international travel in june 2023

The top 8 destinations for travel in June 2024

UPDATED: This article was originally published in March 2018 and updated in July 2023.

You’ve decided you want to travel more this year (good on you), but you’re struggling to choose your next destination. Surely there’s an easier way than trawling through endless travel mags and guidebooks for the answers, right? That’s where our ultimate month-by-month travel guide comes in: your easily digestible list of places to visit, things to experience and amazing weather to chase around the world.

All eyes on June this time around! The European summer is fast approaching, the Canadian snow is melting, and the dry season is getting going across Africa . Whether you’ve always wanted to slurp schnapps at a Swedish celebration, track endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda or hike to the summit of Mount Batur in Bali, here’s your guide to where to travel in June.

Niv Koren/Shutterstock

By the time June rolls around, Canada’s summer season has started but is not yet in full swing – meaning fewer crowds, hurrah! Long, warm days enable you to completely immerse yourself in the country’s great outdoor offerings, from fresh-water fishing to camping. Many of the hiking trails are now open too, allowing you to soak up the breathtaking vistas at Banff National Park and beyond.

As the snow melts, lakes and rivers defrost and grasslands slowly start coming back to life, encouraging native wildlife such as black and brown bears to go in search of food after months of hibernation. It’s also worth mentioning that Canada is a perfect destination for those looking to unleash their inner thrill-seeker, with countless opportunities for mountain biking and river rafting.

Photo captured by Jess Wight

June kickstarts the lengthy dry season in Rwanda, a landlocked country best known for its Volcanoes National Park. As the rainy season showers subside, the ground becomes dry and firm underfoot, making it an optimum time for tracking Africa’s endangered mountain gorillas. Make your way through dense, muggy jungle and find yourself falling in love with the gentle nature of these giants.

Add remarkably close wildlife encounters to witnessing some of the most incredible landscapes on the continent and you’ve got a very special destination on your hands. It’s important to gain an insight into the nation’s tragically sad past, too. Visit the Rwandan Genocide Museum, built in 2004, for an eye-opening experience that’ll help you understand the courage and resilience of the local people.

• 9-day Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

Read more: What it’s really like visiting mountain gorillas

3. Guatemala

Photo captured by Damian Raggatt

Labelling June as part of Guatemala’s rainy season is misleading because any showers are likely to be short-lived. Often called the “land of eternal spring”, large parts of the country are blessed with warm days and mild evenings year-round, and so good weather is almost always on the cards. In case you didn’t know July and August are popular times to visit, therefore you’ll miss the crowds by going in June.

Enjoy strolling down charming streets in Antigua with an imposing volcanic backdrop. Trek deep into the steamy jungles to explore remnants of mighty Mayan civilisations like Tikal. Unwind on a relaxing boat ride around Lake Atitlan and meet the friendly locals living on its banks. Or simply watch the fishermen at sunset in the waters surrounding the tiny yet irresistibly picturesque town of Flores.

• 10-day Guatemala to Belize
• 29-day Amazing Central America
• 17-day Maya Encounter

Read more: 5 reasons why Antigua is the highlight of any trip to Guatemala

Conny Sjostrom/Shutterstock

June brings about the most typically Swedish celebration ever, AKA Midsommar (or Midsummer), when Swedes raise a glass to the summer solstice. The festivities have their roots in Pagan tradition, which is where the midsommarstång (or maypole) supposedly comes from. Merriment manifests itself in pretty flower crowns, pickled herring, folk songs, dancing and copious amounts of aquavit.

Aside from the excitement of Midsommar, Sweden in June is just beautiful. Temperatures are slowly creeping upwards and the days are at their longest, leaving plenty of hours of sunshine to be enjoyed whether that’s taking a peaceful ferry ride around Stockholm’s archipelago or treating yourself to a spot of fika (coffee and cake) at one of the capital’s many independent cafes.

• 21-day Complete Scandinavia
• 7-day A Taste of Scandinavia

5. Indonesia

Franshendrik Tambunan/Shutterstock

June falls within Indonesia’s dry season making it an ideal time to visit with warm, sunny days that enable you to explore this tropical archipelago with ease. If you’ve always dreamt of seeing orangutans in the wild, make your way to Gunung National Park in Sumatra for your best chance to do so. You’ll come across some 300 bird species and might even spot an endangered Sumatran tiger.

If you prefer a laidback beach break, enjoy lazing on the sugar-white beaches of Gili Air with a cocktail (or Bintang) in hand. If it’s an adventure you’re after, strap on your hiking boots and prepare to tackle the steep slopes of an active volcano, Mount Batur. If it’s a bit of spirituality and relaxation you need, wind down with yoga classes and smoothies in Ubud. There’s something for everyone in Indonesia.

• 9-day Beautiful Bali
• 14-day Jakarta to Ubud
• 15-day Bali & Lombok Adventure

Read more: 8 reasons to try an adventure cruise in Indonesia

6. Madagascar

Photo captured by Richard James

Throughout June the days in Madagascar are bright and temperate. The occasional rain shower is still to be expected though, as it’s not firmly at the height of the dry season yet. It’s a brilliant time for observing wildlife, like watching playful baby lemurs and humpback whales returning to the coasts of Ile Sainte-Marie. Clear and calm waters also make it easier to observe diverse African marine life.

Aside from incredible fauna, Madagascar is also home to some spectacular scenery, from the bizarre rock formations making up Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park to the ancient trees lining the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. There’s plenty of opportunity for activity here too. Spend your days trekking to secluded swimming holes and cruising the Matsiatra River in a traditional dugout canoe.

• 11-day Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond
• 14-day Madagascar Adventure

Read more: Why a group tour in Madagascar was the right choice for me

7. Botswana

Photo captured by Anna Caswel

Wildlife spotting in Botswana is remarkable all year round, but some safari parks are especially impressive from June to September. During the dry season, the lack of vegetation in these parts leads animals to congregate by watering holes and rivers, making them easier to see. The skies are clear and the chance of rain is slim. These arid conditions also mean fewer pesky mosquitoes are floating around.

Bask in the serene atmosphere of the Chobe River on a sunset cruise, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, cheetahs and lions frolicking on the shore. Journey into the unspoiled wilderness of the Okavango Delta to look for hippos and crocodiles before setting up camp in the African bush. Or visit the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the only place left in Botswana with both black and white rhinos.

• 10-day Okavango Experience
• 18-day Explore Southern Africa
• 7-day Premium Botswana

Read more: Botswana in photos – the magic of an Intrepid safari

Akos Horvath Stock Photos/Shutterstock

Come June it’s all go, go, go in Hungary with festivals sprouting up across the capital. First is the Summer Festival, which offers a broad range of cultural performances including concerts, musicals and comedy shows (all housed in an open-air theatre). The Danube Carnival starts a week or so later and hosts nearly 400 artists from all over the world, including contemporary dancers and folk musicians.

Don’t fret if festivals aren’t your thing, as Hungary has plenty more to bring to the table. Marvel at the mint green-domed Esztergom Basilica on the famous Danube Bend. Sample a glass of vino or two in one of the country’s many flourishing wine regions. Put the world to rights in the thermal waters and healing spas of Komárom. Or while away the hours in the beautifully preserved Baroque town of Eger.

• 8-day Cycle the Danube
• 19-day Budapest to Venice
• 15-day Balkan Adventure

Read more: Feeling hungary? Check out our perfect weekend in Budapest

Not looking to travel in June? No worries. Check out our other monthly travel guides:

Feeling inspired?

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

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The 27 best holiday destinations in June

By Sarah James

The beer gardens are bursting and the piazzas are packed: it’s summertime in Europe . But where should you go on holiday in June; that magic time when the Med twinkles winsomely from dawn until dusk, and nights that resemble day urge spritzes on canals and sangrias in cobbled squares long after twilight? As the continent basks in the beginnings of busy season, it’s a fine time to be a pioneer – to find local beach scenes and hot nightlife in lesser-visited corners (many of which you can even reach by train). Or super-size it and strike out for North America , land of largesse, where vast landscapes are showing off their summer glow, and big cities crank up their festival calendars.

Is it cheaper to go on holiday in June?

In many parts of the world, June isn’t quite peak season – British schools don’t break up for the summer until July , which means flights are often cheaper, and there are deals to snap up. June is an appealing time of year for those without kids to travel, so venturing somewhere lesser-known is a great way to make your budget stretch farther while avoiding the crowds. May we suggest Sweden’s archipelagos or Warsaw? Read more on both below.

Where is hot in June?

June is the start of summer in Europe and North America, so you'll find many corners from these destinations below, including the Amalfi Coast , Croatia , the South of France , Quebec in Canada and Nashville in the USA. Ningaloo Reef in Australia, on the other hand, is in its winter season in June – temperatures hover around 24°C, making it a perfect time to visit.

1. Dolomites, Italy

Temperature: 20°C high / 7°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours Time difference: BST +1

Snow-covered slopes, cloud-piercing mountain tops and brilliant ice-blue skies – the Dolomites are truly one of a kind in the winter months. But come June, the bitter cold thaws, leaving lush green meadows carpeted with thick dark pine forests, unbelievable hiking routes and glittering sun-trap valleys. Spend days walking through craggy paths and hilly tracks to arrive at wooden-clad villages and mountaintop restaurants with some of Europe’s best views.

Where to stay: Forestis Dolomites rises high above the Alps, offering guests a serene escape among the clouds, with sweeping vistas and soothing spas to boot.

2. Biarritz, France

Temperature: 23°C high / 15°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hour 55 minutes Time difference: BST +1

This blissful sandy stretch on France’s southwestern coast comes alive in June. While historically associated with glitz and glamour (it used to be a favourite hideout for royals and socialites in search of sophisticated sunshine), the city has been shedding its chi-chi reputation in recent years, moving towards a more subtle allure. One thing it has retained, though, is its epic surf scene – Biarritz is one of Europe’s oldest surfing spots, and those in search of epic waves and picture-perfect shores still flock to the region. Just over the border from foodie San Sebastian in Spain, Biarritz echoes the Spanish city’s culinary charm with a host of locally revered Basque restaurants, and a series of thoughtfully redesigned belle époque hotels beckoning in-the-know travellers.

Where to stay: At the Regina Experimental Biarritz , a century-old hotel with a vast atrium, sculpted frescoes and soothing tones of white, blue and mint green.

3. Mykonos, Greece

Temperature: 27°C high; 21°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 3 hours 50 minutes Time difference: BST +2

Those in the know flock to good-time Mykonos in June, when the nights seem to stretch into infinity and the sunshine bounces off the little white stone houses – and before the chaos of July and August . Forget ouzo: magnums of Champagne are more de rigueur in Mykonos as you spend the night dancing to international DJs at Cavo Paradiso, and the days recovering by the bluer-than-blue Aegean sea at one of the hot new beach clubs. If you need a culture fix, take the ferry to Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece .

Where to stay: Bohème , where guests laze around the kidney-shaped pool on grand super-loungers and bean bags; at night, bearded bartenders turn out flawless Negronis at the chic Bilo Bar, all just a two-minute walk from Mykonos Town. For large groups, takeover Villa Fleur – a beautifully designed, light space sleeping 12. Check our edit of the best hotels in Mykonos for more options.

