Best Places to Visit in June: Embrace The Summer

The United States offers a diverse range of destinations to explore at any time of year, but in June, you really do have the pick of the bunch from iconic cities to breathtaking national parks. 

In June you can take advantage of the pleasant weather and vibrant atmosphere in these two recommended destinations:

Niagara Falls, New York

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Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls in June. This iconic waterfall is best visited during the pleasant weather of the earlier summer months (15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F)) before the mass crowds and sweltering temperatures of the mid-summer appear in the next couple of months. 

Marvel at the powerful cascades as millions of gallons of water rush over the cliffs, the falls can be taken in from several different vantage points whether above or below. Many people also don’t realise that Niagara Falls is in fact made up of three different waterfalls; Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. So there’s plenty more to do here than just a quick glance at the falls!

A must-do experience is to take a boat tour on the classic “Maid of the Mist” to get up and close (and wet) to the fall themselves. If you venture over to the Canadian side of the falls you can even visit the “Journey Behind the Falls” attraction which allows yet another unique perspective. 

After visiting the falls remember you can also explore the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for its wineries and scenic landscapes. There is also the nearby Niagara Falls State Park which offers great hiking trails and the Cave of the Winds experience.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

June is an excellent time to visit Yellowstone, as the park comes alive with blooming wildflowers and abundant wildlife. In Yellowstone National Park it marks the beginning of summer, yet the weather is still generally quite mild and pleasant ranging from cool to warm but rarely hot. 

There’s lots to do across the month of June including marvelling at the impressive geysers, such as Old Faithful, and witnessing stunning natural phenomena like the Grand Prismatic Spring. June is also prime time for wildlife sightings in Yellowstone, the park’s diverse ecosystem is home to animals such as bears, wolves, bison, elk, and more.

Of course, one of the prime activities to do in Yellowstone is hiking, and in June the weather, though still unpredictable, is generally much more enjoyable than the freezing winter and boiling mid-summer. Camping too is a great way to soak in the natural beauty of the park and can save plenty of money on accommodation. Be sure to also go on some road trips to take in many of the breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, canyons, and other natural wonders.

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June being the start of the summer is the perfect time for a warm and sunny vacay, it strikes the perfect balance between weather perfect for sunbathing and swimming before it gets way too hot and wayyyy too full of school kids! 

If you’re seeking destinations with delightful weather conditions in June, these two locations offer plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures:

Bali, Indonesia

Like much of Southeast Asia, Indonesia has a rainy and dry season, but being in the Southern Hemisphere June is the beginning of Bali’s dry season. This means perfect weather for exploring all this majestic tropical island has to offer, whether chilling out on the beach or exploring Bali’s endless cultural gems.

If beaches are more your vibe then you can hit up an almost endless number of different spots from those offering some world-class surf, black volcanic beaches, traumatic towering coastal cliffs or just a chilled-out spot to catch some rays. Beaches in areas like Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu are popular for a reason. Then there are more out-of-the-way spots to visit like Nusa Lembongan, Amed and Balian where you can easily avoid the crowds and grab those Insta-worthy shots.

Be sure to soak in the other side of Bali by exploring the unique local culture of this Hindu island. Visiting locations such as the ancient temples of Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, and Besakih Temple provide a look at the island’s spiritual side. Equally, seeing the rural, jungle-covered areas of Bali such as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Ubud, the stunning Tegallalang rice terraces or trekking up Mt Batur gives you a completely different perspective.

Santorini, Greece

Known for its iconic white-washed buildings and stunning sunsets, Santorini is a dream destination in June. During this short window of time, you can be sure to catch some awesome weather which typically ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F) without being swarmed with crowds. If you’re here to soak up the rays without looking like a used leather bag…then this is the perfect time to come! 

Enjoy the sunny days while exploring the charming towns of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli, known for their Cycladic architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views. These spots around the  Caldera of Santorini are also famous for their stunning sunsets which are at their most vibrant during the month of June. For a more chilled-out day head to the beaches of Perissa, Kamari, and Red Beach for watersports, sunbathing and boat trips. 

Other fun activities include taking a boat trip to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni where you can hike to the crater rim or enjoy a therapeutic mud bath. It’s also the perfect launch point for hopping on a ferry to nearby destinations like Mykonos or Crete, as well as the small island of Thirassia which belongs to Santorini. 

Whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to visit the unique black sand beaches, indulge in a rejuvenating dip in its crystal-clear waters as well as taking in breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, and savouring mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.

