The 8 best places to travel in June

Whether you come for a grunge pilgrimage, that gum wall or the incredible great outdoors, Seattle’s distinct identity draws crowds from far and wide. The city’s fun-loving side is usually on full display in June as the artsy Fremont Solstice Parade stops traffic with a naked bike ride and Seattle Pride paints the streets all colours of the rainbow. Other highlights include orca spotting in Puget Sound or sniffing out the costly-but-coveted Copper River salmon at Pike Place Market (only available from May until mid-June).

Discover the best things to do in Seattle

June is technically Fiji’s winter, but temperatures still hover in the mid-twenties (mid-seventies Fahrenheit) and this ‘cool’ weather makes for seriously epic sunsets. The archipelago’s turquoise waters are particularly clear at this time of year, ideal for snorkelling and diving; Viti Levu’s outer islands are top choice for experienced divers looking for a liveaboard trip, while the Mamanucas boast calm seas and beautiful coral reefs. Resorts are getting busier, but you’re still likely to find a better deal than you would in July or August.

Discover the best things to do in Fiji

It’s technically the rainy season on Malaysia’s west coast in June, but showers on Langkawi are short-lived and sunshine often prevails. The main benefits of coming here in the shoulder season? Deserted attractions and bargain hotel stays. Popular Pantai Cenang beach is much quieter in June, while the likes of pretty Tanjung Rhu (which is far from the tourist hubs) can be practically empty. Take the cable car to the Skybridge on a blue-sky day for unforgettable jungle views.

Discover the best things to do in Langkawi

In the past, the cramped Old Town streets of Prague in summer have tended to provoke whispers of ‘overtourism.’ But the city is trying hard to reinvent itself – fewer pub crawls and horse-drawn carts, more culture and food – and if you venture away from the main hubs, you’ll find there’s plenty to see beyond Charles Bridge and the (newly tourist-proofed) Lennon Wall (although they’re still worth an early morning gander). June is not yet the apex of tourist season, but benefits from beautiful weather and (in regular years) a slew of delectable festivals, including the largest ice cream fest in Central Europe and a microbrewery bonanza.

The best things to do in Prague

Zambia’s dry and bright conditions in June are ideal for wildlife spotting in the 3500 square-mile South Luangwa National Park,  and bonus: mosquito numbers dwindle as the landscape dries out. Walking safaris were first pioneered right here, allowing you to get up close to the region’s flora, identify the dusty prints of baboons, hyenas, or even leopards and see just how gargantuan African elephants really are. If that’s not enough of an adrenaline hit, make a beeline for Victoria Falls where you can bungee jump over the Zambezi.

June is one of the wettest months of Sri Lanka’s southwest monsoon season (which runs from around April to September), but on the east coast it’s a different story. In Arugam Bay blazing sunshine and consistent waves mean this month is made for surfing… or lazing in a hammock with a smoothie, if that’s more your style. Nearby Kumana National Park sees far fewer visitors than its southern sister Yala, meaning you can spot leopards, elephants and crocodiles without an entourage of jostling jeeps.

Discover the best things to do in Sri Lanka

As if the Azores weren’t idyllic enough already, in June these verdant volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic burst with colour as copious wildflowers come into bloom. The island of Flores (meaning flowers) is the best place to spot them, but Parque Terra Nostra on the main island of São Miguel is just as captivating, and a real treat for botany boffins. You also stand a decent chance of spotting whales and dolphins in the wild, as the widest variety of cetacean species are migrating through these waters.

Discover the best things to do in the Azores

Current events notwithstanding, central Asia is having a moment. Relaxed visa regulations mean the region is more accessible than ever, and its unparalleled combo of rich history, dazzling architecture and rugged landscapes are starting to draw a savvy crowd. From mid-June, Kyrgyzstan’s low-altitude hiking trails start to thaw out, whitewater rafting season starts and remote yurt camps welcome travellers looking for a digital detox. In mountainous Naryn, make time for the Kyrgyz Shyrdagy Festival, a celebration of the ancient Kyrgz art of felt carpet making.