Top 12 Places to Explore in June

The ideal spots to visit in June may be just around the corner or halfway across the globe. 

With Europe basking in warm summer temperatures, the calendar is packed with outdoor activities, from music festivals to culinary contests. Many destinations in Asia and Africa also reach their prime, offering beautiful beach escapes and unforgettable safari experiences. 

While June sees increased foot traffic in many areas, there are still peaceful retreats to discover if you know where to seek them. Plus, with the high seasons of July and August still ahead, there are bargains to be had.

Considering your budget or seeking a quieter experience? Check out Dinogo’s curated selections based on trends, weather conditions, flight options, and hotel rates.

Top Destinations to Explore in June

Best places to visit in June across the US and North America

The top vacation destinations in June across North America are all about embracing the outdoors. Here are some of my personal favorites. For more June vacation ideas in the US, check out Dinogo’s data-driven recommendations, including LA, Honolulu, Orlando, and Las Vegas, all of which guarantee warm weather and moderate to low visitor numbers, allowing you to dodge the crowds.

1. Manchester, Tennessee, US

• Discover more: Manchester travel guide
• Why visit in June? Enjoy the festivities at the Bonnaroo festival.

Situated on Interstate 24 between Nashville and Chattanooga in Coffee County, the town of Manchester embodies a classic slice of Americana. Welcoming and picturesque, it’s surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and offers endless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains through hiking, try your luck fishing, or take a plunge into stunning waterfalls—Rutledge Falls is particularly enchanting. Manchester is also an excellent destination in June for the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Scheduled for June 13th to 16th in 2024, the festival takes place on a local farm. Bonnaroo means ‘a really good time’ in Creole, and it certainly lives up to that name.

This year’s lineup features world-class performers, including Post Malone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as headliners. Additionally, expect a variety of installations, performances, exhibits, and film screenings. My advice? Make your reservations early.

2. Seattle, Washington, US

• Discover more: Seattle travel guide
• Why visit in June? Join in the celebration of the city’s 50th Pride Parade.

With its warmest and driest weather lasting until September, and average temperatures around 61℉, Seattle stands out as one of the best US cities to explore in June. While this doesn’t ensure a rain-free experience (with an average of just 2 inches according to Dinogo data), the city fully embraces its peak season. 

Take advantage of the city’s parks and streets to enjoy the various festivals. If you’re adventurous, consider joining the naked bike ride. Part of the Fremont Solstice Parade, this event occurs over the weekend of June 22nd to 23rd. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride, filling the city with vibrant colors throughout the month, culminating in the Pride Parade on June 30th, with Downtown being the ideal spot to be by 11am.

While in the city, indulge in seasonal Copper River Salmon from Pike Place Market, available only until mid-June. While you’re nearby, check out what might be America’s most infamous attraction, the ever-growing gum wall.

For marine life enthusiasts, Seattle is a Washington State seaport, and June marks the prime season for spotting orcas and whales.

3. Hudson Valley, New York, US

• Discover more: Hudson travel guide
• Why visit in June? To escape the summer heat of the city.

As New York sizzles under the summer sun, flee the city heat with a getaway to the Hudson Valley. Stretching along the Hudson River from Westchester County to Albany, this region offers a serene retreat. Best of all, it’s just a couple of hours away from New York via Amtrak.

On your journey, you’ll encounter vineyards, apple orchards, and farms—an embodiment of classic countryside life. Its rising popularity among New Yorkers has fostered a thriving wellness and tourism scene. Spas, yoga studios, museums, and upscale restaurants are sprinkled throughout its picturesque fields and towns. Be sure to visit Dia Beacon, an incredible art gallery housed in a former box-printing factory along the Hudson River. 

This region also stands as a beacon for sustainability. It encourages electric driving with numerous charging stations, making EV rentals an excellent way to discover the area. Enjoy nutritious meals at the Stone Barns Center, which advocates for a sustainable future in agriculture and dining.

4. Chugach Mountains, Alaska, US

• Why visit in June? Experience the stunning beauty of Alpenglow.

Serving as a stunning backdrop to Alaska’s capital, Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains are a hiker’s paradise in June. With a network of marked trails, countless routes lead you deep into the wilds of America.