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Europe offers a plethora of captivating destinations that are even more enchanting in the month of June. This month marks the start of the summer season proper and yet isn’t late enough in the year for most schools around the continent to have broken up for their summer holidays either! Perfect! 

Here are two destinations to consider:

Barcelona, Spain

June is an ideal time to visit Barcelona as the city boasts pleasant temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere. The weather is wonderfully warm and sunny meaning it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s many outdoor attractions as well as the nearby coastline. Whilst June does mark the beginning of the peak season, it’s not quite overrun yet and has that unmistakable buzz the summer brings with it. 

There’s a lot to take in on a trip to Barca, so be sure to pack a comfortable pair of shoes. Start by discovering the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudí, including the famous Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà. Next up explore the charming Gothic Quarter, known for its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and historic landmarks such as the Barcelona Cathedral and El Pont del Bisbe. 

A trip to Barca would be incomplete without a stroll down Las Ramblas and a visit to the lively Boqueria Market. Once down at the bottom, continue on to Barceloneta Beach and catch some waves with the locals. Once you’ve worked up a decent appetite it’s time to round off the trip by indulging in Catalan cuisine, try local specialities such as paella, tapas, seafood, and traditional Catalan dishes like escalivada and botifarra

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Visiting the Amalfi Coast in June is an awesome experience as the climate is delightful, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the coastal towns come alive with vibrant colours and activities. The great thing about a trip here is that you’re not just visiting one place, but the whole coastline is dotted with charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Whilst the Amalfi Coast is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and ferries, the absolute best way to experience it is to rent a car or scooter and take some epic scenic drives along the winding coastal roads. The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, colourful towns, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, so exploring either on transport or on foot is the best way to experience panoramic views from the many scenic viewpoints. 

Visit popular beaches like Spiaggia Grande in Positano or Marina Grande, either one is a great place to spend the way or begin a boat tour along the coast. An unmissable experience is to take a short trip over to the exclusive island of Capri, known as one of the top holiday destinations for the Hollywood elite. Finally, be sure to indulge in the delicious local cuisine of the Amalfi Coast including fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and regional specialities such as limoncello and Neapolitan pizza which originated in this region.

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June is a month of vibrant festivals around the world. Partaking in local events and customs is a great way to rub shoulders with natives and get to know what life is all about in that region. So immerse yourself in the cultural celebrations and revelries in these two festival destinations:

Glastonbury Festival, England:

Join one of the world’s most iconic music festivals in June, The legendary Glastonbury Festival, or Glasto to locals! Held in the fields of Somerset at Worthy Farm each year, Glastonbury Festival showcases a diverse lineup of artists and offers a unique camping experience. Since it first started in 1970 as a small gathering, it has grown over the years to become a cultural phenomenon and one of those things you’ve just got to experience at least once in your life! 

Today the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe and keeps them entertained over the long weekend with an eclectic mix of music genres, featuring renowned artists from various genres such as rock, pop, indie, electronic and folk music. Its diverse lineups include musicians like David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Radiohead, Elton John and many others.

There are plenty of different stages other than the famous main Pyramid stage too. These smaller venues offer an even more diverse range of musicians, artistic performances, genres and mind-bending experiences. The festival does a great job of promoting up-and-coming performers as well as long-established acts. Glastonbury also has a strong focus on sustainability and has been actively working towards reducing its environmental impact as well as various social causes.

Inti Raymi, Cusco, Peru:

Honouring Inti, the sun god, the ancient Incan celebration of Inti Raymi is held in the month of June. It was one of the most significant and elaborate festivals in the Inca Empire and continues to be celebrated to this day in the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Peru during this captivating festival and once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Inti Raymi means “Festival of the Sun” in the Incan language Quechua. Inti was considered the most important deity in the Inca religion and was to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and to seek blessings for the upcoming agricultural season. So think of it as kinda like an Inca Thanksgiving! 

The modern reenactment of the festival takes place on June 24th at the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán, just outside of Cusco. Whilst respecting the ancient origins of the festival, today it also encompasses a much grander and theatrical vibe. Be sure to witness colourful parades, traditional music, dance performances and reenactments of ancient rituals,  followed by the lighting of a sacred fire.

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Whilst June is coming right into peak season for travel in the Western Hemisphere, it doesn’t mean that everywhere is unaffordable. No sir! There are still some great places to head to if you’re on a budget, after all, here at The Broke Backpacker we believe in travel for everyone! 

If you’re looking for affordable destinations to explore in June, consider these two budget-friendly options:

Prague, Czech Republic

Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague offers a wealth of historical and architectural treasures and is a classic budget destination for those travelling to Europe. In the winter months Prague can be bitterly cold, but when the month of June rolls in temperatures are perfect for a city break full of sightseeing and drinking plenty of Czech beer on the many outdoor terraces. 