4. Devon, England

Temperature: 19°C high; 10°C low Season: summer Travel time from London: 1 hour 10 minutes Time difference: BST +0

If sunshine in the UK were guaranteed, no one would ever need look further than Devon for a classic beach holiday (except perhaps Cornwall ). It's just lovely. The county has acres of sandy beaches , characterful fishing villages, rugged moors and coastal paths. For those who prefer the thrill of the great outdoors, Dartmoor is great for hiking, the north coast is the spot for surfing and along the south coast, sailing. The whole area is having a regeneration, from new cycle paths such as the Exe Trail and Drake's Way to Torquay 's shiny new seafront redevelopment and Exeter and Plymouth's cosmopolitan updates. Summer – particularly June, before the country lanes get too busy – is the time to while away an afternoon in one of Devon's best pubs or tinker around the seaside towns such as Salcombe, Budleigh Salterton, and inland Totnes.

Where to stay: Cary Arms & Spa , overlooking South Devon’s Babbacombe Bay, is made up of sea-facing guest rooms, a handful of meticulously renovated fisherman's cottages and eight fun beach huts. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Devon .

5. Copenhagen

Temperature: 20°C high; 12°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hour 50 minutes Time difference: BST +1

For such a small city, Copenhagen is seriously cool. In summer, good-looking Danes whizz around on brightly coloured bikes, drink craft beer outside and sip coffee by the sea. Eating is a national pastime; Noma is in its final run before closing for a second time, or if your tastes are more low-key, grab some organic street food at one of Papirøen's stalls. Mälmo in Sweden is a short 20-minute hop across the Øresund Strait and is great for an afternoon trip. Plonk yourself down in the town square and join in with After Work – the Scandi term for happy hour, which starts wonderfully early, at 4pm. The Danish capital is particularly green-minded – basically everyone here cycles and eats organic, farm-to-table – and that ethos extends to shopping . Check out Gågrøn! (sustainable designer homeware), BauBau (upscale secondhand menswear and interiors), Pure Shop (organic beauty and perfumes) and an embarrassment of vintage boutiques (Devantier, Carmen, Edison & Co).

Where to stay: Hotel Sanders . Comprised of three handsome 19th-century townhouses knocked together, the hotel has 54 bedrooms decked out with glamorous touches in an otherwise homely space. See more at our guide to the best hotels in Copenhagen .

6. Quebec, Canada

Temperature: 22°C high; 12°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 9 hours 35 minutes Time difference: BST -5

Summer is when Québécois finally feel safe to take off their thermals, having survived another winter of -40°C temperatures by the sheer, warming heft of poutine. And what a world they liberate their legs into. Festival-mad Montreal is warming well into the 20s and comes alive with outdoor amusements: Sunday dance parties at Electronik Picnic in leafy Parc Jean-Drapeau; and June’s annual Mural Festival, celebrating Montreal street art. Others may heed the call of the wild coasts of the Gaspé Peninsula, where heavily scented pine forests sweep across impossible promontories. Imagine a more rugged Maine, dotted with oh-so-French gîtes.

Where to stay: Green Key hotels – which are awarded Green Key ratings for efforts to reduce their carbon footprint – are generally self-assessed. The Corporation de l’industrie Touristique du Québec, however, verifies Green Key hotels within the province, so you can be reasonably assured they’re legit. Check out the complete lists of Green Key hotels in Quebec .

Temperature: 25°C high; 14°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 3 hours Time difference: BST +1

Imagine a Mediterranean island soaked in Italy ’s summer sun, only it’s eluded the season’s legions of solar-seekers. Actually, don’t imagine it – see it for yourself, on Corsica. A region of France anchored off the western coast of Italy, it is a tale of two islands: ritzy Porto-Vecchio’s superyachts and designer shops dominate the south, while isolated bays, hilltop stone towns and a growing crop of quiet, designer villas define the north. June comes just just before the crowds and still clocks in the second-highest sunshine hours of the year behind busy July – at a not-too-terrible 11.

Where to stay: U Palazzu Serenu , a 17th-century villa wedged into the hillside, this grey-and-white temple to minimalism resembles a Florentine palazzo except it has contemporary art on the walls, modern sculpture in the lobby and not a hair out of place.

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

Temperature: 17°C high; 9°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hours 25 minutes Time difference: BST +0

A raucous city, Edinburgh has Georgian nooks to wander into and find a sing-a-long at an all-night piano bar and filthy comedians who take over town for a whole month every year. But while August’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a wonderful thing, it’s also a circus: prices are high and vacancies – in the hotels, pubs and restaurants – are scant. Come in June instead, when the Scottish summer is in full flow (it might even touch the 20s), and you can still get your culture fix (both the Leith arts festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival are on then). Sample the super-smart hospitality , too: seasonal Scottish ingredients meet classic French fine dining at Michelin-starred Martin Wishart ; Eden Locke , a millennial pink-brushed aparthotel, has its own third-wave coffee shop. Taking the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to the Scottish capital isn’t only more environmentally friendly, it’s a hell of a lot more fun. The smartest cabins come with their own private bathroom, and you can enjoy dinner and a wee dram in the lounge car then snooze your way to Scotland, arriving in time for breakfast.

Where to stay: The Dunstane Houses , a super-smart boutique hotel in Edinburgh's West End with huge fireplaces and ornate cornicing reflecting the building's solid Victorian past. See our pick of the best hotels in Edinburgh and the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh for more recommendations.

Lucy Bruton

Charley Ward

Hannah Summers

Sarah James

Temperature: 27°C high; 16°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Croatia 's surge in popularity has been meteoric, and it's not hard to see why. In the past 10 years it has gone from being considered a cheaper, quieter alternative to Italy to being one of the hottest destinations for summer. Take to the islands to dance with beautiful young things at one of the festivals hosted in June, such as Hideout on the island of Pag , or jump aboard a yacht to find a quiet stretch of the Dalmatian coast . If you need a little less beach and a bit more city, Dubrovnik has enough history and culture within its Gregorian walls to keep you busy for a weekend.

Where to stay: Villa Orsula , set in an opulent 1930s villa built of the creamy local stone used to build the ancient party of the city, with pretty terraced gardens tumbling down the hillside.

10. South of France

Temperature: 23°C high; 17°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: BST +1

The French Riviera has always been film-star stunning. In June the temperature is just right to frolic on the beaches Bardot-style in your designer bikini, before the bulk of the summer tourists descend. On 21 June each year, the Fête de la Musique sees all-night dancing and concerts on the streets of Nice and larger towns along the riviera. For old-school glamour there are the grand dames: Cannes, Nice and St Tropez , packed full of character and charisma. For quieter pockets and a gloriously crowd-free coastline, head to the less well-known Languedoc, with its long sandy beaches, picturesque villages surrounded by vineyards and great little markets. Inland Uzes is laid-back and arty, and then there are Les Iles d'Or, Champagne-coloured- sand islands that seem a million miles from the flashy mainland.

Where to stay: Les Roches Rouges , a stylishly revamped Fifties waterfront retreat. Fifty rooms, some facing the sea, some the garden, all have whitewashed walls, polished-concrete floors, minimalist furniture and balconies. But the real star attraction is the 30-metre saltwater pool carved out of the rock, which spills over right into the sea.

11. Hudson Valley

Temperature: 28°C high; 12°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 8 hours Time difference: BST -5

Do as the New Yorkers do and escape Manhattan for the Hudson Valley this summer . After all, it’s only a quick train ride away. Though maintaining the leisurely pace of a pastoral idyll — dotted with apple orchards, farm stands and antiques stores – the valley has gone a bit Brooklyn , adding destination dining, spas , wineries and yoga studios to the mix. Hudson Valley is part of the Drive Electric movement, which means there are plenty of charging stations dotted about, so you can rent an EV with no fear of running out of juice. A thriving art scene includes the cutting-edge Dia: Beacon museum, housed in a former box-printing factory on the riverbank. For minimalist-chic, Rivertown Lodge is lovely, and its tavern does one hell of a brunch (spiced carrot pancakes; 'nduja and soft scramble).

Where to stay: Farmer and Sons , a plush and cosy boutique hotel with an excellent coffee shop, bar and restaurant.

Temperature: 25°C high; 4°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 10 hours 40 minutes Time difference: BST +2

This teeny East African nation is best known for one big activity: tracking mountain gorillas through its steamy bamboo forests. But there’s so much more to explore in plucky Rwanda , which has risen above past tragedies to become one of the continent’s most friendly and forward-thinking travel destinations. Capital Kigali is clean, super-green and on-trend: grab a table on the Choma’D terrace for dry-rub pork ribs, mac ’n’ cheese bowls and strawberry Mojitos in Mason jars. And a couple of hours’ drive-away is lovely Lake Kivu with inland beaches, boat tours and cycle trails. Follow up silverback tracking with luxury at nearby Bisate Lodge and its six thatched villas, plus contemporary design cues such as concrete floors and exposed brick walls. Trekking is at its best in June, when the climate is cooler and drier. Consider hiring a porter to carry your daypack when you’re gorilla trekking – even if your tour operator doesn’t recommend it. It won’t cost you much, but the difference it can make to a week’s wages is huge.

Where to stay: One&Only Nyungwe House , a nature lodge set in a delightfully peaceful tea plantation surrounded by rainforests that is home to 13 primate species and a startling array of strange and wonderful tropical birds.

13. London, England

Temperature: 21°C high; 13°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: n/a Time difference: BST +0

London is great any time of the year, but by June the capital is at its most vibrant. Londoners have fully decamped outside to appreciate the long, light evenings on a summer terrace or in a pub garden . No one seems to work at all. Even on the mildest of sunny days, parks are overflowing with scantily clad urbanites hoping to feel some warmth on their skin. Stroll the streets and sample some food at one of London's legendary food markets , grab a coffee at one of the quirky cafés, have an ice cream from a gelateria (or if it rains – this is London, after all – take afternoon tea ). The city also has the most astonishing number of superlative hotels from which to explore its endless attractions.

Where to stay: In Covent Garden, Nomad London is a sexy option steps away from the Royal Opera House. Out west, we like Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia, a small boutique hangout that feels like home. For more, see our guide to the best hotels in London .

14. Cappadocia, Turkey

Temperature: 27°C high; 10°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 7 hours 20 minutes Time Difference: BST +3

You’d think it impossible to improve upon Cappadocia: a fantasy landscape of famed ‘fairy chimneys’, cave dwellings and underground cities. But come in June and you can add blooming wildflowers to that perfect picture, together with longer days for exploring (and the very best light for photographs). Sure, it’s busy season, but you can beat the hot-air balloon and crowds by hiking or horseback. This gets you onto trails others can’t reach, discovering tucked-away lookout spots and fantastically frescoed, stone-carved churches. Heart set on a cave hotel? Consider Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, with its onsite vineyard, sun terraces affording ridiculous valley views and contemporary cave rooms with marble bathrooms and wood floors.

Where to stay: Olympos Lodge , a 12-room stylish escape among European expats and well-travelled locals, surrounded by four acres of lemon groves and ponds, palm trees and bougainvillea.

15. Menorca, Spain

Temperature: 26°C high; 17°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Menorca is the most chilled-out and low-key of the Balearic Islands ( Mallorca , its big sister, features on this list below). Things are a lot quieter on Menorca, but all the better for taking a week out and totally relaxing on stunning beaches. Still, in the last few years a clutch of interesting openings have cropped up across the island. Hauser and Wirth opened an art gallery here a few years ago, while big-name brands such as the Experimental Group are among some smart places to stay that have finally opened on an island not previously known for its luxe hotel options.

Where to stay: Can Faustino , has the run of a sprawling 16th-century merchant’s palace in the city’s historic centre. The 24 bedrooms are crisp and pared-back, there’s a little spa and steaming hammam down in vaults, and a saltwater swimming pool in the garden. See our pick of where to stay in Menorca for more recommendations.

