here to travel in June
Summer kicks off this month with scenic hiking trails, rooftop bars and
whale-watching at these must-visit destinations around the world.
Mauritius is much quieter in June as the main tourism season has passed.
ClickAlps, AWL
BySiobhan Grogan
Last updated May 18, 2026
•8 min read
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
June has all the joys of summer without the peak prices and school holiday
crowds. Across Europe, longer days and warmer temperatures bring
outdoor festivals and al fresco socialising to places like Ireland and
Norway. Canada also welcomes the sunshine after winter by opening
hiking trails and rooftop bars for the season, just in time to host this year’s
FIFA World Cup. It’s a great month for those looking for adventure, too,
whether it’s whale-watching and white-water rafting in Panama or wild
swimming in Mauritius. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia
marks the arrival of winter with elaborate light installations.
Mauritius
Weather: 21-25C (70–77°F)
Why now: Lower humidity, start of the dry season and fewer visitors
The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is loved by winter sunseekers, yet
June has quieter beaches, a still-warm sea and lower humidity for
exploring the country’s markets, villages and hiking trails. Capital Port
Louis buzzes with street food stalls, colourful Hindu temples and a
renovated waterfront, while Goodlands to the north has a traditional
market selling souvenirs, clothes and unmissable chilli salted pineapple.
Milder temperatures are also perfect for following the picturesque trails of
Bras d’Eau National Park on the island’s east coast as they wind through
forests to natural pools for wild swimming.
Like a local: Head to the beach on Sunday where families hold all-day
barbecues with pop-up rum shacks after attending church services. Try
Tombeau Bay near Port Louis.
Norway
Weather: 16-20C (61–68F) in southern Norway; 5-15C (41–59F) in the
Arctic Circle
Why now: Midnight sun and midsummer celebrations
After a long winter, Norway embraces summer with gusto. The sun barely
sets, especially north of the Arctic Circle in cities like Tromsø, making June
the perfect month for round-the-clock outdoor pursuits including camping,
cruising through the mirror-still Geirangerfjord or hiking the Trolltunga
Trail. Melting snow has turned to thundering waterfalls and the beaches
and seafood restaurants of Kristiansand throng with sun-seeking locals. In
late June, the country celebrates midsummer with bonfires, singing and
feasting.
Like a local: Always bring layers: even in summer, the weather can change
without warning, particularly in rural areas.
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon when the sun doesn't set for
24h.
Žilvinas Karkauskas, Getty Images
Panama hosts a varied selection of birds, including the Talamanca
Hummingbird.
Jared Lloyd, Getty Images
Panama
Weather: 26-30C (79–86F)
Why now: Wildlife-watching and quieter trails
While June is the second month of Panama’s rainy season, showers are
still brief, tourist destinations are quieter and temperatures more
manageable than during the hot, dry months. Rainforests dazzle in
emerald green and the likes of Soberania and Coiba National Parks are
teeming with active wildlife, including the pygmy three-toed sloth, howler
monkeys and keel-billed toucans. By the end of the month, it’s possible to
spot humpback whales as they arrive to mate in the warm waters of the
Pearl Islands and Gulf of Chiriqui. Elsewhere, the calm morning waters of
the San Blas islands are perfect for snorkelling, while high river levels near
Boquete make white-water rafting popular for thrill-seekers.
Like a local: Cash is essential, especially outside big cities, and it can be
difficult to find a working ATM machine. US dollars are accepted
everywhere.
June ushers in longer days and warmer temperatures in Ireland.
Karol Kozlowski, AWL
Ireland
Weather: 13-18C (55–64F)
Why now: Mild weather and long daylight hours
Ireland’s weather warms up in June with the sun setting after 9pm each
evening, leaving enough time for striding through the lush green
countryside, partying at outdoor festivals or just sipping a Guiness in a
lively pub garden. Dublin celebrates James Joyce’s Ulysses on Bloomsday,
a unique Irish holiday on 16 June and the Galway Folk Festival draws the
country’s biggest musical names on 3-7 June, while Pride sees
countrywide festivities, including parades and live music in Dublin and
Waterford. Wildflowers bloom along the hiking trails of Killarney National
Park and Connemara, while basking sharks, puffins and harbour seals can
be spotted around the Dingle Peninsula.
