The 10 Best Places to Visit in June
Published on: August 16th, 2017
Last modified: July 28th, 2023
With a whole world to choose from, deciding where to travel next isn’t always easy. The good news is our team of destination experts is here to help with their top recommendations for places to visit in June.
Eat your way around Greece and France, discover history and culture in Peru and Indonesia, soak up the sun in Italy, discover the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, track the big five in Zimbabwe, go on water safaris in Botswana, and see mountain gorillas in Rwanda or orangutans in Borneo.
1. Peru - Best for Hiking and Ancient History
Peru’s winter season runs from May to October and is the best time to visit this Latin American country. Along the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – daytimes are sunny and temperatures settle at around 25°C (77°F).
For many, Machu Picchu is one of the main reasons to visit Peru, but there are plenty of other unforgettable experiences to discover too. Journey through the country in comfort – and style – on a luxury train journey, or make Sol y Luna in the Sacred Valley your base to discover Inca Ruins. Peru comes to life with festivals during June too; celebrate Fiesta de San Juan in The Amazon and Inti Raymi in Cusco. Stay at Palacio Nazarenas, a restored palace and convent, for the latter.
2. Zimbabwe - Best for Safaris and Waterfalls
The dry season in Zimbabwe runs from April to October making June an ideal time to visit. Slightly off the beaten safari track, Zimbabwe sees fewer crowds than other African safari destinations yet its expansive and varied landscapes are teeming with wildlife, including the big five.
In Zimbabwe you can choose from game drives, walking safaris, boat trips or a combination of all three. Explore Mana Pools, Hwange, and Victoria Falls – some of our favourite places to stay in Zimbabwe to do so include Somalisa Camp, Wilderness Linkwasha Camp and Wilderness Ruckomechi.
3. Botswana - Best for Exclusive Safari Experiences
There are many reasons to visit Botswana, but one of the best is its private concessions. More than 45% of Botswana benefits from environmental management: Wilderness Mombo Camp, which runs primarily on solar power, is one of the properties leading the way. Thanks to their restricted visitor numbers they offer a more exclusive safari – one that promises fewer crowds and a more privileged access to experiences including night time game drives.
Some of the best places to visit for safari in Botswana include Xigera Camp and Mombo Concession inside the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, where you can spot the big five among other impressive wildlife.
4. Rwanda - Best for Mountain Gorillas and Safari
June marks the start of the drier months in Rwanda, making it an ideal time to visit for gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the ideal place to do so; it’s one of just two places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas. The unique Wilderness Bisate near Mount Bisoke is committed to reforestation and conservation and offers daily gorilla treks, as well as the opportunity to visit Diane Fossey’s research – and burial – site.
Gorillas may be one of the main reasons people visit Rwanda, but there are other safari experiences on offer too. Stay at the One&Only Nyungwe House in Nyungwe National Park to walk rainforest trails spotting chimpanzees as you hike, or go on an adventure through Akagera National Park on the lookout for the big five. Overlooking the park’s Lake Rwanyakazinga, Wilderness Magashi Camp is the ideal place to do so from.
5. France - Best for Food and Wine
Europe comes alive during the summer months of June to September, and perhaps nowhere more so than the region of Provence in southeast France. Lavender fields spring to life here during late June, while earlier in the month you’ll find Paris in bloom. Take a wine tour across much of the country; cooler temperatures in Champagne and less-crowded vineyards in Burgundy make these ideal June destinations.
D-Day falls on 6 June, a time to visit Normandy to learn about and pay respect to WWII veterans, or head to the French Riviera anytime throughout the month for a glamorous, beachside Mediterranean escape. The impressive Maybourne Riviera hotel in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is the perfect location from which to explore Menton, Monaco and beyond.
6. Greece - Best for Islands and Traditional Cuisine
June is an ideal time to visit Greece. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C (85°F), and stretch into long, warm evenings. The Greek islands are a must at this time of year and, whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, beaches, nightlife or something else, there is an ideal island for all.
We recommend staying at Cosme in Paros or The Rooster in Antiparos for relaxation or visiting Crete for active adventures. Stop off in Athens to visit one of the world’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Acropolis. Or catch a show at the Athens Epidaurus Festival, before returning to one of the city’s oldest, and most opulent hotels, Grand Bretagne. The Greek capital is a delight for foodies, too; take a culinary tour of the city to try Greek souvlaki, baklava, olive oil and more.
7. Italy - Best for Cities and the Coast
Italy’s stunning countryside, storied history, delicious food and plentiful culture make it a fascinating destination for all. Families and first-timers will love discovering Juliet’s balcony and Roman history in Verona, feeding hungry bellies in Sicily and exploring cities such as Rome and Florence.
June is an ideal time to explore most Italian cities, before it gets too hot; take a food or wine tour or simply stroll around the top city sights. For a picturesque beach escape steeped in history, sail the stunning Amalfi Coast or soak up its history and views from the cliff top Belmond Hotel Caruso.
8. Indonesia - Best for Cruises and Culture
The Indonesian archipelago has a year-round temperature of about 28°C (82°F), but is at its best between May and October – its dry season. With more than 17,000 islands it may be difficult to decide where to visit and what to do. Visit ever-popular Bali, but make sure you head inland too. Ubud is the island’s cultural capital and Tanah Gajah hotel is an ideal base from which to explore its rich spiritual, religious and artistic culture.
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its dragons but the surrounding shallow seas are home to a whole host of other underwater life; diving and snorkelling opportunities here are some of the best in the world. With so much surrounding sea, another great way to explore Komodo and further afield is by cruise. Charter a yacht and sail past dramatic volcanoes, drop anchor in hidden coves or slip overboard into the coral reefs of Raja Ampat.
9. Borneo - Best for Wildlife
Borneo excels when it comes to wildlife. Orangutans are one of its most well-known species and June is one of the best months to spot them. Head to Sandakan for a chance to see them in the wild, or spend time with them and other rescued primates at the rehabilitation centre.
A must for any wildlife enthusiast, Borneo is not only home to many unique and rare species such as the Malayan sun bear, proboscis monkey and pygmy elephant, but it looks after them, too. At 43,000 hectares, Danum Valley is a protected area teeming with flora and fauna and has just one property, Borneo Rainforest Lodge. With a commitment to sustainability and preservation, the lodge offers exciting excursions with a low environmental impact including jungle trekking, waterfall swimming, birdwatching and walking expeditions.
10. Australia - Best for Underwater Adventures
Australia offers some of the best reef safaris on the planet. Trailing some 1,400 miles along Northern Queensland’s coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is proud home to the world’s biggest coral reef system, over 1,500 types of fish, 30 species of cetaceans, plus whales, dolphins and the dugong. June is one of the best months to explore it thanks to pleasant temperatures and calm waters.
Accessible only by charter from Cairns airport you’ll find the secluded Lizard Island, a responsible lodge on a largely uninhabited island that is working to preserve its land and waters alongside the traditional land owners. Visit for watersports, to soak up the sun, and of course to scuba dive or snorkel. Slightly south and back on the mainland is Silky Oaks, a rainforest, riverside retreat made up of tree houses where daytime activities such as hiking and canoeing are followed by long, lazy dinners at their award-winning restaurant.
Looking for More Inspiration?
Talk to one of our experts today and start creating your perfect June getaway.