Without a doubt, June is a fantastic month for a long haul holiday, with destinations to suit every kind of traveller. In the Northern Hemisphere, June marks the beginning of summer, often lending itself to great weather, summer festivals and outdoor activities. On the other hand, the Southern Hemisphere is beginning to transition into winter, but this is no less exciting, with ideal conditions for wildlife experiences exploring some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
So where are the best places to travel in June? That really depends on the kind of adventure that you’re after… Will you witness the natural wonders of Australia’s Red Centre and Vietnam’s Halong Bay or embark on wildlife adventures in Kruger National Park? Immerse yourself in Māori New Year celebrations in Rotorua, soak up lively cultural events in Montreal, or take in the electric atmosphere of the USA’s music cities?
Here are our top picks for holidays in June, and why these spots should be on your radar.
June Chapters:
| Rotorua, New Zealand | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 11239 Miles |
| Journey Time | 24 Hours (including one stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +12 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | On The Point Rotorua, Sudima Lake Rotorua |
| Visit Rotorua |
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand‘s North Island, scattered around the fringes of its namesake lake, you’ll find the city of Rotorua. Boasting fascinating geothermal activity, a thriving Māori culture and both adrenaline-pumping and wellness experiences, Rotorua is a destination like no other, and June makes a particularly magical time to visit this year, as it marks Māori New Year.
The date of the Māori New Year, known as Matariki, changes slightly every year, determined by the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster in the early morning. Traditionally there are three pillars that guide Matariki festivities: remembrance, celebration and aspiration. It is a time to honour loved ones that have passed, and come together with your community to share kai (food), enjoy music and dance, as well as looking forward to the next year, setting goals and wishes.
As well as attending a Matariki celebration, spending the night at a marae, a Māori community centre, is the perfect way to experience Māori culture. You can expect storytelling, music and dancing, and some delicious food cooked in a traditional underground oven.
As Rotorua sits within the Pacific Rim of Fire, it is alive with geothermal activity. Famous Te Puia is home to the legendary Pohutu Geyser that errupts several times a day, blasting up to 100 feet! Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland is also spectacular, with bubbling mud pools, brightly coloured mineral springs and active Lady Knox Geyser.
Rotorua is also a haven for wellness, with its reputation as a spa destination dating as far back as the 1800s, with travellers drawn to its therapeutic waters and mud pools. To experience all that Rotorua has to offer, head to the Polynesian Spa, where you can enjoy 28 mineral pools, a vast menu of spa treatments and spectacular views over Lake Rotorua.
If you fancy a change of pace after a spa experience, Rotorua has no shortage of adrenaline adventures to get stuck into. Soaring over the forest canopy on a zipline, white-water rafting down the Kaituna River and mountain biking through Rotorua’s winding trails are just some of the activities on offer. You can even hurtle downhill in an inflatable hamster ball! Rotorua is an incredibly diverse destination, offering something to suit everyone, and it makes the perfect place to travel in June.
Travel Tip: Stargazing is often an integral part of Māori New Year celebrations. The Matariki star cluster is relatively close to Earth, which means it is fairly easy to spot. To find it, look low on the northeast horizon before sunrise, where you should see a small group of bright stars. Find the three stars in a row, which is Orion’s Belt, then follow a line upwards to the left, where you will find Matariki just above the horizon.
| Kruger, South Africa | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 8702 Miles |
| Journey Time | 17 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +1 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways |
| Which Lodges to Stay? | Arathusa Safari Lodge, Imbali Safari Lodge, Notten’s Bush Camp |
| Visit Kruger National Park |
Boasting an overwhelmingly vast 2 million hectares of wilderness, Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger area, is a renowned safari destination. Each area of the park has something unique to offer: Kruger’s north is drier, its landscape broken up by fever trees and baobabs, central Kruger is characterised by open savannah and mopani thickets, and the south of the park is made up of lush vegetation and waterholes.
June marks the beginning of South Africa’s winter, but, despite this, Kruger is an incredible destination for a June holiday. The cooler weather is perfect for long days exploring and it makes for better sightings of wildlife. Daytime temperatures in June tend to average 27°C, however the nights drop to about 12°C, so it is important to pack lots of layers for sunrise safaris or night drives. The cooler weather also means less mosquitos, but bringing insect repellent is still a good idea.
The dry season is also in full swing, which makes for much better visibility thanks to lower rainfall and less dense vegetation. Visiting Kruger National Park in June offers a great opportunity for spotting the ‘Big 5’: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. In the cool mornings and evenings, big cats become most active, stalking their prey near rivers and in open plains.
The drier weather has an impact on the animals behaviour, as lush vegetation and water is more scarce, meaning that herds tend to congregate around water sources. In June you can often see herds of elephants and buffalos around water holes and rivers, or spot rhinos on their hunt for somewhere to drink. Hippos and crocodiles can also frequently be found basking along riverbanks.
Kruger National Park’s south is known for its watering holes, so lodges in the south make a great base for a June holiday. For example, stay at Imbali Safari Lodge in south Kruger, or Sabi Sands is a particularly bountiful private reserve, boasting plenty of wildlife at this time of year.
