Where is hot in June

hot holidays in June Where is hot in June

By Mark Hodson, Sunday Times Travel Writer and Editor of 101 Holidays

June is a fantastic time of year to escape to the sun: an absence of school holidays means that there are many great offers to be had, as travel companies fight hard for your custom and airlines seek to fill their seats.

The Northern hemisphere is king at this time of the year, and Mediterranean destinations shine brightly – there is little need to go further afield, although there are still some fantastic longer haul possibilities. So where is hot in June for a holiday?

Short haul holidays in June

June is the perfect time to soak up some rays in the south of France. Temperatures shoot to 25C across the southern Cote d’Azur: renting a coastal villa in St Tropez or Cannes is an excellent option for a bit of holiday glamour. Or rent an entire French chateau.

Similarly this is the time for Italy: the Amalfi Coast makes for beautiful quiet beach locations, while mid-20s temperatures in cities including Florence or Verona – where Opera season calls – beckon for long cultural days in the warmth. Find details and prices of opera holidays.

The long sandy beaches of Spain’s Costa de la Luz come highly recommended for this time of the year. At 28C, Madrid is a hive of activity for art-lovers and sunshine, while spending a tapas-fuelled few days in Barcelona split between the beach and the delights of the city is unbeatable.

Eastern Europe can be particularly rewarding in June: Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coastal locations of Split and Dubrovnik are our pick, with average temperatures of 26C.

Island-wise, Greece remains on top – try Paxos rather than Crete for a charming, more traditional experience. Greece is closely followed by the Balaerics, which have developed a reputation for cheap package holidays but boast beautiful villas tucked away from the action: Mallorca and Ibiza hold many secrets waiting to be uncovered, while neighbouring Menorca has superb beaches. See the latest villa deals.

Up to 12 hours of daily sunshine and soaring temperatures can also be found across Cyprus. Don’t forget North Cyprus which is great value because it’s outside the Eurozeone. Check out the latest special offers.

In Egypt, Cairo is blisteringly hot and humid by June. The big-time sun-worshipper should head to the Egyptian coast – well-loved Sharm el Sheikh hits 36C.

Long haul holidays in June

If you are prepared to nip across the Atlantic, US destinations are coming into their prime, but without the flocking tourists of the summer holidays. For the shopaholic, New York jumps to 26C in June. Similar temperatures flood the east coast, making this a great time for a sunny road-trip, that could take you from Boston to Washington D.C. without compromising on temperature.

On the west coast, at 26C, Los Angeles is the pick for sun-bleached celeb spotting. If you are after even higher temperatures take a trip inland to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, but be prepared to practically melt – it can reach 38C here with 13 hours of sunshine. At least there is plenty of air-con.

US cities such as New York can easily be combined with a beach stay in Bermuda which is at its best in June. Laze on pink sand beaches, play a round of golf or go sightseeing by boat. The best places to stay include Cambridge Beaches, the family-friendly Fairmont Southampton and the great-value Grotto Bay Resort.

June is also a wonderful time to enjoy the natural beauty of Canada. Ride the railroads on the Rocky Mountaineer or take a self-drive Mountain Express tour of Banff, Jasper National Park, Calgary and Vancouver.

In the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbados are popular destinations for hot holidays in June. Try the Cayman Islands for something a little less mainstream. Check our guide to the Caribbean for the best options.

Safari holidays in June can be fantastic: Namibia and Tanzania promise heat and unbeatable wildlife, but be careful to avoid Western Cape destinations which are shrouded in winter.

Indian Ocean destinations are reliable, but less hot than at their prime: consider Sri Lanka instead, which reaches 30C or top resorts on the beaches of Malaysia and Singapore if you don’t mind high humidity. Classic choices such as Koh Samui in Thailand remain sensible, while the Pacific Cook Islands make an excellent alternative for a castaway idyll.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that even though it is winter in the southern hemisphere, Australia is a no-go. Northern cities including Darwin enjoy 30C temperatures but minus the humidity or rain of summer. Cairns is also a balmy 25C making a great base for exploring the Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef at a quieter time of year.

See more top tips for holidays in June or visit our sister site for expert tips on the best honeymoons in June.