Where to Go in June
Early summer perfection, avoiding peak crowds, and Europes longest days
June might be the perfect travel month. Summer has arrived but school holidays have not (in most of the UK), meaning you get warm weather without peak season prices or crowds. Europes longest days give you maximum time to explore, and destinations worldwide are at their seasonal best.
Early Summer Escapes
June offers a golden window - proper summer weather before the July-August rush. If you can travel in June, you will enjoy better value and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Avoiding Peak Crowds
English schools break in late July, Scottish schools in late June. Early-to-mid June offers the best of summer with manageable tourist numbers.
Mediterranean Perfection
The Mediterranean in June is as good as it gets. Temperatures are warm but not scorching (25-30C), seas are comfortable for swimming, and everywhere is open for business.
Greece (3-3.5 hours)
June in Greece offers hot but not extreme temperatures (28-30C), crystal-clear seas, and the full island experience before July peaks.
- Santorini - All the magic without the August overwhelm. Sunsets still spectacular, pools not yet fighting for loungers.
- Crete - Beach season in full swing with Elafonisi and Balos at their best. Warm enough for Samaria Gorge hiking.
- Rhodes - Medieval old town and beautiful beaches. Lindos is stunning but gets busy even in June.
- Corfu - Green and lush, excellent beaches, Venetian old town charm.
- Milos - Volcanic beaches in unique colours, rising star destination, book ahead.
Warning
Greek island ferries fill up in June. Book crossings in advance, especially for popular routes like Santorini-Mykonos or Piraeus to the Cyclades.
Italy (2-3 hours)
June in Italy is prime time - warm enough for beaches, not so hot that sightseeing becomes uncomfortable. The entire country is gorgeous.
- Amalfi Coast - Peak beauty with lemon trees heavy with fruit. Positano is busy but manageable.
- Sardinia - Stunning beaches rivaling Caribbean. Costa Smeralda is exclusive; the rest offers better value.
- Puglia - Italys heel with trulli houses, excellent food, and beaches without northern Italy crowds.
- Sicily - Hot (30C) but before extreme July heat. Beaches, ancient ruins, and incredible food.
- Lake Como - Celebrity lakeside glamour, garden visits, and classic Italian beauty.
Insider Pick
Puglia remains less crowded than the Amalfi Coast even in summer. The Valle dItria with its trulli houses is magical, and beaches near Polignano a Mare are stunning.
Croatia (2.5 hours)
June brings perfect Croatian weather (28C) with warm Adriatic waters. Island hopping is excellent and the mainland coast is beautiful.
- Dubrovnik - Hot but manageable. Visit city walls early morning, beaches in afternoon.
- Hvar - Lavender blooming (late June), yacht scene active, sophisticated island life.
- Korcula - Marco Polos alleged birthplace with charming old town and excellent wine.
- Vis - Remote island with authentic Croatian character. Military history, natural beauty.
- Istria - Croatian Tuscany with hilltop villages, truffles, and excellent wine.
Europes Longest Days
Late June brings the summer solstice and the years longest days. Northern Europe offers almost endless daylight, creating magical travel experiences.
Scandinavia (2-3 hours)
June is prime time for Scandinavia with mild temperatures (18-22C) and incredibly long days - near 24-hour daylight in the north.
- Norway Fjords - Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and dramatic scenery in perfect conditions. Midnight sun above Arctic Circle.
- Stockholm - Midsummer celebrations (around June 21st), archipelago island hopping, outdoor dining.
- Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens in full swing, canal tours, and 18 hours of daily daylight.
- Iceland - Midnight sun, puffins nesting, and the Ring Road at its most accessible.
- Finnish Lapland - Midnight sun, hiking, and unique Arctic summer experiences.
Tip
Swedish Midsummer (Midsommar) is one of the countrys biggest celebrations. Cities empty as everyone heads to the countryside for maypoles, herring, and aquavit. Time your visit to experience or avoid it.
UK & Ireland (1-2 hours)
June often brings the UKs best weather with long days and greenest landscapes. Staycations can be excellent value before school holidays.
- Scottish Highlands - 18 hours of daylight, midges manageable early June, stunning scenery.
- Cornwall - Beaches at their best before family crowds. St Ives, Padstow, and hidden coves.
- Lake District - Long days for hiking, lakes warming for swimming, classic English beauty.