Travel Tip: If you have the time, set aside a day to slow down. Whilst game drives offer the thrill of chasing wildlife through the park, and often lead to incredible sightings, it can be equally rewarding to let nature come to you. It is incredible how much you can spot right from your camp – wildlife you may otherwise have missed.
| Montreal, Canada | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 3245 Miles |
| Journey Time | 7 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -5 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Air Canada, British Airways, Air Transat |
| What Hotels to Stay? | Sens Høtel, Le Saint Sulpice |
| Visit Montreal |
When June arrives, summer has well and truly begun in Montreal. Bosting pleasant temperatures in the mid 20°Cs and hosting a whirlwind of events, brimming with quintessential Quebecoise ‘joie de vivre’, June is arguably the best time to visit Montreal.
Making a particularly colourful weekend in the Canadian calendar, Montreal hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada each June. Whether you get tickets to the race itself at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve or head to Montreal’s Old Port where the sessions are broadcast on the big screen, the city is abuzz with the glitz and glamour of race weekend. In the days leading up to the race you can even explore parts of the iconic track.
Montreal also comes alive with the arts in June. La Fête Nationale du Québec is celebrated with live music and community events throughout the city, and Les Francos de Montréal festival brings together French-language performers from all over the world. Showcasing the city’s street art, the MURAL Festival similarly kicks off in June, as the walls of Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood are transformed by some of the city’s best urban artists.
Montreal in June offers plenty of culinary adventures too. The city is littered with food festivals and markets, offering the perfect opportunity for a DIY food tour. Amongst the festivities are the YATAI MTL festival, celebrating Japanese street food, and the annual Polski Piknik offers all manner of Polish cuisine. Don’t miss Little Italy’s Jean-Talon Market for fresh produce and baked goods, and the Atwater Market in Saint-Henri is known for its delicious meats and cheeses.
Outdoor dining becomes the norm throughout the summer months, as some of the city’s busiest streets are pedestrianised. Café tables spill out into the street and bar terrasses are the perfect people watching spot.
June’s warmer days also make it the perfect time for outdoor activities. We’d recommend hiring a bike and pootling along Lachine Canal, or you can even peddle around the Formula 1 circuit on Île Notre-Dame. Alternatively, take an open air hop-on hop-off bus around the city. The Montreal Botanic Garden is in full bloom, with stunning displays, or explore the fascinating ecosystems of Montreal’s Biodome.
Travel Tip: The first Friday of June marks National BeaverTail Day! This Canadian fried dough pastry is, funnily enough, shaped like a beaver’s tail, and can be enjoyed with a huge range of toppings, like chocolate, fruit or even poutine. Make sure to sample one of these delicacies during your visit…
| Halong Bay, Vietnam | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5791 Miles |
| Journey Time | 15 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +6 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, Singapore Airlines |
| Which Experience to Choose? | Halong Bay Boutique Cruise, Two Night Halong Bay Cruise |
| Visit Halong Bay |
Just off the northeast coast of Vietnam lies Halong Bay. This UNESCO-heritage natural wonder boasts emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts, dotted with lush vegetation. The most popular way to explore is on a Halong Bay cruise, with ships typically modelled on Chinese junk boats but decked out with spacious cabins and modern comforts. Alternatively, opt for a sea plane ride, gaining a unique perspective of Halong Bay’s stunning scenery.
Halong Bay is a great place to visit in June, as it falls in the low season for international visitors, meaning that tours and cruises are typically more affordable and less crowded. Inversely, it is a time when many Vietnamese travellers visit, which creates a charming and authentic atmosphere.
Throughout the month, temperatures typically sit between 26°C and 33°C making it perfect beach and watersports weather. Although you do need to be prepared for a sudden downpour, June experiences fewer showers than the peak summer months, and you can still expect around 8 hours of sunshine every day.
There are so many ways to experience Halong Bay. With water temperatures reaching as high as 30°C, June is the best time for activities like snorkelling, diving, kayaking and swimming. Many cruises also offer sunrise Tai Chi lessons, so you can learn the basics as the bay begins to wake up around you.
Night squid fishing is one of the more unique activities you can try in Halong Bay. As sun sets, squid begin to emerge from the depths of the bay, attracted by the lights that illuminate the fishing boats. You’ll be equipped with a bamboo fishing rod and some bait, and you can try your hand at catching a squid for yourself, which can then be cooked up into something delicious.
As you’d expect, you can find some exceptional sea food in Halong Bay. Dishes such as bún cù kỳ, a crab noodle dish, and chả mực, fried squid cakes, are Halong Bay specialities.
Venturing onto land, Halong Bay boasts an extensive network of caves, that are fascinating to explore. Sung Sot Cave boasts otherworldly but spacious chambers, and at Dau Go Cave you’ll find captivating rock formations. For a different perspective of the bay, scaling Bai Tho Mountain offers incredible views.
