Looking for a holiday somewhere hot in June? From long-haul island breaks to beachy holidays in Europe, these destinations are sure to provide some early-summer sunshine.
Summer holiday season is finally here. While June brings predictably warm weather across the Northern Hemisphere, you can still expect fewer crowds than later in the season. Most schools are still in session, so family resorts are less busy. And, while these places are definitely hot in June, the temperature is still pleasant so you can enjoy a bit of sightseeing. If you can peel yourself off the sunlounger, that is.
1. Koh Samui, Thailand
While June is bang-smack in the middle of Thailand’s rainy season, destinations on the Gulf Coast tend to be drier. But because lots of tourists are put off by the words ‘rainy season’, this is also low season. This means there are less crowds and hotels in Koh Samui tend to be cheaper. Those looking for somewhere very hot in June will be pleased to hear that temperatures can soar as high as 29°C. And, because there are fewer tourists, you’ll find plenty of tranquil spots to lay your towel on its fine, white-sand beaches.
When you’re not enjoying having stretches of paradise beach to yourself, June is a great time to explore the island. A must-do is visiting the Big Buddha temple, Wat Phra Yai. Walk across the causeway to the small temple, where a 12m tall golden statue of Buddha towers above visitors. June is also a lovely time to explore the lush, tropical island. Hike to Namuang Waterfall and enjoy a refreshing dip in the freshwater pools.
When it’s time to relax, you’ll find plenty of people offering Thai massages, while yoga lessons and retreats are available across the island. Every weekend, the Lamai Sunday market is the place to go for freshly made street food and local handicrafts.
2. Zadar, Croatia
If you like a sunny beach break with a big dollop of history and culture, you’ll love Zadar. This Croatian city is reliably hot in June, with temperatures soaring as high as 27°C. Get up early to squeeze in some sightseeing while it’s cooler, before making the most of the city’s nearby beaches.
Stroll through the ancient Roman streets, studded with historic buildings and lined with stylish cafés. By night, you’ll find lots of hip wine bars here, too – many selling wine from the vastly underrated vineyards nearby.
Zadar’s waterfront has been a major port since antiquity, and is the place to be at sunset. Film director Alfred Hitchcock once said the sunset here was the best he’d seen in all his travels. While you’re taking it all in, keep an ear out for the melodic sounds of Nikola Bašić’s Sea Organ. This art installation is hidden underneath the cascading steps, and transforms the sloshing sound of the waves into ethereal music.
Want to get out of the city? Hop on a boat for a trip to the nearby islands, where pristine beaches are lapped by crystal-clear waters.
3. Sardinia, Italy
If you’re dreaming of an island in the sun, Sardinia is hot in June and definitely worth a visit. Olbia is the gateway to the Costa Smeralda – one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. Meaning ‘Emerald Coast’, it’s full of white-sand beaches, colourful villages and luxurious resorts.
With temperatures rising as high as 29°C in June, this is the perfect time of year to enjoy Sardinia’s 1,149 miles of coastline. Snorkel in the crystal clear water, or go one step further and learn to scuba dive at Cannigione. Sign up for an organised snorkelling trip and experienced guides will take you to some of the best places to spot fish and other marine life.
Don’t be surprised if you spot some celebs sunning themselves on the superyachts in Porto Cervo marina. Speaking of which, June in Sardinia is all about sailing. The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta (6-10 June) sees massive boats competing against the backdrop of the La Maddelena islands, and is a sight to behold. Foodies will need to try the local mussel – cozzi di Olbia. It’s at its best in June and July, and local restaurants create special dishes featuring the shellfish.
Where else is hot in June?
June is one of the best times of year for those planning a sunshine holiday. Summer has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and destinations across the south of Europe are starting to heat up. It’s much easier to get some cheap heat without hopping on a long-haul flight.
Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, things are finally cooling off. It’ll still feel hot in June to us Brits. For example in Sydney (Australia), the daily high is a very pleasant 17°C, while Cape Town (South Africa) gets highs of 20°C. It might not be scorching, but it makes sightseeing far more comfortable.
Meanwhile, June marks the first month of low season in the Caribbean. It’s still hot and sunny, but prices tend to be lower because the Atlantic’s hurricane season officially begins in June. Historically, the storms don’t reach their peak until mid-August. This early in the season, rainy weather is quite rare. Win.
| Country | City | Average temperature in June |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Koh Samui | 29°C / 84°F |
| Mexico | Cancun | 28°C / 82°F |
| Croatia | Zadar | 22°C / 72°F |
| Spain | Tenerife | 21°C / 70°F |
| Cyprus | Limassol | 24°C / 75°F |
| Türkiye | Antalya | 25°C / 76°F |
| Portugal | Faro | 21°C / 70°F |
| Italy | Olbia | 21.5°C / 71°F |
| Brazil | Rio de Janeiro | 22°C / 72°F |
Can’t wait until June?
Take a look at where’s hot in May, especially if you fancy a trip to Hanoi, Bali or the Algarve. Or, check out our latest deals to find some last-minute sunshine.
FAQs
There are plenty of options for beach holidays in June, and you don’t have to go too far to get it. Tenerife is lovely throughout the year, but is especially hot in June. This is the start of peak season, which lasts until September. Other beach destinations that are hot in June include Antalya in Türkiye, the Algarve in Portugal and Limassol in Cyprus. Or, if you fancy getting further away, try Cancun in Mexico.
Choose any city in southern Europe, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a hot city break. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is hot in June, and has the added benefit of famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. There’s also the Festa Junina (June festival), with bazaars dedicated to Catholic saints on 13, 24 and 29 June.
Eastern Europe is fairly hot in June, and many destinations offer great value for money. For example, there are lots of cheap flights from the UK to Bulgaria. Its capital, Sofia, is pleasantly hot in June with temperatures around 25°C. If you fancy a seaside break, fly into Bourgas. This is the gateway for resorts like Sunny Beach. Other cheap, sunny options in Eastern Europe include Montenegro, Romania and Albania.
