Town’s top attractions with ease.

Cape Town is an incredibly diverse destination with something for everyone:

• Hike or ride the cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic city and ocean views
• Take a boat tour to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
• Tour the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and learn about Cape Malay culture
• Explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, a nature-lover’s paradise
• Go wine tasting and on a Big 5 safari in the nearby Cape Winelands
• Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and drive along the scenic Cape Peninsula

While the ocean may be too cold for swimming in June, the cooler temperatures are ideal for more active pursuits like hiking and biking. Keep in mind that some high-altitude hiking trails may be closed due to weather. Winter is also a great time to enjoy hearty South African specialties like bobotie and book tables at Cape Town’s hottest restaurants.

Where to stay: The Silo Hotel is a luxury pick housed in a former grain silo right on the V&A Waterfront. For Table Mountain views, the chic Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel can’t be beat.

5. Machu Picchu, Peru 🇵🇪

The iconic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is on many a traveler’s bucket list. June is a fantastic time to make that dream a reality. The weather is dry and mild – ideal for hiking and enjoying those epic Andes Mountain vistas.

Make the most of your Machu Picchu visit:

• Wake up early to beat the crowds and catch sunrise over the ruins
• Hike the steep but rewarding Huayna Picchu mountain for an aerial view of the site
• Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and mysteries of Machu Picchu
• Visit the Sacred Valley sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray
• Explore the colonial city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire

The Inca Trail, the legendary multi-day trek to Machu Picchu, has limited permits that can sell out months in advance – so plan accordingly if that’s on your list. For a less crowded alternative trek, consider the Salkantay or Lares routes.

No matter how you structure it, a trip to Machu Picchu requires advance planning, including securing permits, booking trains and guides, and acclimatizing to the high altitude. But the payoff is more than worth it to see this Wonder of the World.

Where to stay: After roughing it on the trail or exploring the site, treat yourself to a stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu. In Cusco, Inkaterra La Casona is a luxe retreat in a 16th-century manor house.

6. Santorini, Greece 🇬🇷

Santorini’s signature whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches set against the sparkling Aegean Sea are at their most charming in June. The weather is warm and sunny but not yet scorching, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing.

Santorini to-dos:

• Watch an iconic Oia sunset and snap that perfect Instagram shot
• Take a catamaran cruise to the volcano and hot springs in the caldera
• Visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement buried by a volcanic eruption
• Go wine tasting at the island’s unique wineries and sample assyrtiko, a local white varietal
• Hit the unique black sand beach of Perissa or the red sand beach of Akrotiri
• Shop for evil eye talismans and handmade ceramics in the boutiques of Fira

June is one of the busiest and most expensive months in Santorini, so book your hotels and flights as early as possible. To escape the crowds, venture beyond Oia to quieter villages like Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Pyrgos. Or hop over to the sleepier nearby islands of Ios or Folegandros.

Where to stay: Canaves Oia Epitome is the ultimate luxury pick, with private pool villas and a sunset view in Oia. Andronis Arcadia offers a more tucked-away vibe in Imerovigli, but with similarly swoon-worthy caldera views.

7. Yosemite National Park, USA 🇺🇸

June is a prime time to experience the grandeur of Yosemite, one of America’s most iconic national parks. The waterfalls are at their peak flow from snowmelt, the weather is warm, and most roads and trails are open.

Some Yosemite musts:

• Gaze up at the towering granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome
• Witness the power of Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall
• Drive up to Glacier Point for a stunning panorama of the valley
• Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
• Explore the giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove
• Relax and stargaze in Yosemite Valley’s grassy meadows

While Yosemite’s ample summer sunshine allows for long days of exploring, it also draws significant crowds. Avoid traffic by entering the park early and taking the free shuttle to get around. Keep in mind that some high-elevation roads and trails may still be closed due to snow in early June.

Where to stay: The Ahwahnee is Yosemite’s most famous hotel, known for its stunning architecture and prime location on the valley floor. For a more rustic experience, Curry Village offers canvas tent cabins and wooden cabins with a view of Half Dome and Glacier Point.

8. Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵

June is an enchanting time to visit Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. The weather is warm and humid but not yet at the peak of summer heat. The famous hydrangeas are in bloom, turning the city’s shrines and temples into a sea of colorful flowers.

Experience the magic of Kyoto:

• Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera temples
• Stroll through the bright orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Attend a traditional tea ceremony or take a cooking class to learn to make sushi or wagashi (sweets)
• Explore the historic Gion district and spot geishas strolling to their evening appointments
• Take a day trip to the bamboo forest in Arashiyama or the ancient capital of Nara

June can be crowded in Kyoto, especially during the hydrangea season in mid-June. Book accommodations far in advance and be prepared for crowds at popular sites. To escape the masses, visit lesser-known temples like Daitoku-ji or go for an early morning or evening stroll in the Philosopher’s Path.

Where to stay: For a luxury ryokan experience, it’s hard to top Hoshinoya Kyoto, which offers tranquil riverside rooms and kaiseki cuisine. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto blends modern amenities with traditional Japanese design along the banks of the Kamogawa River.

9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷

June is the perfect time to visit Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s vibrant coastal metropolis. The weather is warm and dry, with low humidity and cool evenings. It’s also the beginning of Brazil’s winter season, which means lower prices and smaller crowds.

Rio must-dos:

• Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado mountain
• Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic city views
• Soak up the sun on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
• Hike through the lush Tijuca Forest to hidden waterfalls and viewpoints
• Experience a samba show or live music in the Lapa district
• Take a day trip to the charming mountain town of Petropolis

While Rio’s beaches are a year-round draw, June’s milder temperatures are ideal for more active pursuits like hiking, hang gliding, and bike tours. The city also hosts some fun cultural events this month, like the Festas Juninas (June Festivals) celebrating Brazilian folklore.

Keep in mind that while it’s a bit cooler in June, Rio’s temperatures are still pleasant, usually ranging from the mid-60s to high 70s°F. Pack a light jacket for evenings but don’t forget your swimsuit!

Where to stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace is a glamorous Art Deco landmark right on Copacabana Beach. For a trendy boutique feel, Mama Shelter Rio boasts a rooftop bar with Sugarloaf views in the artsy Santa Teresa district.

10. Great Barrier Reef, Australia 🇦🇺

June falls during Australia’s winter, but thanks to the Great Barrier Reef’s tropical location, the weather is dry and mild – perfect for snorkeling and diving. The water temperature is a comfortable 72°F and visibility is optimal.

Ways to experience this natural wonder:

• Take a catamaran trip to the Outer Reef to snorkel or dive among colorful coral and fish
• Cruise to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island to see pristine white silica sand
• Soar over Heart Reef and the Whitsunday Islands on a scenic flight
• Learn about Aboriginal culture and spot crocs on a Daintree Rainforest tour
• Sail around the 74 Whitsunday Islands on an overnight boat trip

June is prime time for dwarf minke whale spotting on the Great Barrier Reef. These curious creatures often approach snorkelers for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Keep in mind that certain areas of the reef may be closed for coral spawning in June. Check with tour operators before booking to ensure your desired sites are accessible.

While the reef is huge, it’s important to choose a base like Cairns, Port Douglas or Airlie Beach and plan your activities in advance.

Where to stay: Spread over 3000 acres, Queensland’s One&Only Hayman Island is the ultimate reef escape. For more affordable luxury, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas offers a dreamy beachfront setting.

There you have it – 10 incredible destinations that are at their best in June. Whether you’re seeking surf, sun, snow or sights, this list offers a little something for every type of traveler. The hardest part will be choosing just one place!

Remember, while June is an ideal month weather-wise in many locations, it’s also the beginning of peak summer tourist season. Book your dream trip well in advance to secure your preferred accommodations and activities. And don’t forget travel insurance in case of any unforeseen issues.

Wherever you choose to go, make the most of those long June days and warm nights. Soak up the local culture, connect with loved ones, challenge your comfort zone, and most of all – have fun! Adventure is calling, will you answer?

Happy June travels!