- Ireland Wild Atlantic Way - Green landscapes, dramatic coastline, friendly pubs.
- Cotswolds - Honey-stone villages, gardens blooming, quintessential England.
City Breaks
European cities are at their best in June - warm evenings, outdoor dining, and cultural events. The long days maximize sightseeing time.
- Barcelona (2 hours) - Beach weather, rooftop bars, and Sant Joan festival (June 23rd) with bonfires and fireworks.
- Paris (1.5 hours) - Fete de la Musique (June 21st) fills streets with free concerts. Perfect terrace weather.
- Amsterdam (1 hour) - Canal-side drinks, cycling weather, and Holland Festival arts events.
- Vienna (2 hours) - Open-air concerts, Danube island activities, cafe garden season.
- Berlin (1.5 hours) - Outdoor culture thrives, beach bars along the Spree, Fete de la Musique.
Tip
Barcelona Sant Joan (June 23rd) is one of Europes best street parties - bonfires on the beach, fireworks, and celebrations until sunrise.
Adventure Destinations
June opens up excellent outdoor adventure opportunities in the northern hemisphere as snow melts and conditions stabilize.
- Swiss Alps (1.5 hours) - High altitude hiking opens, wildflower meadows spectacular, cable cars running.
- Dolomites (2 hours) - Via ferrata season, dramatic peaks, rifugios fully open.
- Slovenia (2 hours) - Lake Bled perfection, Triglav hiking, Soca River activities.
- Azores (4 hours) - Whale watching peak season, hydrangeas blooming, volcanic landscapes.
- Canadian Rockies (9 hours) - Banff and Jasper accessible, wildlife active, stunning scenery.
Warning
The Dolomites Alte Vie (high routes) typically open in late June. Check conditions before attempting high altitude hikes as snow can linger.
Beach Holidays
June offers excellent beach conditions across Europe and beyond. Sea temperatures are comfortable everywhere, and resorts are fully operational.
- Spanish Costas (2-2.5 hours) - Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol all at their best. 28-30C and warm seas.
- Balearics (2.5 hours) - Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza in full swing. Book beach clubs ahead on Ibiza.
- Algarve (2.5 hours) - Portuguese coast warming to comfortable levels. Dramatic cliffs and golden beaches.
- Cyprus (4.5 hours) - Hot (30C) with guaranteed sun. Both Greek and Turkish sides excellent.
- Malta (3 hours) - Blue Lagoon, historic sites, and diving in warm clear water.
Family-Friendly Picks
For families who can travel before English school holidays (late July), June offers summer weather at pre-peak prices.
- Majorca (2.5 hours) - Family resort excellence before peak crowds. Beaches warm, waterparks open.
- Costa Dorada (2 hours) - PortAventura in warm weather, beach time, and excellent value.
- Algarve (2.5 hours) - Family favourite with waterparks, beaches, and zoos all operational.
- Corsica (2 hours) - French island with stunning beaches, mountains, and adventure activities.
- Kefalonia (3.5 hours) - Greek family island with beautiful beaches and Captain Corellis Mandolin scenery.
Money-Saving Tip
Scottish schools break in late June, so Scottish families push June prices up slightly. English families still get term-time rates until late July.
Weather Comparison
Average June temperatures and conditions:
- Greece - 28-30C, 12 hours sunshine, hot and dry
- Italy - 27-32C, 10 hours sunshine, varies by region
- Croatia - 28C, 10 hours sunshine, warm Adriatic
- Spain - 28-32C, 11 hours sunshine, hot in south
- Scandinavia - 18-22C, 18+ hours daylight, pleasant
- Iceland - 12C, near 24-hour daylight, cool but bright
Budget Guide
Approximate costs for a week (flights and accommodation for two adults). June is shoulder-to-peak pricing - early June cheaper than late June.
- Greece (islands) - 650-1300 GBP per person
- Italy (coast) - 700-1400 GBP per person
- Croatia - 550-1100 GBP per person
- Spain (Balearics) - 550-1100 GBP per person
- Scandinavia - 800-1500 GBP per person (premium destination)
- UK staycations - 400-900 GBP per person
Money-Saving Tip
Early June (first two weeks) typically offers 20-30% savings compared to late June and July. This is one of the best value windows for summer travel.
Planning a trip?
TravelOS helps families plan trips together. Join the waitlist to be first to try it.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.