16. Basel, Switzerland

Temperature: 23°C high; 13°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 1 hour 35 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Synonymous with its world-famous art fair, this charming little Swiss town is heaven for art and architecture fans, particularly in June. Not just because that’s when ART Basel rolls in, but also because the arty party continues long into the summer twilight, at the city’s myriad waterside bars lining the Rhine. Building buffs have plenty to take in, from the 13th-century timbered houses of the old town to the bold modern designs by Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid and Tadao Ando. Foodies should make a beeline for three-Michelin-starred Cheval Blanc: snag a table on the riverside terrace and prepare for an avant-garde take on classic French cuisine (macaron with foie gras and garam masala, for example).

Where to stay: Volkshaus Basel is a seductive boutique hotel is renowned for its shaded courtyard brasserie and understated rooms with sleek, sophisticated design.

17. Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Temperature: 24°C high; 11°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: from 20 hours 40 minutes Time difference: BST +8

The Great Barrier Reef might get all the press, but Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is just as incredible – and, in June, it’s one of the world’s best places to swim with whale sharks. Plus, getting up close to these gentle giants doesn’t require a cage. Better still, Ningaloo’s dive and snorkel sites are way more accessible; many of its richest waters are only a few hundred metres off the beach. Choose a reputable tour company when it comes to swimming with whale sharks – getting up too close might not be dangerous for you, but it’s not great for them. Ningaloo Whalesharks , for example, is certified by Ecotourism Australia. Next, take a few days to discover the newly cosmopolitan-cool scene of WA’s isolated capital, Perth, with its al-fresco live-music venues, edgy late-night art shows and white-sand city beaches.

Where to stay: Sal Salis Ningaloo reef , a camp of five tents, each with a private deck and a bathroom with a solarheated shower.

18. Andaman Islands

Temperature: 30°C high; 23°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 16 hours 50 minutes Time difference: BST +5.30

Where do you go for a castaway-in-paradise fix with all the good looks and deluxe touches of the Maldives , but none of the other guests? A savvy few have been whispering about the Andaman Islands – a far-flung archipelago of white-sand beaches and tangled mangroves in the Indian Ocean, 150km off Indonesia – for a while. But, at last, the luxury hotels have caught up. First came eight-suite, teak-chic Jalakara, on Havelock Island, all private tropical splendour in a hilltop plantation. And now, brand-new Taj Exotica Resort & Spa beckons with its 72 glass-and-timber villas, also on Havelock – or, more precisely, Radhanagar Beach, said to be one of the most beautiful in Asia . Nip in just before heavy monsoon rains hit at the end of June – there will be none of the high-season people, so you can go full Alex Garland.

Where to stay: Taj Exotica Andamans was the islands’ first five-star hotel, with 72 villas set in 46 acres incorporating ponds, lawns and indigenous plants, an Olympic-length, infinity-edged pool, three restaurants and vegetable and herb gardens.

19. Peru and Machu Picchu

Temperature: 19°C high; 0°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 12 hours 30 minutes Time difference: BST -5

There's a reason Machu Picchu is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the world. Set among the clouds, high in the Peruvian mountains, the old Inca city is awe-inspiring. In midsummer, the weather is dry and the light is perfect – beat the tour groups by getting up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. The rest of Peru is just as beautiful; the Amazon's dry season starts in June and is the best time for exploring the rainforest. The capital city, Lima , is a delicious mix of European and South American culture, with old colonial buildings jostling for space next to towering skyscrapers and a vibrant food scene .

Where to stay: The trailblazing Explora group are behind Explora Valle Segrado , a remote lodge tucked into a cleft at the base of the Urubamba mountain range overlooking Peru's Sacred Valley, designed to melt into the landscape.

20. Sweden’s archipelagos

Temperature: 21°C high; 16°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Summer in Sweden is a giddy time as locals strive to squeeze every last drop of al-fresco fun from the season’s long hours of sunlight. Midsummer Eve, in late June, is a bigger celebration for Swedes than Christmas: all-day, outdoor parties are veritable orgies of pickled herring, schnapps and May Pole dancing (forgive them, it’s a very dark winter). It’s also the time when the country’s archipelagos are at their most idyllic. As well as Stockholm ’s and Gothenburg ’s, there are the green isles of east coast Östergötland, plus white beaches and windmills on southern Öland.

Where to stay: The Arctic Bath hotel – a circular-shaped, log-covered floating spa-hotel just south of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland – is an exciting bolthole for intrepid spa seekers.

21. Yosemite National Park, USA

Temperature: 28°C high; 10°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 11 hours 5 minutes Time difference: BST -8

The USA is all about scale: big dreams, big burgers and even bigger landscapes. And scenery doesn’t come much bigger than California’s Yosemite, that mighty meeting of granite cliffs, giant redwoods and towering falls, high in the Sierra Nevada. May might be a top time to make a beeline for California , but June is the sweet spot for Yosemite: the snow has melted enough to clear the scenic Tioga Pass driving route (inaccessible from November to late May), but the heat hasn’t dried up dramatic Yosemite Falls yet. Not to mention the June bloom, when wildflowers are at their brightest. Sometimes feeling small can feel pretty good.

Where to stay: The Ahwahnee , with its grand wooden rooms and stone fireplaces, is the perfect escape, hidden between towering cliffs, twinkling waterfalls and vast expanses of land.

22. Nashville, USA

Temperature: 30°C high; 19°C low Season : summer Travel time from UK: 9 hours 5 minutes Time difference: BST -6

The moniker Music City rings even truer for Nashville in June, when the Country Music Association’s annual four-day festival turns downtown into a bigger party than usual. But it’s not just the neon-lit honky-tonks that are fuelling the hippest city in the south (sorry, Austin), which is now growing at twice the national average. There are also the crowds at buzzing bars ( Pinewood Social has bocce and bowling lanes), flash-chilled coffee at Steadfast roastery (even better than cold brew, they say), and an argument about where to get the best hot chicken to wade into (you can’t do much better than Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, where the dish was actually invented).

Where to stay: Hutton Hotel is within walking distance of downtown, but far enough away to guarantee a decent night sleep without screaming bachelorette parties outside your window at 2am. Our favourite thing about this handsome hotel is Analog, an intimate live music venue that hosts acoustic sets from big names and up-and-coming artists.

23. Warsaw, Poland

Temperature: 22°C high; 11°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 25 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Krakow’s medieval, Christmas-card charm has always lured visitors at the expense of Poland ’s more industrial capital. But Warsaw ’s grittier edge is finally paying off. Artsy types have packed the place with galleries, studiously scruffy dive bars and craft brewpubs (one of which, Cuda Na Kiju, is in the old Communist Party headquarters). Warsaw is so hot now there’s a Google campus in a vodka distillery and a place locals call ‘Hipster Square’. June’s balmy temperatures are best for dipping into the city’s backyard bars. Try the graffiti-covered scene at 11 Listopada Street, where the last of the parties kick off before locals take off on their summer holidays.

Where to stay: A sensitive renovation has restored many of Le Royal Meridien 's florid Art Nouveau flourishes. Edvard Grieg lived here, more recent guests range from Charles de Gaulle to the Rolling Stones.

24. ABC Islands

Temperature: 32°C high; 24°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 12 hours 20 minutes Time difference: BST -4

Thought June in the Caribbean couldn’t be done? Sitting niftily outside the hurricane belt, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao differ from the region’s other islands by enjoying a relatively dry summer. But most people still believe this time of year is a no-go — so expect emptier hotels and more favourable rates. Each island caters to a different traveller: flashy Aruba is all-inclusives on beautiful beaches; wild Bonaire is a diving destination with smart, low-key hotels for recharging; and cultural Curaçao has a distinctly European feel, with its rows of colourful Dutch houses and upscale, colonial-style hotels.

Where to stay: Sandals Curaçao is an all-inclusive resort stretching out across a 44-acre estate. Think sparkling sea views, private pools and gorgeous white sand, all fronting mood-boosting, bright colourful architecture.

25. Mallorca, Spain

Temperature: 22°C high; 14°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Yes, there are two Balearic Islands on this list. But they really are that wonderful. Mallorca is Menorca's bigger sister and is wonderfully diverse, from historic Palma to arty towns such as Deià, and the pine-tree-lined hidden coves along the north coast. There are rugged mountains, bright blue waters and snoozy villages to explore. Plus, Mallorca has some of the finest restaurants and hotels in Spain – we love La Vieja de Jonay Hernandez in Palma for playful fine dining and adults-only DINS Santi Taura, also in the capital, for a chef's table experience.

Where to stay: Son Net , a gorgeous estate hotel in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, with verdant gardens, breathtaking pool and excellent spa.

26. The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Temperature: 27°C high; 22°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: BST +1

A single visit to the Amalfi Coast is all it takes to understand the legions of love letters, poems and literature Italy has inspired. Confetti-coloured houses and ornate domes and spires jostle for space on sheer cliffs, looking out over the azure Mediterranean sea. And the light! June is busy, of course, but just ahead of the tour groups that clog the perilously winding road in their droves come July and August. Positano and Amalfi are the most famous villages, and although terribly touristy, they are also absolutely beautiful. Ravello , on top of the cliffs, has unquestionably the best views; while Cetara – our little secret – is quaintly cute with a pebble beach to bronze on.

Where to stay: Monastero Santa Rosa , a 17th-century former monastery dominates the shoreline about a kilometre from Amalfi. It has knockout terraced grounds and a swimming pool that seems to hover between sea and sky. For more, see our pick of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast .

27. San Sebastian, Spain

Temperature: 21°C high; 15°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: from 4 hours 30 minutes Time difference: BST +1

Summer in San Sebastian : is there anything more alluring? One of Europe’s greatest city beaches, Playa de la Concha, is awash with salty-haired surfers and tanned sunbathers. Bars spill out into cobbled streets, where residents and visitors clink glasses of txakoli, the local sparkling wine, which just so happens to pair perfectly with pintxos – the region’s artistic, avant-garde tapas. Pintxo-bar-hopping , in fact, is the thing to do; you might try sea urchin roe on toast in one spot, the ear of Iberian pig in a wild mushroom emulsion the next. The beginning of peak season has enough buzz to make this well-fed party town charming, without too much of the overcrowding that clogs things later in the summer – plus June has the smallest average rainfall after July.

Where to stay: Hotel Maria Cristina , the official hotel of the Film Festival and a local landmark. The impressive belle-époque building is filled with marble and chandeliers and there's a spa.

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The 13 best places to travel in June 2024

Looking for the best destinations for June? From cultured cities to the beaches of your dreams, we've got you covered

Every year, more and more people seem to choose to take their summer holidays a little earlier. Why? Well, you’ll have to ask them. Everyone is different, but the lure of fewer crowds, lower prices and slightly less-scorching weather is clear. Oh, and those enticing off-season prices. 

In the northern hemisphere, June is summer but not quite ‘July and August’ summer, while the temperatures in the south are also on the more bearable side of the ledger. We’ve compiled a collection of the best places to travel in June, although there is no such thing as a bad choice. How do the islands of Portugal , the seascape of Seattle and the beaches of Fiji sound? (You don’t need to answer that). 