Like a local: Pubs and restaurants in more rural areas may have limited
hours for serving food, often ending lunch service around 2pm.
Canada
Weather: 20-25C (68–77F) in Ontario; 16-19C (61–66F) in Vancouver
Why now: World Cup fever and hiking before summer’s peak season
Due to host several World Cup games in June, Canada embraces summer
after its long cold winter with trendy rooftop bars, lakefront beaches and
reopened hiking trails. The car-free Toronto Islands have kayaking and bike
trails, while it’s also prime time for spotting transient orcas and black
bears in and around Vancouver Island. Visit Jasper or Banff National Parks
for waterfalls, hiking and canoeing on glacier-fed lakes, or take scenic road
trips along the Cabot Trail for cliffside views and impromptu beach pit
stops. Toast the long days with a cocktail on the roof of 1 Hotel Toronto
overlooking the CN Tower or on Montreal’s Terrasse Place D’Armes.
Like a local: Be sure to sample a butter tart, a pastry with a maple syrup,
egg and brown sugar filling. Try them in St Lawrence Market in Toronto or
Vancouver’s Granville Island market.
Canada is the place to be for outdoor adventurers and sports afficionados
throughout June.
Vicki Jauron, Getty Images
Australia
Weather: 20-30C (68–86F) in Northern Territory; 15-19C (59–66F) in
Sydney and Melbourne
Why now: Ski season, snorkelling and the second half of Vivid Sydney
Visitors to Australia in June can have it all if they’re prepared to travel. The
north of the country sizzles at the height of its dry season with ideal
conditions for snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and bushwalking in
Kakadu National Park, yet ski resorts in Falls Creek and Thredbo also open
for the season starting this month. Those seeking coffeeshops and culture
should head south to Melbourne or Adelaide for crowd-free city breaks in
cooler weather, while Sydney blazes with huge light installations, such as
those on its iconic Opera House as part of the annual Vivid Sydney festival
(22 May-13 June).
Like a local: Pay close attention to flags on beaches. Red and yellow flags
together denote a patrolled area away from rip tides; no flags mean the
beach isn’t supervised and it’s not safe to swim.
This article has been updated. It originally published in April 2023.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine
click here (available in select countries only).
Related Topics
HIKING
FESTIVALS
WILDLIFE
SWIMMING
SCUBA DIVING
NATIONAL PARKS
You May Also Like
TRAVEL
Where to travel in February
TRAVEL
5 ways to embrace the great outdoors in Norway, from hiking to log cabin
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You May Also Like
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Which is the best island in southeast Asia for you?
TRAVEL
Where to travel in May
TRAVEL
7 lesser-known European national parks to explore this summer
TRAVEL
Where to travel in April
TRAVEL
7 of the UK’s best wellness festivals
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Attend a Live Event
here to travel in June
Summer kicks off this month with scenic hiking trails, rooftop bars and
whale-watching at these must-visit destinations around the world.
Mauritius is much quieter in June as the main tourism season has passed.
ClickAlps, AWL
BySiobhan Grogan
Last updated May 18, 2026
•8 min read
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
June has all the joys of summer without the peak prices and school holiday
crowds. Across Europe, longer days and warmer temperatures bring
outdoor festivals and al fresco socialising to places like Ireland and
Norway. Canada also welcomes the sunshine after winter by opening
hiking trails and rooftop bars for the season, just in time to host this year’s
FIFA World Cup. It’s a great month for those looking for adventure, too,
whether it’s whale-watching and white-water rafting in Panama or wild
swimming in Mauritius. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia
marks the arrival of winter with elaborate light installations.
Mauritius
Weather: 21-25C (70–77°F)
Why now: Lower humidity, start of the dry season and fewer visitors
The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is loved by winter sunseekers, yet
June has quieter beaches, a still-warm sea and lower humidity for
exploring the country’s markets, villages and hiking trails. Capital Port
Louis buzzes with street food stalls, colourful Hindu temples and a
renovated waterfront, while Goodlands to the north has a traditional
market selling souvenirs, clothes and unmissable chilli salted pineapple.
Milder temperatures are also perfect for following the picturesque trails of
Bras d’Eau National Park on the island’s east coast as they wind through
forests to natural pools for wild swimming.
Like a local: Head to the beach on Sunday where families hold all-day
barbecues with pop-up rum shacks after attending church services. Try
Tombeau Bay near Port Louis.
