Where’s Hot in June?

June might signal the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, but this doesn’t mean the sun always shines. In the UK, we’re all too familiar with soggy starts. Naturally, this leads us in search of sunnier climes, so it’s no surprise we’re experts when it comes to knowing where’s hot in June. From Canada’s eastern delights to Spain’s lush northern region, read on as we delve into some of our favourite (literal) hotspots across the globe…

1. Bali and Lombok, Indonesia
2. Cyclades Islands, Greece
3. Quebec, Canada
4. Northern Spain
5. Lisbon, Portugal

Bali and Lombok, Indonesia

With the rainy season over, Indonesia enjoys hot, dry weather in June. July’s crowds are yet to descend, so make a beeline for Bali, which basks in toasty temperatures of around 28°C. Trek up Mount Batur – an active volcano – for sweeping sunrise views, trot around Hindu temples (we like the jungle-clad Pura Gunung Kawi and the cliff-perched Pura Uluwatu), or explore emerald rice terraces in the island’s interior. Want to head off the beaten track? Enter neighbouring Lombok, where unspoilt scenery and thrilling adventures await. A must-do in June is the Mount Rinjani hike, boasting a view that’ll leave jaws on the floor: an azure-blue crater lake punctuated by a smouldering volcano, Mount Barujari. Elsewhere on the island, visit indigenous Sasak villages, discover tumbling waterfalls and take your pick from tranquil beaches. Keen to cool off? Slip into the glassy waters surrounding Lombok and the nearby Gili Islands to discover a vibrant underwater world.

Image by Putu Krisna/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Cyclades Islands, Greece

The good news about finding where’s hot in June? You needn’t travel far to feel the heat. Greece’s sun-soaked island cluster, the Cyclades, has everything you need. With its marvellous Mediterranean climate, this archipelago boasts pleasant mid-20°C temperatures in June, perfect for hiking rugged trails, relaxing on secluded beaches or exploring authentic Greek villages. Sprinkled across the sparkling Aegean Sea, the Cyclades are much more than its poster child islands, the tourist-laden Santorini and the party-centric Mykonos. With 30 inhabited islands to choose from, why not opt for an island-hopping adventure? From Amorgos’ untamed terrain and Sifnos’ gastronomic delights to Milos’ volcanic landscapes, the Cyclades’ secrets are plenty…

Image by Olivier Romano

Quebec, Canada

Among Canada’s legendary landscapes, it’s easy to overlook its understated eastern province. Shaking off the chill of spring, June marks the start of summer in Quebec and brings a festive feeling to its cities. Wander Quebec City’s cobbled streets and historic sites (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage-recognised city, after all), or listen to live music at Montreal’s Jazz Festival, featuring around 3,000 artists from 30-odd countries. Beyond its bustling urban centres, Quebec is home to scores of spectacular nature spots. The Saguenay Fjord National Park is a great place to begin: hike, kayak, bike or zipline through the wilderness that lines the 62-mile-long fjord. Or, on the Gaspe Peninsula, explore the rugged beauty of Forillon National Park, where forest-fringed cliffs drop into the waters below. Grab your binoculars, as this spot is known for hosting over 200 bird species and the occasional blue whale.

Image by Olivier Romano

Northern Spain

While certain Spanish hotspots start to swelter in June (Madrid and Seville, we’re looking at you), northern Spain hits its stride. Otherwise known as ‘Green Spain’, thanks to its verdant landscapes, this region overlooks the Bay of Biscay and includes Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country. Hike to your heart’s content in the rolling hills and jagged peaks of Picos de Europa National Park, marvel at Santiago de Compostela’s Medieval architecture or eat your way around Spain’s culinary capital, San Sebastian. Galicia’s gorgeous coastline will delight beach lovers, while Bilbao bubbles over with museums and cosmopolitan character. Sick of Spain? Unlikely. But if France takes your fancy, it’s a hop, skip and jump across the border to the Basque Country beauties of Biarritz and Bayonne.

Image by Sara Riano/Unsplash.com

Lisbon, Portugal

Last up on our list of where’s hot in June is lovely Lisbon. Enjoying warm, pleasant weather (yet to reach the scorching heights of July and August), June is a lively month in the Portuguese capital. Summer’s in the air, flowers bloom across the city and festivities animate its historic neighbourhoods – there’s a (free) party around every corner. Our favourite is the popular mid-month celebration, Festa de Santo Antonio, held in honour of Lisbon’s patron saint and filling the city with live music and grilled sardines galore. After partying, spend your time sourcing the city’s best pastel de nata, discovering the most swoon-worthy sunset spot or delving into its rich history on a local-led walking tour. There’s no denying that June in Lisbon ticks all the boxes.  

Image by Olivier Romano

Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Nataliya Kalcheva/Getty Images/iStockphoto