RECOMMENDED: 🏖️ The best  places to travel in July 🌞 The best  places to travel in August   🌍   The best  things to do in the world 🌆   The best  cities in the world

This guide is by travel journalist Emma Sparks . At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

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Best places to travel in June

1.  Albania

With beaches to match Greece,  music festivals to match Glastonbury, prices to match, er, a happy wallet, and all without heaving crowds, Albania is gaining speed as the alternative beach hol destination, and for good reason. This year’s probably the final year to go before the masses get wind of this relatively untouched country with a fascinating history. Albania might still not be the most easily accessible place to visit, with only one major international airport in capital Tirana, but this offers an opportunity to travel along the coast or drive through the mountains and soak in its unspoilt and ruggedly beautiful landscape.

Discover the best places to visit in Albania 

2.  Langkawi, Malaysia

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 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

3.  Fiji

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 a 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

4.  Scottish Highlands

Time to get rugged. Nowhere in the UK does ‘rugged’ as naturally as the Scottish Highlands, but even the rough terrain of these northern behemoths takes a break in June. The sun even makes a brief appearance here during June, making it the perfect time to explore as much of the region as possible without having to make a break for shelter at every turn. The midges are yet to show up in force, and eagle-eyed visitors might even get to spot a dolphin or two frolicking in the waters.  

5.  Seattle, USA

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

6.  Prague, Czech Republic

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 (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

7.  Zambia

Zambia’s dry and bright conditions in June are ideal for wildlife spotting in the 3500 square-mile South Luangwa National Park, and one big 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.

8.  Boston, USA

The Bruins probably don’t have many more years of contending left in them, but that doesn’t mean that June is going to all of a sudden become a quiet time of year in the Cradle of Liberty. America’s Walking City is at its most walkable during the summer, and the mass of street festivals attest to that, while concerts and other sporting events are a constant throughout the month. There’s also the small matter of whale watching, which is never a bad thing. 

9.  East coast, Sri Lanka

June is one of the wettest months of Sri Lanka’s southwest monsoon season (April to September) but on the east coast, it is 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

10.  Azores, Portugal

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 is migrating through these waters.

Discover the best  things to do in the Azores

11.  Zadar, Croatia

Truth be told, you aren’t going to be able to avoid the crowds in Dalmatia during the summer. Heck, you can barely avoid them during the spring. If you want to visit the Croatian coast in quieter times, pack that windbreaker and head here in winter. Still, Zadar and June are a gorgeous combination, and what is sneakily the most exciting town in Dalmatia puts on its best face and puckers up for the visitors. The Salutation to the Sun is one of the region’s great attractions, accentuated by a gorgeous setting sun and a crisp Brlog craft beer.  

12.  Copenhagen, Denmark

June is a great time to make the trip to Copenhagen, as arguably Europe’s most stylish city comes alive in a blur of street festivals and shimmering class. The live music schedule is packed during the middle months meaning there’s plenty of choice for gig-hunters, while the Photo Festival showcases some of the finest photography from the other side of the lens. Copenhagen’s weather is arguably at its most enjoyable in June, which is reason enough to schedule a visit for this time.  

13.  Kyrgyzstan

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, the 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 Kyrgyz art of felt carpet making.

Need more travel inspiration?

11 incredible places you should travel in 2021 (when you can)

We’re pinning our hopes on this year bringing back travel – and if it does, these are the destinations you should hit up first

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Best Countries to Visit in June

Here is the list of 28 best countries to visit in june.

Bhutan's lush green valleys come alive in June with vibrant flora and cascading waterfalls, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. As the monsoon approaches, the country experiences occasional rain showers, enriching its landscapes and offering a fresh, misty ambiance perfect for scenic drives and treks. The flight from India is relatively short and affordable. For travelers from India, the reduced tourist crowds during this month ensure a more intimate exploration of Bhutan's monasteries, traditional festivals, and local markets. Moreover, the pleasant daytime temperatures complemented by cooler evenings provide a comfortable environment for soaking in the nation's rich culture and heritage.

2. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's west and south coasts transform with the onset of monsoons in June, creating dramatic seascapes and lush interiors. Travelers can explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura or the cultural epicenter of Kandy, which remain relatively dry and offer rich historical and spiritual experiences. Indian visitors often find a familiar yet distinct flavor in Sri Lankan cuisine, with dishes like hoppers and kottu becoming instant favorites. Wildlife enthusiasts can head to the national parks in the North and East, where the chances of spotting leopards, elephants, and exotic birds are high, even amidst occasional rain showers. Flights from India to Sri Lanka are short and affordable.

Kenya, as it ushers in the dry season in June, becomes a prime destination for witnessing the early stages of the Great Migration, especially in the Maasai Mara region where vast herds gather. Safari experiences are heightened, with animals congregating around waterholes, providing ample photographic opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Indian travelers can also explore the coastal charm of Mombasa, where the Indian Ocean's azure waters meet white sandy beaches. Flights from India to Nairobi are available, but prices can vary. Additionally, the vibrant Swahili culture, infused with historical Indian influences, resonates in local markets, cuisine, and architecture, bridging the gap between familiarity and discovery.

Nepal's landscapes in June are vividly accentuated with the onset of the monsoon, as terraced fields glow in varying shades of green. Although trekking in higher altitudes remains popular, travelers must be prepared for rain showers that can unveil a misty panorama of the Himalayas. Flights from India to Nepal are usually reasonably priced. For Indian visitors, the spiritual vibrancy of the Rato Machindranath chariot festival in the Kathmandu Valley offers a deep dive into Nepal's rich cultural tapestry. Furthermore, the bustling bazaars and alleys of cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara provide a melange of shopping experiences, from traditional handicrafts to delicious Newari cuisine.

5. Cambodia

Cambodia's landscapes in June shimmer with the onset of rains, bringing about a renewed vibrancy in the terraced rice paddies and lush jungles in June. The iconic Angkor Wat, draped in a mystic ambiance with fewer tourists, presents a serene experience, while flights to Siem Reap are accessible from India, making the ancient temple complex easily reachable. Phnom Penh's bustling markets and colonial architecture provide a captivating urban exploration. Additionally, Indian travelers can relish the unique Khmer cuisine, which, though distinct, shares subtle culinary nuances with Indian flavors.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia, with its tropical charm, is at its best with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making island-hopping between Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands a sun-soaked pleasure. Dive enthusiasts can plunge into the vibrant marine life of Komodo Island, while surfers catch consistent waves along Bali's eastern coast. Balinese festivals, with their intricate dances and vivid ceremonies, offer Indian travelers a unique insight into the archipelago's rich cultural heritage. Moreover, the bustling markets of Jakarta provide a juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, ensuring a diverse experience for every explorer.

7. Malaysia

Malaysia in June offers a blend of tropical allure and cultural festivities, as the capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its iconic Petronas Towers, serves as a hub for shopping festivals and culinary delights. The pristine beaches of Langkawi and Penang provide a sun-soaked retreat, while the UNESCO-listed George Town showcases a fusion of colonial and local heritage through its vibrant street art and architecture. Amidst June's relatively dry days, the rainforests of Borneo come alive with wildlife, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for eco-adventures and orangutan sightings.

Morocco, with its diverse landscapes and rich culture, reveals a vibrant hue in June as the temperatures start to rise, painting the Sahara in warm golden tones. The coastal cities of Essaouira and Casablanca offer a breezy retreat, making them ideal for savoring fresh seafood by the Atlantic coast. For Indian travelers, the bustling souks of Marrakech and Fes beckon with their myriad of spices, crafts, and textiles, reminiscent of the bazaars back home yet distinctively Moroccan. As the evenings cool, June nights become perfect for exploring the historical medinas or indulging in traditional Moroccan cuisine under starry skies.

As Vietnam embraces the summer month of June, the north experiences warm weather, making it an ideal time to explore the terraced rice fields of Sapa in full bloom. Meanwhile, central regions like Hue and Da Nang receive intermittent showers, casting a refreshing ambiance over ancient temples and colonial streets. Flights from India to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are often affordable. For Indian travelers, the southern parts, including Ho Chi Minh City, remain relatively dry, perfect for delving into Vietnam's rich history and indulging in delectable street food. Whether it's cruising along Halong Bay or wandering through Hoi An's lantern-lit evenings, Vietnam in June offers a blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty.

June marks the dry season in Peru , presenting ideal conditions for trekking the Inca Trail to the iconic Machu Picchu, with clear vistas of the ancient ruins against the Andean backdrop. Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, bustles with energy as it hosts the vibrant Inti Raymi festival, a grand reenactment of the traditional Incan sun worship ceremony. Meanwhile, the Amazon rainforest reveals its rich biodiversity, making June a perfect month for jungle excursions and river cruises, offering glimpses of diverse wildlife and indigenous communities.

11. England

England , draped in the full bloom of summer during June, becomes a haven for tennis enthusiasts as Wimbledon captures global attention with thrilling matches and time-honored traditions. The quaint countryside, from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the serene Lake District, is perfect for picnics, nature walks, and enjoying the golden hours of the long summer days. Cities like London bustle with outdoor events, riverside festivals, and open-air theatre performances, encapsulating the British spirit of making the most of the sunlit month of June.

Turkey in June is a sensory delight, with Istanbul's bustling bazaars and historic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque bathed in warm summer light. The dreamy landscapes of Cappadocia become a hot air balloon paradise, offering panoramic views of its unique rock formations, while the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, from Bodrum to Antalya, beckon beach lovers and yachting enthusiasts with crystal clear waters. As the weather strikes a balance between spring's mildness and summer's warmth, June also becomes an ideal time to explore ancient ruins in Ephesus and savor the diverse Turkish cuisine at alfresco restaurants.

13. New Zealand

June heralds the onset of winter in New Zealand, transforming the Southern Alps and ski regions like Queenstown and Wanaka into snow-capped paradises for winter sports enthusiasts. Geothermal areas, such as Rotorua , become even more inviting with their steamy hot springs, perfect for a warm soak amidst the chilly backdrop. As the landscapes wear a frosty blanket, June also becomes a prime time for witnessing the ethereal Southern Lights in the southernmost parts of the country, painting the night sky in vibrant hues.

14. Denmark

Denmark's long, sun-drenched days of June create a lively backdrop for the country's vibrant Midsummer festivities, where traditional bonfires light up the coastal landscapes, and folk tales of magical creatures are shared. Copenhagen's canals and historic neighborhoods, like Nyhavn, are abuzz with alfresco dining, cyclists, and boat tours, celebrating the onset of Scandinavian summer. Meanwhile, the lush greenery of the countryside, dotted with fairy-tale castles and Viking relics, beckons explorers, offering a harmonious blend of Denmark's rich history and contemporary Nordic culture in June.

15. Finland

As Finland basks in the glow of the Midnight Sun during June, cities like Rovaniemi offer surreal 24-hour daylight, perfect for nighttime picnics or golf under the never-setting sun. The vibrant capital, Helsinki, comes alive with festivals and outdoor events, celebrating the brief yet cherished warmth. Amidst June's extended daylight, the national parks and lakelands provide serene canoeing, hiking, and camping experiences, embodying the Finnish essence of 'Sisu' and their deep connection to nature.

Alaska's expansive landscapes come alive under the midnight sun of June, offering unparalleled vistas of glaciers calving into deep fjords and wildlife roaming freely in places like Denali National Park. The rich waters of the Kenai Peninsula beckon anglers with the promise of salmon runs, while the vibrant indigenous cultures share their traditions at summer solstice festivals. Whether cruising the Inside Passage or hiking in the vast tundras, June unveils the raw, untamed beauty and diverse experiences that the Last Frontier has to offer.