Norway
Weather: 16-20C (61–68F) in southern Norway; 5-15C (41–59F) in the
Arctic Circle
Why now: Midnight sun and midsummer celebrations
After a long winter, Norway embraces summer with gusto. The sun barely
sets, especially north of the Arctic Circle in cities like Tromsø, making June
the perfect month for round-the-clock outdoor pursuits including camping,
cruising through the mirror-still Geirangerfjord or hiking the Trolltunga
Trail. Melting snow has turned to thundering waterfalls and the beaches
and seafood restaurants of Kristiansand throng with sun-seeking locals. In
late June, the country celebrates midsummer with bonfires, singing and
feasting.
Like a local: Always bring layers: even in summer, the weather can change
without warning, particularly in rural areas.
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon when the sun doesn't set for
24h.
Žilvinas Karkauskas, Getty Images
Panama hosts a varied selection of birds, including the Talamanca
Hummingbird.
Jared Lloyd, Getty Images
Panama
Weather: 26-30C (79–86F)
Why now: Wildlife-watching and quieter trails
While June is the second month of Panama’s rainy season, showers are
still brief, tourist destinations are quieter and temperatures more
manageable than during the hot, dry months. Rainforests dazzle in
emerald green and the likes of Soberania and Coiba National Parks are
teeming with active wildlife, including the pygmy three-toed sloth, howler
monkeys and keel-billed toucans. By the end of the month, it’s possible to
spot humpback whales as they arrive to mate in the warm waters of the
Pearl Islands and Gulf of Chiriqui. Elsewhere, the calm morning waters of
the San Blas islands are perfect for snorkelling, while high river levels near
Boquete make white-water rafting popular for thrill-seekers.
Like a local: Cash is essential, especially outside big cities, and it can be
difficult to find a working ATM machine. US dollars are accepted
everywhere.
June ushers in longer days and warmer temperatures in Ireland.
Karol Kozlowski, AWL
Ireland
Weather: 13-18C (55–64F)
Why now: Mild weather and long daylight hours
Ireland’s weather warms up in June with the sun setting after 9pm each
evening, leaving enough time for striding through the lush green
countryside, partying at outdoor festivals or just sipping a Guiness in a
lively pub garden. Dublin celebrates James Joyce’s Ulysses on Bloomsday,
a unique Irish holiday on 16 June and the Galway Folk Festival draws the
country’s biggest musical names on 3-7 June, while Pride sees
countrywide festivities, including parades and live music in Dublin and
Waterford. Wildflowers bloom along the hiking trails of Killarney National
Park and Connemara, while basking sharks, puffins and harbour seals can
be spotted around the Dingle Peninsula.
Like a local: Pubs and restaurants in more rural areas may have limited
hours for serving food, often ending lunch service around 2pm.
Canada
Weather: 20-25C (68–77F) in Ontario; 16-19C (61–66F) in Vancouver
Why now: World Cup fever and hiking before summer’s peak season
Due to host several World Cup games in June, Canada embraces summer
after its long cold winter with trendy rooftop bars, lakefront beaches and
reopened hiking trails. The car-free Toronto Islands have kayaking and bike
trails, while it’s also prime time for spotting transient orcas and black
bears in and around Vancouver Island. Visit Jasper or Banff National Parks
for waterfalls, hiking and canoeing on glacier-fed lakes, or take scenic road
trips along the Cabot Trail for cliffside views and impromptu beach pit
stops. Toast the long days with a cocktail on the roof of 1 Hotel Toronto
overlooking the CN Tower or on Montreal’s Terrasse Place D’Armes.
Like a local: Be sure to sample a butter tart, a pastry with a maple syrup,
egg and brown sugar filling. Try them in St Lawrence Market in Toronto or
Vancouver’s Granville Island market.
Canada is the place to be for outdoor adventurers and sports afficionados
throughout June.
Vicki Jauron, Getty Images
Australia
Weather: 20-30C (68–86F) in Northern Territory; 15-19C (59–66F) in
Sydney and Melbourne
Why now: Ski season, snorkelling and the second half of Vivid Sydney
Visitors to Australia in June can have it all if they’re prepared to travel. The
north of the country sizzles at the height of its dry season with ideal
conditions for snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and bushwalking in
Kakadu National Park, yet ski resorts in Falls Creek and Thredbo also open
for the season starting this month. Those seeking coffeeshops and culture
should head south to Melbourne or Adelaide for crowd-free city breaks in
cooler weather, while Sydney blazes with huge light installations, such as
those on its iconic Opera House as part of the annual Vivid Sydney festival
(22 May-13 June).
