10 Great Travel Destinations for June

June Travel Destinations / Best Countries to Visit in June

Every June, lots of people start planning their summer vacations. It’s the month that ushers in summer, and schools let out for break. So around this time each year, flight bookings surge and peak season kicks in—not just at home but abroad as well. That’s why, if you’re planning to travel overseas in June, it’s worth choosing your destination carefully. Pick the wrong one and you could end up jostled by peak-season crowds, unable to sightsee properly, or put off by steep hotel and rental rates. The June destinations I’m introducing here are well worth a visit even in peak season. I’ve compared and analyzed several sources to pick out only the best spots, so I hope you’ll find this useful!

1. Switzerland — Basel

The first June destination I’ll introduce is Basel, Switzerland. Switzerland may be familiar, but I expect many of you are hearing of the city of Basel for the first time. The reason to make a point of visiting Basel in June is that Art Basel is held there—an event that can inspire influential artists and people in related fields. You’ll find creative and beautiful works of art on display. Basel is also Switzerland’s second-largest city, lined with historic buildings, churches, fountains, and streets. In particular, you can take in a variety of works at the Spielzeug Welten Museum and the Vitra Design Museum.

2. USA — California

I also recommend California in the United States as a June destination—specifically a trip to Yosemite National Park, known as California’s finest. June here isn’t the full peak season, so you won’t be jostled by crowds, and the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. It’s a wonderful time to take in the beautiful, majestic scenery while climbing, hiking, and strolling. There’s also the must-see Yosemite Falls: the falls nearly dry up in July and August, losing their grandeur, so June is really the time to enjoy them at their most magnificent.

3. USA — Portland

The second U.S. June destination I’ll introduce is Portland, Oregon. June in Portland is known to locals as “the month of festivals,” because the Rose Festival and a balloon festival are held the same month. The Rose Festival is a large-scale event with over a century of history, where you can watch and take part in carnival rides, fireworks, parades, and more. The balloon festival, meanwhile, is held in Tigard, about 30 minutes from downtown Portland. It’s a festival where hot-air balloons in more than a dozen colors are sent up into the sky and you can ride them yourself. On top of that, beer gardens pop up around the venue, live music never stops, and there’s a whole range of activities to enjoy.

4. Canada — Vancouver Island

Plenty of people have heard of Vancouver, Canada, but Vancouver Island is far less familiar. Vancouver Island is a June destination located in the southwest of British Columbia, Canada. It’s home to the largest population of any Canadian island and is the eleventh-largest island in the country. Because it shares its name with the city of Vancouver, many assume it sits right nearby—but that’s not the case at all, so plan your trip with care. The reason to visit Vancouver Island in June is that you can easily observe bears, whales, and other wildlife. The pleasantly mild weather and clear skies are also great for hiking, climbing, and walking. It’s quieter than the July–August peak season and resort rates are cheaper, too, so keep that in mind when you visit!

5. Bermuda

The first thing that came to mind when I saw “Bermuda” was the Bermuda Triangle—so naturally I couldn’t help wondering, “Isn’t it dangerous?” But Bermuda is a place with beautiful beaches in the North Atlantic. Its glittering shores and fantastic waters are said to set the hearts of scuba divers around the world racing. Every June, Bermuda holds a carnival festival, where you can take in live music, boat cruises, parades, and more. There’s also the Newport Bermuda Race—a yacht race that sails from Rhode Island to Bermuda, and the oldest regularly held ocean race in the world. Unfortunately, race day is June 21, so unless you set off right this minute, you’ll have to wait until next year. 😢

6. Peru — Machu Picchu

Peru’s Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, also made the list of June destinations. Machu Picchu is one of the remarkably well-preserved archaeological sites, set high in the Andes. It’s open year-round, but the reason June is ideal is that the dry season is at its peak, bringing ample sunshine, clear skies, and crisp air. The catch is that this time of year is always packed with tourists, so you’ll need to arrange hiking permits, lodging, and other travel essentials well in advance. Even so, if it means taking in this world treasure with my own eyes, I’d gladly put up with the hassle. I really hope to visit someday!

7. Rwanda

If you’re keen on jungle exploration and wildlife, I recommend Rwanda as a June destination. Rwanda is a country in East Africa, and June is said to be its driest month. Not only is rainfall low, but the risk of malaria is lower and trekking conditions are far better. Rwanda’s most famous attraction is Volcanoes National Park, where, with a guide’s help, you can come face to face with wild gorillas. These gorillas have interacted with humans for a long time and have gentle temperaments, and trekking alongside them is said to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beyond that, the capital, Kigali, offers attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Inema Arts Center, and the Kimironko Market. Although Africa is often thought of as an unsafe continent, Rwanda’s capital is said to be relatively safe—so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.

8. Australia — Great Barrier Reef

If Peru’s Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, then Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. No other coral region is as vast and sprawling as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and it’s home to over 400 species of coral alone. As you might expect, it’s a dream destination for anyone who loves scuba diving or snorkeling. Even I—a strong swimmer who’s nonetheless afraid of the open sea—dream of visiting this place at least once.

9. Malaysia — Sarawak

Honestly, I didn’t have especially fond memories of traveling in Malaysia, so I wasn’t inclined to recommend it. But knowing it’s sure to be a great destination for someone, I’m including it here as a June pick. Among its many regions, Sarawak holds a harvest festival on June 1. You can learn about and get a glimpse of Dayak culture and even try on traditional attire. There are also lively parades, and during the festival you can visit longhouses that are opened to the public. Beyond that, you can stop by the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or Bako National Park to observe wildlife.

10. Indonesia — Bali

Bali, Indonesia—known as a top-tier resort destination—is the last June spot I’ll introduce. If you want to enjoy the hot summer in even more dazzling, luxurious style, set off for Bali. A coastline lined with glittering palm trees will greet you, and clear, mud-free seas will embrace you. Bali has countless attractions, but among them Nusa Dua lets you try glass-bottom boats, parasailing, and underwater sea walks, while Nusa Penida offers trekking along its rugged coastline.

Perhaps because June is neither full peak season nor fully off-season, there weren’t all that many destinations to recommend. There were also more places holding festivals popular with locals than world-famous ones. Personally, I was drawn to Portland in the U.S. At its so-called balloon festival, you can ride a tethered hot-air balloon for 5 to 15 minutes. I also loved the music and beer festivals held nearby. Raising a child has left me with little breathing room lately, but just writing this somehow gave me a sense of ease. I hope it was helpful to you, too—so go make the best possible choice for your own June getaway!