Travel Tip: Make sure you’re prepared for whatever the weather throws at you, and pack a raincoat along with your sun-cream and swimsuit. Breathable clothing is also advisable; it’ll help with the humidity and will dry quickly in the event of a surprise downpour.
| Red Centre, Australia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 9356 miles |
| Journey Time | 24 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +8½ Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Qantas, Etihad, Singapore Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Longitude 131, Sails in the Desert, Quest Alice Springs |
| Visit the Red Centre |
The Outback. Vast, arid, and absolutely spectacular. Australia’s Red Centre is a desert region towards the southern end of the Northern Territory, including World Heritage Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. The Red Centre is unlike anywhere else on earth, its awe-inspiring landscapes steeped in culture and history.
June is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Central Australia with perfect weather for exploring. June marks the beginning of Australian winter, so you can expect temperatures of 18-23°C: comfortable for walking and outdoor activities. The evenings can get quite chilly, however, so make sure to pack lots of layers! The outback’s notorious flies are also a lot less active as you move into the winter months.
There are two main airports in Central Australia, well serviced by all of the country’s major cities. Alice Springs Airport is a great gateway to much of the Red Centre, and Ayers Rock Airport is just a stone’s throw from Uluru. Alternatively, opt to ride the iconic Ghan, a spectacular train journey through the outback. Once you’re in the Red Centre, you can join an escorted tour, or embark on a self drive, which are the best ways to explore several of the Red Centre’s fascinating areas.
Perhaps the most famous Red Centre landmark is Uluru, and it has certainly earned its reputation. Formerly known as Ayers Rock, it is unlike anywhere else on Earth… The iconic rock rises dramatically from the red-sand desert, illuminated in spectacular colours at sunrise and sunset. There is no shortage of unique experiences on offer at Uluru: visit the glistening Field of Light installation, take a walking tour of the park’s sacred sites, or enjoy a candlelit dinner, watching the sun set over the rock.
Kings Canyon is similarly epic, with sheer cliff faces, the lush ‘Garden of Eden’ and cascading waterfalls. You can hike the 6km trail around the canyon’s rim, taking in panoramic views over the surrounding landscape as you ascend the cliffs.
Alice Springs is often referred to as the ‘gateway to the Red Centre’, and the characterful town offers a unique insight into outback life. The town is framed by the spectacular MacDonnell mountain ranges: head to the Western MacDonnells to explore dramatic gorges and swim in secluded waterholes, or discover the Aboriginal rock paintings and red gum trees of the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the spectacular stargazing! The Red Centre boasts some of the clearest skies in the world, with June offering particularly cloudless weather. Take a stargazing tour, or simply enjoy the views from your accommodation.
| Nashville & Memphis, USA | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 3964 Miles |
| Journey Time | 9 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -6 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | British Airways, Delta Airlines, American Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Virgin Hotel Nashville, The Peabody Hotel Memphis |
| Visit Nashville & Memphis |
You’d better pack your dancing shoes for a holiday to America’s iconic music cities… Although these Tennessee cities are buzzing year-round with music and events, they make a great place to travel in June as they are particularly lively. Nashville and Memphis‘ weather can be a bit unpredictable year round, but June sees these electric cities at their best. You can expect high 20°Cs and lots of sunshine, but still be prepared for an unexpected shower.
Nashville has earned its title as the ‘Music City’, and it really is the beating heart of country music. Every June, the city hosts the world-famous CMA fest. The biggest names in country music, and up-and-coming artists, descend upon the city, creating an infectious atmosphere.
No trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. For almost 100 years the Opry has broadcast the country’s greatest talent and discovered new artists in the genre, and it remains highly influential in the growing popularity of country music. You can watch the show be recorded live, taking in the venue’s fascinating architecture, that has barely changed throughout the show’s broadcasting. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, or head to downtown Nashville for the ‘Honky-Tonk Highway’, where you can crawl a network of quirky bars all boasting live music.
In both Nashville and Memphis, June means a huge pride festival. Expect colourful parades, endless entertainment and a buzzing atmosphere. The 19th of June also marks Juneteenth, the day that slavery officially ended in the US. Throughout the month there are local festivals, live music, parades and events in a poignant celebration of African American freedom.
Memphis is also well known for being the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n roll. Visit Graceland Mansion, the former home of Elvis Presley, that is now a museum, allowing you to delve into the world of this music legend. Continue to follow in the footsteps of music royalty with a tour of Sun Studio, known for launching the careers of Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Roy Orbison and, of course, Elvis.
Emblazoned with neon lights, Memphis’ Beale Street is colloquially known as ‘America’s Most Iconic Street’ and is lined with blues clubs, bars and restaurants. Wander down the street and get sucked into bars buzzing with live music, watch the famous acrobats, the Beale Street Flippers, and sample some authentic barbecue.
Travel Tip: Although a road trip is a popular way to explore Nashville and Memphis, why not take a cruise on the Mississippi River. Slow down and unwind in between these two buzzing cities, taking in the surroundings as you glide down the mighty Mississippi.
Some of the best June holidays by Freedom Destinations
Grace is part of the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations, having recently returned from 3 months backpacking around Australia. Her travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and Thailand so far, but her travel wish list is far from complete!
