Where to Travel on Vacation in June 2022
Where to go on vacation in June
Whatever you are after, be it a cultural week away, island hopping adventure, beach break or an exciting safari, June offers a bounty of opportunities. Sail along the coast of Croatia, explore the cities of Eastern Europe or trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
It's the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere so perfect for outdoor adventures, while in the Southern Hemisphere, and Africa in particular, the start of the dry season means it's the perfect time for a safari.
To help you plan your June 2022 vacation we've put together our pick of top destinations offering unique experiences at this time of year, as well as the best holiday and wildlife destinations along with our choice of tours to make the most of June.
Top Destinations and Experiences in June
Island Hopping in Greece
June is officially the start of summer in the Mediterranean and this month is without doubt one of the best times to visit Greece. Although peak season officially begins in mid-June, as it is not yet the school holidays, Greece’s ancient ruins and cities can be explored without the tourist hordes that July and August bring. This month also sees Greece’s stunning islands burst into life, with warmer temperatures creating perfect conditions for enjoying their beautiful beaches and dazzling blue waters.
Recommended tour: Best of Greece →
Exploring Eastern Europe
It's the start of summer across Europe, with beautiful sunny days and mostly clear skies. The Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are ideal for exploring in June, as the old city squares come alive with open-air cafes and market stalls, alongside festivals and events. The countryside is still colourful and the warm weather means it's perfect for outdoor activities, from trekking to boat rides.
Recommended tour: Baltics Encompassed →
Amazon and Incas
Now's the time to head to Peru - the rains have completely cleared so the Inca Trail is in prime condition, making the 3-4 day trek to Machu PIcchu even more spectacular. Not only that but the Amazon is also great at this time of year, with water levels still reasonably high and jungle trails starting to reopen. June is also the month when the Inti Raymi festival is celebrated - the Inca festival of the sun.
Recommended tour: Amazon, Incas & Titicaca →
Iceland in the Summertime
Iceland is one of the most popular destinations to see the Northern Lights, but outside of the harsh winter months, it's still a superb destination to visit. With an incredible variety of landscapes, from volcanic valleys and mountains to pounding waterfalls and erupting geysers. Its location close to the Arctic Circle means the summer months bring long days of sunlight, perfect for getting out and exploring.
Recommended tour: Iceland Circle →
Best City Breaks in June
Cairo
June is a fantastic time to visit Cairo, with warm temperatures and no chance of rain. The Grand Egyptian Museum is due to open its doors in 2021 and with the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx right on the doorstep, a few days in Cairo is a great way to tick off the last surviving Ancient Wonder of the World.
Split
As Split transitions from low to high season, June is the perfect time to visit, as you’ll enjoy all this coastal city has to offer, without the summer crowds. Split’s cafe culture is in full swing by now, so you can explore the Old Town and enjoy a coffee sat out by the waterfront. Take a day trip to Klis Fortress, which famously appeared in Game of Thrones, or visit the waterfalls of beautiful Krka National Park.
Warsaw
Whilst Krakow’s medieval charms tend to draw the most visitors at Christmas time, the Polish capital is the place to go in the warmer summer months. Enjoy a walking tour to explore the city’s street art scene and stroll along the Old Town’s cobbled streets. Relax in one of Warsaw’s many parks and gardens in the afternoon, then spend your evening dining outside in a historic square and sampling delicious local cuisine.
Oslo
If you thought winter was the best time to visit Norway, it’s time to think again. Its capital city Oslo is packed with things to do in the summer months, from open-air dining and rooftop bars to outdoor art and sculpture parks. You’ll also find city beaches nearby for a swim, as well as Oslo Fjord, so you can take a dip and cool off right in the city centre when you’re finished sightseeing.
Best Festivals and Events in June
The official start month of summer in the north of the world, June is a month to enjoy outdoor music and cultural festivals. While in the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice marks the end of the harvest season and many cultures celebrate with ancient rituals.
National Day of Iceland
Where? Reykjavik, Iceland
One of Iceland’s most popular summer events, National Day commemorates when Iceland gained independence from Denmark in 1944. Celebrations take place in the centre of Reykjavik on June 17th every year. Kicking off at 10am and running until late, the festivities include something for everyone with street theatre, live music, a colourful parade and more.