For beginners, starting with the popular Flattop Mountain Trail is a must. The main Glen Alps trail is a three-mile round trip that meanders through rolling hills and rugged rock faces. A better option is the backside trail, which features a gentler slope and less rock scrambling. Regardless of your choice, the view from the summit is breathtaking.

June is also the season for Alpenglow. Time your hike to witness the setting sun casting a reddish-pink glow over the mountain peaks. However, don’t let this mesmerizing sight distract you completely. The trails are well-kept but still untamed. Be ready for potential moose and bear sightings by carrying a bear bell and spray, and make sure to pack DEET to fend off the inevitable mosquito swarm.

5. Trinidad

• Why visit in June? Baby turtles!

June 16th marks World Sea Turtle Day. What better way to celebrate than by witnessing the incredible life cycle of these majestic turtles on the shores of a tropical paradise?

Starting in March, the nesting season transforms the beaches of Trinidad, with Matura and Grande Rivière as the main hotspots. Each night, dozens of egg-laying female leatherbacks emerge from the Caribbean Sea to lay their precious eggs in the sand. By June, those eggs begin to hatch, sending hundreds of tiny turtles on their daring journey back to the ocean.

Plan your visit around a hatching event to experience one of nature’s most enchanting spectacles. But don’t overlook the rest of the island, where stunning beaches, lively festivals, and endless Caribbean hospitality await you.

Top destinations to explore in June in South America

From solstice festivities to mesmerizing wildlife encounters, the breathtaking landscapes of South America are truly enchanting in June.

6. Cusco, Peru

• Discover more: Cusco travel guide
• Why visit in June? Experience the world’s most remarkable winter solstice celebration.

On June 24th each year, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cusco hosts the ancient Inca festival of Inti Raymi. This festival celebrates the winter solstice and pays tribute to the Sun God, Inti, in a spectacular display of color, music, and dance. 

This grand reenactment of ancient Inca rituals unfolds high in the Peruvian Andes throughout the city. Notable locations include the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site, Coricancha Temple, and the Main Square. While the event is open to everyone, for an enhanced experience, consider booking a guided tour that includes seating for the main festivities.

Inti Raymi offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca culture, with Cusco serving as a breathtaking backdrop for the celebration. It also serves as an excellent starting point to explore Peru’s other treasures, such as the Manu Rainforest and Machu Picchu. 

As concerns about tourism's impact grow, you might consider visiting “the other Machu Picchu.” This stunning, secluded hilltop settlement marks the end of the epic Choquequirao Trail. 

7. The Pantanal, Brazil

• Why visit in June? To see the jaguars.

Remote and expansive, Brazil’s Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland, far less frequented than its Amazon counterpart. It boasts nearly 5,000 plant and animal species, including the highest concentration of jaguars and caimans in South America. 

Particularly in the Northern Pantanal, June is one of the best times to observe jaguars in their natural environment. It marks the beginning of the dry season, making wildlife sightings more likely. Due to their relative habituation, these jaguars are often unbothered by the presence of tourists. Spotting them in the wild is a truly remarkable and fulfilling experience.

Ensure you book with a reputable tour company that can manage much of your itinerary. They should hire local, licensed guides to ensure your visit benefits rather than harms the jaguars and other wildlife.

Best places to visit in June in Europe

Summer is the prime season in Europe. The warm weather brings vibrant festivals, both traditional and quirky, especially in cooler northern countries. Food and cultural celebrations fill the event calendars. For a more serene experience, check out Dinogo’s suggestion for Amsterdam, which enjoys mild popularity in June alongside the Holland Festival.

8. North Cornwall, UK

• Why visit in June? For the classic English seaside experience (rain-free).

Few places rival the beaches of North Cornwall in June. With fish and chips in one hand, generously seasoned with salt and vinegar, and a melting ice cream in the other, you can watch the seagulls with delight. It’s simply wonderful!

June is an ideal time to visit, as the summer crowds from schools have yet to arrive and you can typically expect a stretch of lovely sunny days. Quaint towns and villages are more peaceful, ancient inns and hotels have more availability, and the beaches are lively yet still retain a bit of their untamed charm. 

Venture to Tintagel and traverse the breathtaking footbridge leading to King Arthur’s castle, or delve into the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in the quaint village of Boscastle. After your adventures, refresh yourself with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of St Nectan’s Waterfall. These attractions are just a few miles apart, perfectly showcasing the treasures of Cornwall's Great Garden. 