3 Attractions

Japan in June is a canvas of vibrant hydrangea blooms, especially in places like Kamakura and Hakone, painting the landscapes in shades of blue, purple, and pink. As the early summer rains, known as 'tsuyu,' nourish the country, festivals like the Tsuyu-no-Tenjinsai celebrate the season with traditional performances and delicacies. Meanwhile, travelers can venture to the cool mountain regions or enjoy the bustling summer energy in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto , making June a harmonious blend of nature's beauty and cultural immersion.

Italy in June is a sunlit spectacle, with Venice's gondolas gracefully gliding through its shimmering canals and Rome's ancient ruins, like the Colosseum, standing majestically under the azure skies. The Tuscan countryside ripens with vineyards and olive groves, inviting wine enthusiasts for tastings and alfresco dinners, while the Amalfi Coast, with its cliffside villages and cerulean waters, beckons travelers seeking coastal charm. As festivals and open-air concerts enliven the country's historic squares, June also offers a taste of Italy's renowned gelato, perfect for cooling down on a warm summer day.

Spain's vibrant culture comes to the fore in June, with cities like Seville and Granada showcasing the passionate flamenco dances in historic courtyards and plazas. Barcelona's modernist landmarks, including Gaudí's Sagrada Família, gleam in the summer sun, while the sun-kissed beaches of Costa Brava and Ibiza become lively retreats for beachgoers and party enthusiasts. As tapas bars spill onto the streets and festivals like 'Hogueras de San Juan' light up the night with bonfires and fireworks, June perfectly captures Spain's zest for life and celebration.

Canada , bathed in the warmth of June, ushers in vibrant celebrations like the Montreal Jazz Festival, attracting music aficionados from around the globe. The majestic Rocky Mountains, stretching from Alberta to British Columbia , provide a scenic backdrop for hiking and wildlife spotting, while the coastal regions, especially Vancouver Island, come alive with whale-watching tours and kayaking adventures. As urban hubs like Toronto host lively patios and open-air events, the Northern regions offer the mesmerizing spectacle of the midnight sun, encapsulating Canada's diverse beauty and spirit in June.

21. Thailand

Thailand's lush landscapes receive a refreshing touch with the onset of the monsoon in June, making destinations like Chiang Mai ideal for witnessing cascading waterfalls and verdant rainforests. The islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, despite the occasional rain, offer stunning sunsets and quieter beaches, creating an intimate tropical experience. Amidst the vibrant street markets of Bangkok , where steaming bowls of Pad Thai are served under neon lights, the Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival in the Northeast paints a colorful tableau of parades and traditional dances, capturing Thailand's rich culture and festivity in June.

22. Croatia

Croatia's Adriatic coastline glistens in June, with historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split offering a blend of medieval charm, sun-soaked terraces, and vibrant festivals. The azure waters around the Dalmatian islands, including Hvar and Korčula, beckon sailors and beach enthusiasts for island-hopping adventures and alfresco seafood feasts. Inland, Plitvice Lakes National Park showcases its cascading waterfalls and crystalline lakes in full splendor, making June an idyllic time to dive into Croatia's natural beauty and rich heritage.

Greece's iconic whitewashed structures and blue domes of Santorini shimmer against the Aegean Sea in June, setting the stage for breathtaking sunsets and vibrant nightlife. Athens , steeped in ancient history, opens its archaeological treasures, like the Acropolis , to visitors under the balmy Mediterranean sun, while traditional tavernas come alive with music and dance. From the serene beaches of Crete to the bustling alleys of Mykonos , June offers travelers a taste of Greece's unparalleled blend of history, culture, and island allure.

24. Australia

As winter approaches the southern hemisphere, Australia's diverse landscapes transform in June, with the Great Barrier Reef offering clear waters for divers eager to explore its marine wonders. The snow-capped peaks of the Australian Alps become a haven for skiers and snowboarders, while the northern tropical regions, such as Queensland, maintain a warm allure, perfect for beach escapes and rainforest adventures. Meanwhile, Sydney's Vivid Festival illuminates the city with dazzling light installations, art, and music, making June a captivating month to experience Australia's multifaceted charm.

25. Mauritius

Known For : Black River Gorges National Park Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel Scuba Diving in Mauritius

Mauritius , with its balmy June weather, offers a serene escape where the turquoise waters of the India n Ocean lap against pristine beaches lined with swaying palms. While the island's west coast provides perfect conditions for water sports, including kite surfing and snorkeling, the cooler evenings become ideal for exploring the vibrant street markets of Port Louis and savoring Creole delicacies. As the sugarcane fields sway gently in the breeze, the Black River Gorges National Park reveals its lush green trails and cascading waterfalls, capturing the island's natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry during June.

Best Time: July to October (winter)

146 Mauritius Attractions

26. Argentina

As Argentina delves into its winter season, June brings snow enthusiasts to the Andean peaks of Bariloche and Mendoza, turning them into bustling hubs for skiing and snowboarding. The vast landscapes of Patagonia, with its glacial expanses and hiking trails, offer a quieter, introspective beauty under the crisp winter sky. Meanwhile, the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires come alive with tango festivals, allowing visitors to immerse in the passionate rhythms and dances, perfectly capturing Argentina's fiery spirit in the heart of winter.

France in June is a canvas of vibrant blooms and long sunlit days, setting the perfect scene for leisurely picnics by the Seine in Paris or sipping rosé in the lavender fields of Provence. The beaches of the French Riviera, from Nice to Saint-Tropez, buzz with sun-seekers and festivals, while Bordeaux's vineyards invite wine enthusiasts for tastings of their summer vintages. Amidst the backdrop of ancient chateaux and cobblestoned streets, the Fête de la Musique fills cities and towns with melodies, celebrating the summer solstice and France's rich cultural tapestry.

28. Switzerland

Switzerland's alpine meadows burst into a riot of wildflowers in June, providing a picturesque setting for hikers and nature lovers in regions like the Bernese Oberland. The serene waters of Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne reflect the clear blue skies, inviting leisurely boat rides and lakeside picnics with views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. As cities like Zurich and Bern enjoy extended daylight, they host vibrant festivals, open-air concerts, and bustling marketplaces, making June a time to relish Switzerland's harmonious blend of nature and culture.

Let us know your comments and opinions on these countries to visit in June in the comments section below

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The best places to visit in June 2023

Apr 1, 2023 • 10 min read

June is the perfect time to explore Sicily © Getty Images

When the halfway point of the year hits, it’s the perfect time to be out on your next adventure. Sitting pretty just outside of soaring peak-season prices, June’s sunny summer days in the northern hemisphere are ideal for exploration. In the southern hemisphere, June brings the dry season and incredible opportunities to embrace nature. 

Want to find the perfect destination for your mid-year break? Here are the best places to go in June.

Where are the best places to travel to in June for relaxation?

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Why now? Dive and snorkel clear, warm, turquoise waters.

Are these the most beautiful tropical islands on Earth? While the Bazaruto Archipelago faces stiff competition from other Indian Ocean destinations (and Mozambique ’s own Quirimbas Archipelago ), when you wriggle your toes into the silky sand on a glorious June morning (the start of the dry season), or gaze through your mask at impossibly colorful reef fish, and maybe a humpback whale migrating past, and they could stake a fair claim.

Much of this chain of five islands off Mozambique’s southeastern coast is protected as a national park, conserving dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles and around 2000 fish species. Oh, and Nile crocodiles – but perhaps you’re not so keen to see those… This is a paradise for divers, but also for anyone seeking a truly barefoot beach holiday.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia 

Why now? Relax in a tropical paradise in the balmiest season.  

Blue, turquoise, azure, teal, indigo…there aren’t enough words to describe the hues of the Pacific Ocean around French Polynesia on a clear, calm, sunny day. And there are plenty of those in June, the start of the driest season, when the main island of Bora Bora and its motu (ringing islands) bask in temperatures of around 25–30°C (77–86°F). This is the stuff of movies, with luxurious resorts perched over the crystal waters, shaded by swaying palms – and you need to be a film star to afford the prices at the very top hotels and resorts, though more modest accommodations can be found. As if the scenery wasn’t paradisiacal enough, the snorkeling and diving, over coral gardens and with sharks and rays, is spectacular.

Byron Bay, Australia

Why now? Enhance your well-being on a yoga retreat.

The June solstice sees adherents across the globe celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Though Byron Bay may no longer be the preserve of backpackers and hippies, having evolved into a stylish, upmarket destination, it retains a decidedly laidback air and alternative scene – an ideal place to recharge your spiritual and physical batteries at one of the excellent yoga retreats and studios. Of course, yoga sessions don’t take all day – and, though you could spend the rest of your time meditating, why would you when there’s such a wealth of beaches and activities on hand? Don mask and snorkel to encounter subaquatic marvels at Julian Rocks – watch for wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, rays and kaleidoscopic fi sh – or grab your surfboard and shorty wetsuit to catch the reliable winter swells. This is the time to watch for whales, too: thousands of humpbacks migrate through the waters off Byron between June and October; spot them from shore at Cape Byron or join a dedicated whale-watching boat tour.

Where are the best places to travel to in June for wildlife and nature?

Shetland, Scotland 

Why now? Roam the UK’s northernmost wilds and sip Scotch in endless summer days.

Closer to Bergen than Edinburgh,  the 100-plus Shetland Islands in the North Atlantic have a distinctly Nordic flavor – indeed, they were Norwegian till 1469. Come in June, when the sun barely sets, to hike windswept hills and coast; to discover the deafening seabird colonies of Sumburgh Head, Fair Isle, Foula and Noss, bustling with thousands of breeding puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets and more; and to explore the islands’ 5000 years of human occupation at the enigmatic broch (stone tower) of Mousa and turf clad ruins of Jarlshof. The weather can turn without warning; if clouds gather, retreat to sparky capital Lerwick’s fine museum or one of its tempting bars. A traditional fiddle tune and a dram of local whisky should warm your cockles: Shetland Reel, on Unst, is Scotland’s northernmost (legal) distillery.

Western Colorado, USA 

Why now? Saddle up for ranch life and ecological renewal. 

Whether the young you thrilled to the movies of Johns Ford and Wayne, hummed the themes of Rawhide or Bonanza , rooted for Young Guns or pondered the themes of more recent revisionist Westerns, the thrill of donning chaps, mounting a mustang and herding steers remains elemental for many of us. But like the themes and attitudes of those films and TV shows, ranching has evolved over the years. Today, many outfits not only host urbanites looking to play out cowboy fantasies in “dude ranches” – offering activities such as yoga, rafting, bird-watching, writing workshops and mountain biking as well as the more-usual riding, hunting and fishing – but also embrace modern ideas of conservation and sustainability. Beat the high summer heat with a June vacation at one of Colorado ’s innovative ranches – perhaps Zapata or Chico Basin, where you can get hands-on with the nitty-gritty of raising cattle and bison and learn how habitats are managed to protect biodiversity.

Why now? Watch rare sea turtles nest on Caribbean shores. 

Though the leatherback is the planet’s heftiest turtle, weighing up to 700kg (1543lb), it’s defenseless against the egg collection and fisheries bycatch that have ravaged populations – as is now classed as officially “vulnerable.” Which means that meeting this ancient creature is always special – and seeing dozens of females lumbering onto shore to lay hundreds of eggs simply magical. During the peak nesting season (Mar–Jun), the beaches of Matura, Fishing Pond and, particularly, Grande Riviere in northern Trinidad host up to 500 egg-laying females each night – and in June (when World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated, on the 16th) the hatchlings start to emerge, scuttling down to the sea to start the cycle again. Make a turtle encounter the centerpiece of a trip to this southeast Caribbean island, where, even though the rainy season is beginning, you can also enjoy plenty of warm sunshine, lively nightlife and festivals, and often lower prices (less so in Grande Riviere). Bird-watchers are in paradise, too, with several hotspots for spotting rare species.