Like a local: Pay close attention to flags on beaches. Red and yellow flags
together denote a patrolled area away from rip tides; no flags mean the
beach isn’t supervised and it’s not safe to swim.
This article has been updated. It originally published in April 2023.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine
click here (available in select countries only).
Related Topics
HIKING
FESTIVALS
WILDLIFE
SWIMMING
SCUBA DIVING
NATIONAL PARKS
You May Also Like
TRAVEL
Where to travel in February
TRAVEL
5 ways to embrace the great outdoors in Norway, from hiking to log cabin
stays
You May Also Like
TRAVEL
Which is the best island in southeast Asia for you?
TRAVEL
Where to travel in May
TRAVEL
7 lesser-known European national parks to explore this summer
TRAVEL
Where to travel in April
TRAVEL
7 of the UK’s best wellness festivals
The best of National Geographic delivered to your inbox
Sign up for more inspiring photos, stories, and special offers from National
Geographic.
Sign Up
Legal
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Our Sites
Nat Geo Home
Attend a Live Event
here to travel in June
Summer kicks off this month with scenic hiking trails, rooftop bars and
whale-watching at these must-visit destinations around the world.
Mauritius is much quieter in June as the main tourism season has passed.
ClickAlps, AWL
BySiobhan Grogan
Last updated May 18, 2026
•8 min read
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
June has all the joys of summer without the peak prices and school holiday
crowds. Across Europe, longer days and warmer temperatures bring
outdoor festivals and al fresco socialising to places like Ireland and
Norway. Canada also welcomes the sunshine after winter by opening
hiking trails and rooftop bars for the season, just in time to host this year’s
FIFA World Cup. It’s a great month for those looking for adventure, too,
whether it’s whale-watching and white-water rafting in Panama or wild
swimming in Mauritius. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia
marks the arrival of winter with elaborate light installations.
Mauritius
Weather: 21-25C (70–77°F)
Why now: Lower humidity, start of the dry season and fewer visitors
The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is loved by winter sunseekers, yet
June has quieter beaches, a still-warm sea and lower humidity for
exploring the country’s markets, villages and hiking trails. Capital Port
Louis buzzes with street food stalls, colourful Hindu temples and a
renovated waterfront, while Goodlands to the north has a traditional
market selling souvenirs, clothes and unmissable chilli salted pineapple.
Milder temperatures are also perfect for following the picturesque trails of
Bras d’Eau National Park on the island’s east coast as they wind through
forests to natural pools for wild swimming.
Like a local: Head to the beach on Sunday where families hold all-day
barbecues with pop-up rum shacks after attending church services. Try
Tombeau Bay near Port Louis.
Norway
Weather: 16-20C (61–68F) in southern Norway; 5-15C (41–59F) in the
Arctic Circle
Why now: Midnight sun and midsummer celebrations
After a long winter, Norway embraces summer with gusto. The sun barely
sets, especially north of the Arctic Circle in cities like Tromsø, making June
the perfect month for round-the-clock outdoor pursuits including camping,
cruising through the mirror-still Geirangerfjord or hiking the Trolltunga
Trail. Melting snow has turned to thundering waterfalls and the beaches
and seafood restaurants of Kristiansand throng with sun-seeking locals. In
late June, the country celebrates midsummer with bonfires, singing and
feasting.
Like a local: Always bring layers: even in summer, the weather can change
without warning, particularly in rural areas.
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon when the sun doesn't set for
24h.
Žilvinas Karkauskas, Getty Images
Panama hosts a varied selection of birds, including the Talamanca
Hummingbird.
Jared Lloyd, Getty Images
Panama
Weather: 26-30C (79–86F)
Why now: Wildlife-watching and quieter trails
While June is the second month of Panama’s rainy season, showers are
still brief, tourist destinations are quieter and temperatures more
manageable than during the hot, dry months. Rainforests dazzle in
emerald green and the likes of Soberania and Coiba National Parks are
teeming with active wildlife, including the pygmy three-toed sloth, howler
monkeys and keel-billed toucans. By the end of the month, it’s possible to
spot humpback whales as they arrive to mate in the warm waters of the
Pearl Islands and Gulf of Chiriqui. Elsewhere, the calm morning waters of
the San Blas islands are perfect for snorkelling, while high river levels near
Boquete make white-water rafting popular for thrill-seekers.