9. Berlin, Germany

• Learn more: Berlin travel guide
• Why visit in June? To celebrate the onset of summer and the city's revival.

When I first arrived in Berlin during the depths of winter, it felt cold and daunting. However, as summer approached, the pleasant weather breathed new life into the city. With long daylight hours and Berlin’s streets teeming with activity around the clock, the transformation is remarkable.

Stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Friedrichshain to discover an array of eclectic cafes, bars, and restaurants. Each spot, ranging from chic to gritty, offers a unique atmosphere.

For a unique experience, join the festivities at the free Fête de la Musique festival on June 21st, marking the official start of summer. The streets come alive with music, turning into pop-up venues, and if you're a musician, you can perform on stage. Guided walking tours provide deeper insights into the city’s complex history and its vibrant resurgence, with the East Side Gallery serving as a poignant symbol of this transformation.

10. Haro, La Rioja, Spain

• Learn more: Spain travel guide
• Why visit in June? Two words: wine fight.

Spain is renowned for its food festivals, and the legendary La Tomatina highlights its penchant for culinary chaos. Continuing this vibrant tradition is the town of Haro in the Rioja region, which hosts a wine festival called La Batalla del Vino, or ‘wine fight’.

The festival takes place from June 27th to 30th, with the main event of “wine warfare” happening on the 29th. If you survive the all-night festivities, be ready to rise early at 7 am to follow the horseback-riding mayor and a throng of wine enthusiasts on a four-mile parade to the Hermitage of San Felices, perched on the cliffs of Bilibio. 

Here, the fun begins as the crowd engages in a massive red wine battle, drenching everyone and everything in sight. After hours of merriment, those still standing return to town for more drinks, gathering in the many charming bodegas and market squares.

A heads-up: the wine fight attracts many participants, and Haro has limited tourist accommodations. Book early or be ready to camp at the affordable site available nearby.

Best places to visit in June around the world

In the wider world, Africa and Asia are experiencing winter. Fortunately, that doesn't equate to ice and snow. Instead, both continents showcase their wild, dry beauty, making safari adventures a must. In Africa, this translates to encounters with gorillas, while in Asia, it’s all about dragons.

11. Taipei, Taiwan

• Discover more: Taipei travel guide
• Why visit in June? The Dragon Boat Festival is happening!

The Dragon Boat Festival is a time-honored Chinese celebration observed annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Also referred to as Duanwu Festival, its festivities have spread across East Asia and beyond. In my view, Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, offers the most exhilarating experience for this event.

From June 8th to 10th, Dajia Riverside Park will host international teams for Taiwan’s largest racing festival. Thrilling races unfold as teams vie for honor and glory, synchronized to the energizing rhythm of booming drums. The entire city bursts with a carnival atmosphere.

On dry land, get involved in dragon boat training to build up your appetite, then indulge in traditional zongzi—mouthwatering parcels of glutinous rice steamed with delightful fillings.

12. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

• Why visit in June? For an unparalleled wildlife adventure.

The experience of witnessing wildlife in their natural setting is indescribable. This is why a safari is an essential journey for any nature enthusiast. In June, the dry season unveils clear skies, allowing you to fully appreciate Uganda’s magnificent mountain gorillas.

Over half of the world's mountain gorillas inhabit Uganda, particularly around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it the prime location for tracking these incredible creatures. Remember to reserve a tour ahead of time—June is peak season, and visitor numbers are limited to minimize tourism's impact.

Opt for a trusted company like Volcanoes Safaris to ensure your contributions benefit local communities and conservation efforts. They also simplify the journey to this remote area of Uganda. Trust me, having visited last year, I can confidently say it’s worth the journey. It’s the top destination for June, now and always.

Data-driven selections from Dinogo

If you’re not keen on seasonal events, consider these data-informed choices in the US and beyond. These destinations are curated from Dinogo’s flight and hotel statistics, factoring in budget, climate, and popularity (to help you dodge the crowds). For tailored suggestions based on your current location and preferred destination, check out the Best Time to Travel tool.

Explore more amazing travel destinations

Honestly, my top June travel destinations only scratch the surface of the incredible options available. For additional spring and summer getaway ideas, check out the best places to visit in May, July, and August.

If you're looking for even more ideas, try Dinogo Explore to simplify your planning process. Dinogo also streamlines booking flights, cars, and accommodations.