Where are the best places to travel to in June for culture?

Gdańsk, Poland

Why now? Discover golden treasures galore: sands, amber and rich history.

Perched in a sheltered spot on the Baltic at the mouth of the Vistula River, the city currently known as Gdańsk has attracted visitors – welcome and otherwise – for over 1000 years: Bohemians, Teutonic Knights, the Hanseatic League, and Prussians (later, Germans) who knew it as Danzig. They left a magnificent historic core, packed with Renaissance architecture lovingly restored after WWII devastation. Stroll the Royal Way to admire magnificent townhouses, city gates and churches, and shop for some of the fine amber for which the city has long been famous. That gold-tinged jewelry isn’t the only thing that glints in warm June sunshine. The sandy beaches of Sopot , the leisure-focused part of the tri-city conurbation of Gdańsk, beckon from just a few kilometers to the north, together with a host of lively bars and nightclubs – still fairly calm before the densest crowds of high summer arrive.

Aveiro & Coimbra, Portugal 

Why now? Discover culture, canals, crooners and delicious cuisine. 

Portugal ’s brightest minds have studied – and celebrated – in Coimbra for over seven centuries, since its venerable hilltop university opened in 1290. By June, though, the youngsters have ebbed away, leaving the cobbled streets echoing with the soul-stirring tones of the city’s distinctive style of fado music. Once you’ve admired the magnificent Romanesque 12th-century Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and climbed the 180 steps of the Torre da Universidade for city views, make the short hop north to Aveiro , the so-called “Venice of Portugal.” Glide along its canals aboard a colorful moliceiro (traditional seaweed-harvesting boat), stroll streets lined with elegant art nouveau villas, and absorb the action at the Mercado do Peixe (Fish Market) – around which, of course, you’ll find the freshest seafood. Then slip across to the sand and surf at Praia de São Jacinto or Praia da Costa Nova before holidaymakers arrive in force in July.

Where are the best places to travel to in June for food and drink? 

Cape Cod, USA

Why now? Celebrate sun, sea and sand (and seafood).

If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air, try New England ’s favorite seaside destination. The flexed arm of Cape Cod is lined with beaches, cutesy towns, oysters, clams and lobster rolls; no wonder millions flock here each year. Most, though, come in July and August – and after the long weekend around Memorial Day (May 30), the crowds thin, making June a delicious month to visit, with more chances of bagging accommodation and finding space on a beach.

Not that it’s too quiet: the month is peppered with events celebrating the arts (including Provincetown International Film Festival). Trace an arc around the Cape by car, pausing at the pretty harbors and heading out on a whale-watching cruise, or cycle the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail between South Dennis and Wellfleet.

Sicily, Italy 

Why now? Feast on fine food and wine. 

The largest Mediterranean island is – excuse the travel cliché – a true cultural crossroads: ancient Greeks and Arabs, medieval Normans, Spanish and English conquerors, colonizers and visitors all left their marks here. This mixed heritage is evident in Sicily’s extraordinary historic sites: the ancient Hellenic and Roman monuments of Agrigento , Syracuse and Taormina ; Palermo ’s Norman palace and nearby cathedral at Monreale – all less crowded before the peak of July and August, yet delightfully warm for wandering. But the cultural mix also inflects the island’s distinctive cuisine. On a culinary circumnavigation, savor hints of North Africa in oranges and couscous. Devour tuna, anchovies and sardines, and snack on arancini (filled, fried rice balls), cazzilli (potato croquettes) and panelle (chickpea fritters). Look for teardrop-shaped caciocavallo and sheep’s-milk ricotta cheeses, the latter stuffed into pastry tubes for sweet cannoli. And sip excellent corvo, regaleali and sweet malvasia and Marsala wine.

Where are the best places to travel to in June for adventure?

North Washington State, USA 

Why now? Kayak with killer whales and trek epic trails in an adventure seeker’s nirvana. 

This month in Washington the stars align: the sun shines more, the days are longer and warmer (around 22–25°C/72–77°F) and whale sightings soar, yet trails and accommodations are yet to get busy for peak summer. And some of those constellations shine from below: the bioluminescence that sparkles in the waters of the Salish Sea in summer months is one more reason to take to the waters around the San Juan Islands . Join a sea-kayaking tour for the best chances of paddling alongside orca foraging for salmon in these nutrient-rich waters, not to mention porpoises, seals and bald eagles; minke and humpback whales fin here, too. Back on land, hikers are spoiled for choice among the old-growth temperate rainforest, ice-scoured peaks and wild coast of Olympic National Park , spanning over 3700 sq km (1428 sq miles).

Why now? Discover South America’s wild, historic heart. 

Leave any preconceptions about Paraguay at the check-in desk, if you have any: few people know much about this diverse landlocked nation, and fewer still have visited. Today, though tourism infrastructure is still sparse, this friendly country is emerging from a period tainted by poverty, crime and unrest. June – when the climate is dry, temperatures moderate and before July heralds holiday season – is the time to explore the capital Asunción and to delve into the Chaco. A vast, semi-arid region of marshes, saltwater lagoons, palm forests and savannah punctuated by cacti the size of houses, this “Green Inferno” is home to native Guaraní people, Mennonite communities and a dizzying array of birdlife; if you’re lucky, you might also spot caiman, tapir and giant anteater. In the south, tour the historic towns and ruined red sandstone reductions (missions) of San Ignacio Guazú, Trinidad and Jesús, founded by Jesuits in the 17th and 18th centuries.

This article was first published May 2018 and updated April 2023

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The 23 Best Places to Go in 2023

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2023—find more travel inspiration here .

In any given year, the exercise of assembling a definitive list of the best places to travel is both exciting and daunting. After all, we’re never short on inspiring places and experiences we hope to cross off. And so, every fall, when we convene to start the process of creating this list, we do so with great care, enlisting our extensively traveled network of writers from around the world—and for the first time this year, editors from other  Condé Nast Traveler markets—to pitch, endorse, defend, and eventually align on the places we believe that you, as our readers, will most want to travel to over the next 12 months.

Our 23 best places to travel in 2023 is a mix of old favorites worth visiting anew, and lesser-trammeled, even once-forbidden, regions ready to welcome travelers—yet they are all unified by highly anticipated new offerings and evolutions. There’s something here for every kind of traveler, whether you seek extraordinary excursions through ancient rainforests, a blossoming terroir-driven culinary scene, or dazzling cultural calendars packed with world-class music and rare art exhibits. We also believe that there’s more that binds than separates these places: an opportunity for richer engagement with local communities, slower travel, and more meaningful—and joyful—human connection. What could better speak to what we hope for in the year ahead?

Here are the 23 destinations—vetted by  Condé Nast Traveler editors from the U.S. U.K. , Spain , and India —to plan your 2023 travels around. Let them guide your next adventure. —Arati Menon and Megan Spurrell

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in 2023

Auckland, new zealand.

Go for: Cultural and sporting events, new hotels, improved flight connectivity

Auckland will be one of nine cities to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. 

In June 2023, Qantas will begin running non-stop flights from New York City to Auckland. 

Widely praised for its containment of COVID-19, New Zealand held out until September of this year to finally eliminate travel restrictions introduced during the pandemic. Needless to say, the island nation is mightily gearing up for the throngs of foreign visitors anticipated in the coming year, especially in the city of Auckland .

Air connectivity with the U.S. has never been stronger. Nonstop flights are currently running from six American cities; the world’s fourth-longest leg, Air New Zealand’s nearly-17-hour flagship from New York City, debuted in September. Australian carrier Qantas has also announced its own direct flight to New York City, coming in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Auckland’s jam-packed events calendar seems to be making up for lost time. After a three-year hiatus, the popular Lantern Festival will be held in February 2023 to celebrate Chinese New Year. Pasifika , the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, is returning in March 2023 after a two-year pause. And, in July, the quadrennial FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will swing down under to nine host cities across New Zealand and Australia, with Auckland’s games held in Eden Park.

Aside from Auckland’s newest attractions that outsiders have yet to experience—like the $350M eco-sensitive Te Wānanga waterfront development on Quay Street—three years’ worth of flashy hotel openings also await. There’s the Park Hyatt , QT Auckland , the charming Hotel Fitzroy , and Hotel Britomart , New Zealand’s only 5-Green-Star certified hotel. Stays in the city pair perfectly with newcomers in Auckland’s rural periphery, like the Scandi-inspired Parohe Island Retreat and golf-centric Te Arai . Should you journey further into Aotearoa, new multi-day tours by luxury rail operator Great Journeys depart from Auckland Rail Station. From the looks of it, 2023 will—finally—give Auckland its time to shine. —Paul Jebara

British Columbia, Canada

Go for: New Indigenous-led experiences and wilderness lodges

The newly opened Klahoose Wilderness Resort invites guests to learn about Klahoose First Nation Culture—and experience fantastic wildlife viewing—in British Columbia's remote Desolation Sound. 

The province of British Columbia is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, from the Rockies to the storm-battered islands of Haida Gwaii , and new Indigenous-led experiences are connecting travelers to the cultures most closely tied to the land. At Haida-owned and -operated Haida House —which launched its new longhouse-style oceanfront cabins in May 2022—guests will explore Haida Gwaii while learning about the Haida worldview of Yah’guudang, meaning “respect for all living things and the interdependence that binds us.” Haida House guests will visit the islands’ ancestral village sites—including The Village of Queen Charlotte, which was recently restored to its Indigenous name of Daajing Giids, in an unprecedented move.

Further east, in the interior Chilcotin region of B.C., Indigenous-owned and -operated Nemiah Valley Lodge will open for its first full season next June. The lodge marks the first tourism venture on Tsilhqot’in title lands after a landmark ruling awarded the First Nation rights to their traditional territory. In 2023, they’re adding a sweat lodge experience and kayaking on Chilko Lake—Canada’s highest-elevation freshwater lake—led by Tsilhqot’in cultural ambassadors from the local Xeni Gwet’in community.

Back on the coast, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is also new on the scene, with a focus on Klahoose First Nation culture and wildlife viewing in remote Desolation Sound. There’s also Tofino Wilderness Resort  in Quait Bay on Vancouver Island , which will open under Ahousaht First Nation ownership in 2023. But Indigenous culture will also make its mark in the bustling heart of British Columbia: Salmon n’ Bannock , Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant, is opening Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly at the Vancouver airport, the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport—and a welcome way to bookend a trip to the region. —Chloe Berge

Central California Coast, U.S.A.

Go for: New wine country stays, standout tasting rooms and restaurants

New accommodations like The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, are making the central California coast one of the state's hippest food-and-wine-focused getaways—and there's even more to come in 2023. 