Inti Raymi
Where? Cusco, Peru
The second biggest celebration in South America after Rio’s Carnival, Inti Raymi attracts thousands of visitors to Cusco every year. Celebrated on June 24th, the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice, Inti Raymi is the Inca Festival of the Sun. Originally a tribute to the Inca Sun God Inti, the modern-day re-enactment retains its ancient former glory.
Cappadox
Where? Cappadocia, Turkey
Set in the extraordinary lunar landscape of Cappadocia, Cappadox draws visitors from all over the world. The festival is a cultural feast of live music, contemporary art, gastronomy events, outdoor activities and well-being sessions. Create your own program of activities and enjoy the backdrop of colourful hot air balloons floating across the sky.
Gnaoua Festival
Where? Essaouira, Morocco
Each year the Moroccan port city of Essaouira moves to the beats of the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Although deeply rooted in traditional local rhythms, the line-up features jazz, soul, blues and funk from all over the world. A vibrant musical and cultural experience, the festivals fills the city’s squares, streets and performance venues with sound.
Best Beach Destinations in June
Summer has arrived in the northern hemisphere so it's the place to be when it comes to a sunny beach holiday. Resorts across the Mediterranean are hitting their peak season and the east coast of Africa also offers ideal weather for a beach break. Here are our recommendations for where to go in June if you're after sun, sea, and sand.
Croatia
The sailing season is well underway in June and a cruise around the coast of Croatia is the best way to explore the many stunning islands of the Adriatic. From the gorgeous walled city of Dubrovnik or the captivating city of Split on the coast, there's a range of cruising routes stopping at islands such as Hvar, Mljet and Brac, with plenty of time to swim in the crystal waters and relax on the beach.
Zanzibar
June marks the arrival of the cool, dry season in East Africa, which makes the idyllic island of Zanzibar the ideal beach destination. You can expect sun-drenched shores, palm fringed beaches and glorious sunsets. It's also a good time for diving around the north coast and with the Great Wildebeest Migration happening in the Serengeti, Zanzibar and Tanzania are the perfect beach and safari combo.
Egypt
The Red Sea resort of Hurghada is in full summer season by June. The white sand beaches are perfect for sunbathing and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports. The reef off the coast of Giftun Island is also abundant with tropical fish and other marine life, perfect for snorkelling. Hurghada offers a relaxing end to a sightseeing holiday of all Egypt's ancient wonders.
Turkey
Its location on the Mediterranean Sea means Turkey is perfect at this time of year for a beach break or a sailing adventure around the islands that lie offshore. The days will be sunny and dry, and with a coastline fronting the Aegean and the Mediterranean, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to beach resorts, with plenty of historic sites to tempt you too.
Best Wildlife Destinations in June
The dry season has started in earnest across most of southern Africa, making it the ideal region to head to for a safari. With summer holidays fast approaching across the northern hemisphere, this is also the start of the peak tourist season, so expect lodges to be busy and prices to be at a premium. However, you'll be rewarded with excellent game viewing opportunities.
Botswana
June marks the start of high water season in Botswana, flooding the waterways of the Okavango Delta. This makes it the ideal time of year to enjoy a boating or canoe safari out in the delta, sampling the local mode of transport - the dugout canoe known as a mokoro. Game viewing is great, as animals migrate to the delta for food and water, and you're likely to spot hungry hippos.
Namibia
The dry season is a particularly rewarding time to visit Etosha National Park in Namibia, with sparse vegetation and animals congregating around water sources. There's the added bonus of clear, sunny days, perfect for outdoor game drives. Namibia's towering sand dunes are also particularly impressive at this time of year, few things beat watching the sunrise over the Namib Desert.
South Africa
The Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg and KwaZulu-Natal regions of South Africa are the ideal safari destination in June, with easily spotted wildlife prowling through the thinned out bush and huddling around the remaining water sources. The coast is not at its best but with Mozambique experiencing perfect weather you have a fantastic safari and beach combo.
Uganda
Uganda experiences two mini dry seasons during the year and June marks the start of the second round. This is one of the best times to trek to see the mountain gorillas. Although the altitude of the mountains where the gorillas inhabit experience rain at any time of year, in June the trails are solid, bush growth a little thinner and there's lots of sun.
Recommended Tours for June
If you need even more help in deciding where to travel in June, then why not check out a selection of tours that we recommend for the month, from the cities of Eastern Europe to the steamy jungles of Africa.
See more of our Travel Calendar
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