The Prague Spring International Music Festival also takes place in June, bringing with it some of the most prestigious classical music performers from around the globe, if that’s your kinda thing! The city is built for exploring on foot, with an endless amount of architectural marvels to discover as well as iconic attractions such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and St. Vitus Cathedral. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from Pet?ín Hill or climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower for a stunning vista.

Another fun way to explore the city in the warmer month is to take a boat tour along the Vltava River. It offers a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks, allowing you to admire the beautiful bridges, riverside architecture, and Prague Castle from a different vantage point. Enjoy affordable local cuisine and experience the vibrant nightlife too without breaking the bank.

Marrakech, Morocco

June is a great time to visit Marrakech, as the temperatures are still pleasant before the intense summer heat. If you’re looking to experience some hot and sunny weather alongside a whole heap of unique culture without having to brave Europe during the kid’s summer break, then Morocco is ideal. 

Dive into the bustling souks and winding streets of the medina, you can easily get lost here (which is a good and a bad thing… so have your wits about you!), but it’s the perfect way to see local life up close and personal. Soon you’ll find yourself at the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square where snake charmers and their hypnotising music add to the mystique of this enchanting city. Don’t forget to also visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Ibn Youssef School and Saadian Tombs. 

Sample delicious Moroccan street food and explore the rich cultural heritage of this exotic city by indulging in tasty tagines and delicacies such as cous cous. Outside of the city, there are some awesome day trips that can be taken either to the cooler climes of the towering Atlas Mountains or to the tribal villages in the Erg Chigaga Desert.

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In addition to the aforementioned categories, there are many other destinations worth considering for a memorable June getaway, so we’ve put together this category as a kinda wildcard! Maybe some places you might not have considered until now! 

Here are two more options to inspire your travel plans:

Cape Town, South Africa

Existing in the upside-down part of the world (the Southern Hemisphere), that means that in June, Cape Town is in fact just entering into the latter part of Autumn and into early winter. Don’t let that put you off though, Cape Town can get unbearably hot during the summer, so with the cooler months comes pleasant temperatures and thankfully the sunny days still remain for the most part. 

Cape Town offers a great mix of things to see and do from outdoor activities like climbing mountains or hitting the coastline to exploring the unique culture of the different areas of the city centre. 

Heading up Table Mountain is a must-do activity in Cape Town, you can choose between hiking or taking the cable car up to the peak, so anyone can enjoy the awesome panoramic views from the summit. Other outdoor activities to do in Cape Town include visiting the Cape Winelands region, known for its picturesque vineyards and wine estates. 

Other great spots to visit include the moving Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years during apartheid, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden that sits at the foot of Table Mountains and the lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. If you can rent a car, then exploring the stunning Cape Peninsular is an awesome experience. Visit places like Boulders Beach to see the African penguin colony and explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where you can spot wildlife such as baboons and various bird species.

Stockholm, Sweden

When the rest of Europe gets overwhelmed by tourists as the summer season begins, more off-the-beaten-track capitals like Stockholm remain a chilled-out destination to head to. With the warmer months, the Scandinavian city begins to awake from its winter hibernation into a low-key buzz that includes several festivals and a thriving outdoor culture. 

With long, warm and sunny days, Stockholm offers a great bang for your buck. There’s a lot to explore including numerous parks, green spaces and the picturesque islands on the  Stockholm archipelago. Be sure to also wander the street of Stockholm’s charming old town, Gamla Stan, where you can admire the historic buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. 

Other impressive sights include the impressive Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), the official residence of the Swedish royal family. Make sure to take a guided tour to admire the grand interiors and learn more about Swedish history. Other fun museums include the ABBA Museum where you can embrace your inner dancing queen!

June offers a plethora of captivating destinations to explore around the world. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural celebrations, or budget-friendly options, there’s a perfect place for your early summer adventure. 

The month of June is a fantastic time to embark on your travel adventures. From the vibrant cities and national parks of the USA to the sun-drenched beaches of Bali, there’s a destination to suit every traveller’s preferences. Despite being the start of the summer months, dodging the crowds, inflated prices and blistering heat that it brings is easy with a bit of research and planning. 

Let’s be honest, we all love to travel when it’s warm, sunny and the days are longer. For these reasons, June is one of my favourite months to travel! So pack your bags, book your accommodation, and get ready to embrace the summer spirit in these remarkable places.