A patchwork of laid-back beach towns , trail-laced redwood forests, and vineyards producing standout Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, the Central Coast has been on our radar for a while now. Yet, all at once, it seems the region’s lesser-known destinations are taking on cooler second lives. In the Santa Ynez Valley , cowboy towns like Los Alamos and Los Olivos float on the same intriguing whispers that Joshua Tree did a decade ago (known, but not too known). The valley has emerged as the hippest new getaway for Angelinos, with its mix of funky tasting rooms like disco ball-decorated Future Perfect Wines , casually chic restaurants such as seafood tavern Bar Le Côte , and new accommodations, most notably the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern . Auberge Resorts Collection recently resurrected the latter, a beloved 19 th century landmark with a cabana-lined pool, a spa curated by New York City’s cult outfit The Well , and four restaurants, including a smokehouse that juxtaposes open-fire cooking and Shanghainese flavors. One hour north, Paso Robles , has finally shed its serious oenophiles-only image. Tin City , an approachable collection of wineries and breweries set within an industrial market, feels reminiscent of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone , and boasts San Luis Obispo County’s only Michelin-decorated restaurant, Six Test Kitchen . Next year, the revival whizzes at Nomada Group will reopen two historic hotels—Farmhouse Motel, a 1940s spot downtown, and River Lodge, set at the entrance of Route 46 minutes from top wineries. They’ve even made the unassuming frontier town of Pozo, 30 minutes from downtown, Insta-cool by recently reviving the Saloon , where Willie Nelson once played, and adding airstreams and glamping tents as crash pads. —Jen Murphy

Go for: One-of-a-kind archaeological museums, waterfront resorts, cruises

The much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, pegged to be the world's largest archaeological museum, is set to finally open in 2023 with all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

A far more hopeful period is afoot in Egypt after a decade of upheaval catalyzed by the Arab Spring. This year marked the centennial of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb—and in November 2022, Egypt hosted the United Nations Climate Summit, COP 27.

Long-laid plans will finally come to fruition in the year ahead, with many high-profile projects, including the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, set to open at last. Pegged to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, the space—slated for a 2023 opening—will contain priceless items, including all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Further touristic draws, Egyptology-wise, stem from the exciting return of certain artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art , as well as the relocation of the nation’s vast collection of royal mummies to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo .

Grander transformations are afoot, with new infrastructure—and a new capital—rapidly taking shape. A development not without its controversies, Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, to the east of Cairo, will replace the current one as the country's governmental center, boasting Africa’s tallest tower and the 22-mile-long Green River Park, designed to look like the Nile River . On that note: Viking River Cruises have expanded their fleet yet again, with the Viking Aton due to launch in August 2023, sailing their popular  Pharaohs & Pyramids  itinerary. Meanwhile, the opening of eco-resort The Chedi El Gouna on the Red Sea is penciled in for December 2022—yet another reason for a multi-stop journey through Egypt. —Gilly Hopper

Galilee, Israel

Go for: Charming boutique hotels, vineyards, improved connectivity

Pereh Mountain Resort is one of several new boutique hotels to have recently opened in this part of Israel, drawing international tourists to the rural food and wine destination. 

Perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards, the Pereh Mountain Resort underscores why Galilee has earned its nickname as the Tuscany of Israel. 

For decades, food and wine aficionados from Tel Aviv have been making the windy drive north to Israel’s Galilee region, where the landscape unfolds into lush green hills and valleys. For locals, this fertile corner filled with fruit farms, organic dairies, and family-run wineries, has long been revered as Israel’s own Tuscany.

And now, international tourists are discovering the region’s bounty as well: A flurry of new boutique hotels have opened over the past year, including the Pereh Mountain Resort , perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards; and the Galei Kinneret , reborn with a kitchen led by celebrity chef Assaf Granit. At The Farmhouse , which also opened in 2021, guests sleep among vineyards, and after Watsu pool therapy and jeep tours, are invited to pair local wines with artisanal cheeses and local produce. Tiberias, the Galilee’s largest city, is also set for a facelift with a new promenade along the same shores where Jesus is said to have walked on water—and new direct flights to Israel from Atlanta (Delta; starting in May) and Miami (American; beginning in October) will make access in 2023 easier than ever. —Debra Kamin

Go for: City hotspots, island getaways, and dazzling safari lodges

Take advantage of new openings in Nairobi and the Lamu archipelago, then check in to Angama Amboseli, a new lodge in Amboseli National Park opening in November 2023. 

​​ Kenya has long been a big draw for safari travelers, but there’s much more to see beyond the Masai Mara—and there are compelling new reasons to crisscross the country. While Nairobi was often relegated to one-night layovers en route to the bush, innovative new hotel concepts like The Social House Nairobi , which opened just before the pandemic, are beckoning visitors to linger awhile. The 83 sleek rooms are brimming with local products, like Kenyan coffee and toiletries, and the four restaurants and café are hot spots for Nairobi’s creative set to converge. Nairobi’s restaurant scene is also thriving, with creative kitchens like the farm-to-table Cultiva , the brainchild of Ecuadorian chef Ariel Moscardi, who fell in love with Nairobi during a short visit; he’s now at work on an experimental chef’s-table offshoot called Aya set to open next year. Plus, on the heels of opening her home to guests as the art-filled Eden Nairobi in 2021, designer Anna Trzebinski has now set her sights on the coast. She’s taken over three apartments in the beguiling island archipelago of Lamu , filled them with furniture and decor she designed, and will unveil them as Jannah Shela in 2023. With gorgeous indoor-outdoor spaces and a rooftop bar with the best views in Lamu, this is a chic hideaway for a new wave of travelers—both Kenyan and international. For those who can’t get enough of Angama Mara ’s dazzling details, the November 2023 opening of Angama Amboseli brings its contemporary African design to Amboseli National Park further south, where 10 tented suites come with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro . — Sarah Khan

Loire Valley, France

Go for: New hotels and restaurants in historic châteaux, luxury train journeys

Gatronomic getaways like Fleur de Loire, opened last July, are proving that the Loire Valley has more to offer than historical châteaux (though there are plenty of those). 

Fleur de Loire from Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay has two restaurants, a pastry shop, and a 2.5-acre garden from which his ingredients are sourced. 

The Loire Valley has always banked on its abundance of royal châteaux and lush landscapes to draw in travelers. But it wasn’t until very recently, thanks to the initiative of hoteliers, creatives, and chefs, that the region sought to go beyond its picturesque historical marvels to establish new reasons to visit.

That effort began in 2020, with the gastronomic and nature-inspired getaways offered at Loire Valley Lodges and Les Sources de Cheverny , and has shown no signs of stopping. Raising the bar in a big way has been Fleur de Loire , double Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay’s fine-dining-led hotel in Blois, overlooking the Loire River, which opened last July. Hay restored a former 17th-century hospice to set up two restaurants, a pastry shop, a Sisley spa, 44 elegantly appointed rooms, and a 2.5-acre garden which supplies all of the produce for his cooking.

Yet there is also novelty for those who can’t shake the urge to sleep within the majestic confines of a castle. The Château Louise de La Vallière is a new 5-star Relais & Châteaux offering in forestland tucked between Tours and Amboise, open as of October 2022. Occupying a 16th-century château set within a 47-acre park that served as the first holiday residence of Louise de la Vallière, the first official mistress of Louis XIV, the 20-room property has been restored and redesigned by Jacques Garcia to its centuries-old glory: it approximates the style and customs of the era, down to the period dress sported by staff, in addition to original paintings, tapestries, decorative pieces, and even mealtime rituals.

It makes for a suitable home base to visit the Royal Château of Amboise in 2023 when the Saint-Hubert chapel, the resting place of Leonardo De Vinci, reopens after nearly two years of renovations. The Château will also host a new, year-long exhibition dedicated to Louis XI on the 600th anniversary of his birth.

But the newest way to make a stopover arrives next summer with the inaugural Le Grand Tour experience from Puy du Fou. The six-day luxury train journey spans a more than 2,000-mile tour of France in a Belle Epoque carriage, bringing guests to Chenonceau for a night, with private visits to the namesake château. —Lindsey Tramuta

Marrakech, Morocco

Go for: New riads in the city, desert stays, art and design exhibits

In addition to buzzy new hotel openings in central Marrakech, the Burning Man–inspired Habitas Agafay has just begun welcoming visitors to the Agafay Desert, a mere 45-minute drive from the city's medina. 

Marrakech has a dizzying energy that pulls you in, spins you around, and leaves you wanting more. All good reasons to make sure you have a soothing home for the night—and you will, thanks to a handful of exciting openings. Dreamy riad El Fenn has just added ten new rooms in the hotel’s signature style, mixing intricate artisanal details, bold colors, and striking contemporary art. On the other side of the medina, two new spots are coming this spring. Firstly, Rosemary , a bijou new riad with a calming courtyard and sunny rooftop, from Laurence Leenaert, the designer behind the LRNCE brand of ceramics and textiles. In the leafy Hivernage neighborhood, home to some of the city’s best nightlife, a new Nobu hotel will breathe new life into the former Pearl Hotel. Out in the Agafay Desert, a 45-minute drive from the medina, Habitas has just opened the Burning Man–inspired Caravan Agafay . Don’t go expecting rolling Sahara-style dunes—the stone desert here looks more lunar than sandy—but do expect boho tents, swimming pools, moon gazing, and plenty more. 

Marrakech itself continues to be a magnet for artists and designers: The new Monde des Arts de la Parure showcases 3,000 pieces of jewelry, ornaments, and textiles from more than 50 countries in a three-story wood-and-brick space lit by a dramatic octagonal skylight. At the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL), Malagasy artist Joël Andrianomearisoa’s “Our Land Just Like A Dream” explores traditional Moroccan creative knowledge, filling the museum’s spaces with works made exclusively in Marrakech through July 2023. —Nicola Chilton

Melides, Portugal

Go for: Lesser-known beaches, design-forward stays

The Manuel Aires Mateus-designed Pa.te.os has just opened in Melides, with four discreet houses that blend into 80 acres of Mediterranean landscape. 

Comporta’s lesser-known sister has been quietly simmering for some time now, but 2023 is set to become the year Melides emerges as the Portuguese beach spot to know. Its alluring landscape of white-sand beaches, pine forests, and rice fields will soon welcome exciting new properties, including Christian Louboutin’s much-awaited Vermelho this coming spring. The designer discovered the charm of Melides early—he’s been visiting for 10 years to design his winter collections, even naming one of his shoe lines Melides—and the boutique property will celebrate Portuguese artisanship and design traditions.

And there are others: Spatia —the Comporta resort frequented by travelers looking for minimalist design and quiet respite—will open a second hotel in Melides in 2023, while Umay’s otherworldly villas, inspired by the geometry of seashells, will follow in 2024. Also new to the area is the recently opened Pa. te .os , consisting of four discreet houses on 80 hectares of land, designed by famed Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus to blend into the Mediterranean landscape.

Hotels aside, other 2022 openings like the Melides Pottery Museum, which celebrates Portugal’s rich ceramic history, and beach-front restaurants like À Toa on Praia de Melides , add to the excitement around this buzzy destination. —Abigail Malbon

Memphis, Tennessee

Go for: New public spaces, restaurants and hotels that highlight the city's heritage

The Memphian Hotel is an eye-catching marker of the city's hotel boom—it's just one of eight new properties opened in 2022. 

The Memphian Hotel shines a light on the city's heritage through design and cuisine, much like the city's coolest new restaurants.

Nashville claims a lot of national buzz, but the city of Memphis has been quietly reshaping itself to be the hottest destination in Tennessee. Over the past decade, its downtown has invested billions in revitalization projects—and now, visitors can begin reaping the benefits.