Like a local: Cash is essential, especially outside big cities, and it can be
difficult to find a working ATM machine. US dollars are accepted
everywhere.
June ushers in longer days and warmer temperatures in Ireland.
Karol Kozlowski, AWL
Ireland
Weather: 13-18C (55–64F)
Why now: Mild weather and long daylight hours
Ireland’s weather warms up in June with the sun setting after 9pm each
evening, leaving enough time for striding through the lush green
countryside, partying at outdoor festivals or just sipping a Guiness in a
lively pub garden. Dublin celebrates James Joyce’s Ulysses on Bloomsday,
a unique Irish holiday on 16 June and the Galway Folk Festival draws the
country’s biggest musical names on 3-7 June, while Pride sees
countrywide festivities, including parades and live music in Dublin and
Waterford. Wildflowers bloom along the hiking trails of Killarney National
Park and Connemara, while basking sharks, puffins and harbour seals can
be spotted around the Dingle Peninsula.
Like a local: Pubs and restaurants in more rural areas may have limited
hours for serving food, often ending lunch service around 2pm.
Canada
Weather: 20-25C (68–77F) in Ontario; 16-19C (61–66F) in Vancouver
Why now: World Cup fever and hiking before summer’s peak season
Due to host several World Cup games in June, Canada embraces summer
after its long cold winter with trendy rooftop bars, lakefront beaches and
reopened hiking trails. The car-free Toronto Islands have kayaking and bike
trails, while it’s also prime time for spotting transient orcas and black
bears in and around Vancouver Island. Visit Jasper or Banff National Parks
for waterfalls, hiking and canoeing on glacier-fed lakes, or take scenic road
trips along the Cabot Trail for cliffside views and impromptu beach pit
stops. Toast the long days with a cocktail on the roof of 1 Hotel Toronto
overlooking the CN Tower or on Montreal’s Terrasse Place D’Armes.
Like a local: Be sure to sample a butter tart, a pastry with a maple syrup,
egg and brown sugar filling. Try them in St Lawrence Market in Toronto or
Vancouver’s Granville Island market.
Canada is the place to be for outdoor adventurers and sports afficionados
throughout June.
Vicki Jauron, Getty Images
Australia
Weather: 20-30C (68–86F) in Northern Territory; 15-19C (59–66F) in
Sydney and Melbourne
Why now: Ski season, snorkelling and the second half of Vivid Sydney
Visitors to Australia in June can have it all if they’re prepared to travel. The
north of the country sizzles at the height of its dry season with ideal
conditions for snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and bushwalking in
Kakadu National Park, yet ski resorts in Falls Creek and Thredbo also open
for the season starting this month. Those seeking coffeeshops and culture
should head south to Melbourne or Adelaide for crowd-free city breaks in
cooler weather, while Sydney blazes with huge light installations, such as
those on its iconic Opera House as part of the annual Vivid Sydney festival
(22 May-13 June).
Like a local: Pay close attention to flags on beaches. Red and yellow flags
together denote a patrolled area away from rip tides; no flags mean the
beach isn’t supervised and it’s not safe to swim.
This article has been updated. It originally published in April 2023.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine
click here (available in select countries only).
Related Topics
HIKING
FESTIVALS
WILDLIFE
SWIMMING
SCUBA DIVING
NATIONAL PARKS
You May Also Like
TRAVEL
Where to travel in February
TRAVEL
5 ways to embrace the great outdoors in Norway, from hiking to log cabin
stays
You May Also Like
TRAVEL
Which is the best island in southeast Asia for you?
TRAVEL
Where to travel in May
TRAVEL
7 lesser-known European national parks to explore this summer
TRAVEL
Where to travel in April
TRAVEL
7 of the UK’s best wellness festivals
The best of National Geographic delivered to your inbox
Sign up for more inspiring photos, stories, and special offers from National
Geographic.
Sign Up
Legal
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Our Sites
Nat Geo Home
Attend a Live Event