An upgraded Tom Lee Park will open downtown in 2023, and in time for Memphis in May , a month-long festival celebrating the city’s culture with the famed Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The $60 million transformation will add new pavilions, meditative paths, riverfront seating, sound gardens, and the Canopy Walk connecting the park to downtown—all a fitting tribute to the park’s heroic namesake, a Black Memphian who, nearly a century ago, rescued passengers from a sinking steamboat on the Mississippi River. Next up: The Walk on Union , said to be the largest new mixed-use development in the Southeast, will play host to retail businesses, green spaces, and two new Hilton hotels as it opens in phases over the next few years.

Memphis is experiencing a hotel boom, with eight new properties in 2022 and more on the way. Recently opened are the funky  The Memphian and Hyatt's first  Caption concept, both of which shine a light on the city’s heritage through design and cuisine, much like the latest crop of Memphis restaurants. Barbecue still reigns, but the city’s trendiest spots are lightening things up: Raw Girls now has two brick-and-mortar smoothie and juice bars, Food Network star chef Tamra Patterson will open a new vegetarian spot in 2023, and craft cocktail bar Cameo , opened this year, serves up sophisticated mocktails. —Kelsey Ogletree

Mendoza, Argentina

Go for: Women-led food experiences, new lodges on iconic vineyards

At the foot of the majestic Andes, a crop of stylish new restaurants and hotels—many spearheaded by women—are giving travelers a new reason to raise a glass in Argentina's wine capital. 

Toasting with Malbec in front of the majestic Andes is how people celebrate in Mendoza , and a slew of stylish restaurant and hotel openings—many of which are spearheaded by women—provides ever more reason to raise a glass in Argentina’s Great Wine Capital (it is just 90 minutes by plane from Buenos Aires , after all).

Mendoza’s new bodega wining and dining experiences are many. There’s chef Patricia Courtois’s 5 Suelos at Durigutti Family Winemakers (opened April 2022), sommelier Camila Cerezo Pawlak’s Ruda restaurant in Tupungato Winelands (January 2022), and Catena Zapata’s opulent Angélica named for the family matriarch (November 2022).

Zonda at Bodega Lagarde—an organic, B-Corp certified winery that marks its 125th anniversary in 2023—stands out, however, for showcasing the best of Mendoza, from fantastic vintages down to its hard-carved teaspoons. Owner Sofia Pescarmona shares her family’s terroir with guests, who gather herbs and veggies and get a little messy making empanadas during Zonda’s immersive garden-to-table experience. Efforts are rewarded with a nine-course regional tasting menu paired with Lagarde wines, including the refreshing Proyecto Hermanas White Blend that Sofia makes with sister Lucila.

Plus, the latest venture of Susana Balbo—Argentina’s trailblazing female oenologist who helms her namesake winery—saw her lovingly refurbish a mansion with daughter Ana Lovaglio, unveiling it as the seven-suite SB Winemaker’s Lodge & Spa in April 2022; chef Flavia Amad Di Leo runs both the bodega and the hotel’s restaurants. Invigorated by in-room massages and asado by the pool, adventurous guests can then hire the lodge’s VisionAir seaplane, Argentina’s only such aircraft, and explore hidden corners of the world’s eighth-largest country. —Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Mustang, Nepal

Go for: Luxury mountain retreats, rare experiences in a remote destination

From design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive Shinta Mani, set in the remote, once-forbidden region of Mustang, is arguably Asia's most anticipated hotel opening of 2023. 

For decades, Nepal has been the Himalayan destination of choice for backpackers and trekkers drawn to its deep-rooted spirituality, endless adventure offerings, and those sky-piercing peaks. This hasn’t been the case for many luxury-minded travelers, though, who often chose neighboring Bhutan for its superior clutch of upscale mountain lodges. That will change in 2023 as Nepal unveils a wave of first-rate boutique accommodations and experiences.

Much of this shift is courtesy the recent update of Mountain Lodges of Nepal , a family-owned collection of deluxe accommodations scattered around the ultra-scenic Annapurna and Everest regions. By the end of 2023, they will introduce 15 premium, intimate lodges—a mixture of refurbished sites and new builds combining tradition (stone walls and colorful cultural motifs) with modernity (like dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass windows)—while offering multi-day treks, wild honey hunting, and helicopter rides to a Mount Everest-facing Champagne breakfast.

Come 2023, the 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang, a Bensley Collection , arguably Asia’s most anticipated hotel opening, will open in the remote, once-forbidden ancient kingdom region of Mustang. Spearheaded by design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive mountain retreat brings together Tibetan design (incorporating upcycled materials), traditional wellness programs, unique experiences—like guided explorations of the mysterious, ancient “sky caves”—and unparalleled access to one of the Himalaya’s last frontiers. —Travis Levius

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Go for: Old-meets-new food and drink experiences, eco-stays

Ancestral earthen oven cooking known as pachamanca is offered to guests at El Albergue Ollantaytambo, part of the region's growing effort to showcase Andean food and drink traditions to a wider audience. 

The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo also functions as a quintessential home base for travelers in the Sacred Valley, proving the village of Ollantaytambo is more than a pit stop en route to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo is best known for its archeological site, a hillside Incan fortress that draws travelers off the train to Machu Picchu. But of late, the village has also become a terroir-driven culinary epicenter in the Sacred Valley, with local entrepreneurs placing a new era of the Andean food and drink traditions on the world stage. Taste herbaceous high-elevation rums, or infuse your own, at Destilería Andina ; sip Andean coffee, or roast souvenir beans, at Cafe Mayu ; and sample craft beer flavored with local fruit at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado . Old and new continue to meet, through farm-to-table fare paired with creative cocktails at Chuncho ; meanwhile, tradition takes precedence with ancestral earthen oven pachamanca cooking in El Albergue Ollantaytambo ’s farm tour meals. And look for Destilería Andina’s new location with a full-service bar, opening in mid-2023, near Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado.

Don’t make the mistake of hopping on the train after a meal, either—unique hotels further the case for staying the night. The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo is a classic home base, but you can also pamper yourself at the Qolqas Eco Lodge (spa included), or sleep perched in a mountainside capsule with valley views at Skylodge Adventure Suites . The latter opened in 2013, but the brand’s new Starlodge Adventure Suites and onsen are 2022 additions.

Plan your trip around cultural moments for the full experience: The Señor de Choquekillka festival, 50 days after Easter, honors the village’s patron saint with food, music, and dance; locals celebrate the winter solstice in June; and the entire village revels during Ollantaytambo’s anniversary every October. —Nico Vera

Queensland, Australia

Go for: Indigenous-led experiences, swanky new hotels

Queensland has returned thousands of acres to Indigenous groups over the last two years, a shift that has yielded special new experiences for travelers. 

New Indigenous-owned and -run experiences include moonlit spearfishing in Daintree National Park, alongside Eastern Kuku Yalanji guides, and Torres Strait Islander-led day trips from Cairns.

Australia is making an effort to return land to its native people, and Queensland has been leading the way, with thousands of acres going back to Indigenous groups over the last two years. For travelers, this shift is yielding new experiences guided by the insight of the original stewards of the land.

The ancient rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree National Park was part of a parcel returned in 2021, and now the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are managing the national park alongside the state government. At the newly opened Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre , an ecotourism hub operated by mostly Indigenous staff, visitors walk the land with traditional custodians as guides; Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours include night walking, crabbing, and spearfishing under the moon; and on Walkabout Cultural Adventures , Indigenous plants and medicines are highlighted on guided rainforest excursions.

Further north, lands near the Torres Strait Islands—there are at least 274 in the strait between Australia and New Guinea—were returned to Torres Strait Islanders of Aboriginal, Melanesian, and Australian background last year. Now, local Indigenous entrepreneurs have launched companies like Strait Experience , which offers a first-of-its-kind day trip to the islands from Cairns, making the destination more accessible than ever.

Bookend your adventures with a night in any of the chic hotels and resorts set to call Queensland home in 2023, including the Mondrian Gold Coast and the Ritz-Carlton Brisbane, part of the Queens’ Wharf project that is transforming the river’s edge. These join a new luxury hotel faction including The Langham Gold Coast and Dorsett Gold Coast , both of which opened last summer.

Lastly, don’t skip a visit to Queensland’s capital: Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host eight games in July and August for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Good thing getting to Queensland is easier than ever, thanks to three weekly nonstop flights between San Francisco and Brisbane, added by United Airlines in October 2022. —Devorah Lev-Tov

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Go for: Landmark art and architecture events, atmospheric new hotels

The Sharjah Biennial opens in February to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries (above, an installation at the 2017 event, by Joe Namy).

While it might seem like Dubai continues to monopolize much of the U.A.E.’s glitz and buzz, neighboring Sharjah has been quietly asserting itself as the cultural capital of the Emirates. On the heels of striking new galleries from the Sharjah Arts Foundation and architectural marvels like the Foster + Partners–designed House of Wisdom library, the Sharjah Biennial opens in February, on its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries. Also on deck is the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, curated by Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo in collaboration with visionaries like India’s Rahul Mehrotra and Brazil’s Paulo Tavares. The most atmospheric place to stay in Sharjah is the Chedi Al Bait , a tangle of 53 rooms and eight suites spread across a series of ocher courtyards in the historic district. This year, it gets a refresh with the addition of a 12-room boutique wing built in a 100-year-old family home. There are plush new ways to explore the less-explored emirate’s natural splendors as well. Lux Resorts and Hotels, known for its swanky digs in Mauritius , the Maldives , and China , is making its Middle Eastern debut with two new retreats in Sharjah coming in 2023: Lux Al Jabal is a beach escape overlooking an untouched stretch of the Gulf of Oman, while Lux Al Bridi will be a safari camp brimming with wildlife in the sprawling Al Bridi Nature Reserve. —Sarah Khan

Srinagar, India

Go for: New infrastructure for easier road tripping, elevated nature retreats

Srinagar, an alluring and once hard-to-visit destination in the Kashmir Valley, is opening up to travelers in a big way in 2023, with new roadways making it easier than ever to get in and around. 

In the heart of the Kashmir Valley, the gem of Srinagar—with its winding waterways and colorful houseboats—is equally alluring and challenging to plan a visit to. Yet the destination seems to be shifting gears, with the government greenlighting development projects that will benefit travelers.

Srinagar has some vibrant new openings:  Karan Mahal , a swanky, intimate stay in the historic residence of Kashmir’s former rulers and amid nearly 60 acres of orchards and woods, launched last year, while  Qayaam Gah , a stylish, Sufi-inspired nature retreat in the Zabarwan Hills, with unfettered bird’s-eye views of Dal Lake, opened this summer. Additionally, Indian Hotels Company Limited (also behind the Taj Hotels) will bring its affordable brand, Ginger Hotels , to Srinagar in the first half of 2023.

The capital is also about to get a boost in accessibility, with a spate of highways and tunnels planned to open in 2023 that will, among other connections, make it easier to drive from Kashmir—across breathtaking landscapes—to neighboring Ladakh, even in winter. Other side trips that will be easier to reach, thanks to the new infrastructure: Sonamarg (which translates to “golden meadow”), a stunning hill station that is poised for substantial tourism development in the years to come, and Pahalgam, an idyllic getaway that has long drawn travelers to its pastoral charms. The latter will see, in early 2023, the opening of  Shepherd’s Barn , a cottage stay by Ramneek Kaur (whose family owns the Bollywood-favorite  Pahalgam Hotel ), which will add rooms to an existing program of craft tours and local activities under the auspices of the Shepherd Crafts Cultural Centre. With so much change underfoot, there is no better time to experience the area— and before everyone else starts to do the same. —Saumya Ancheri

Go for: The performing arts center, two years' worth of hotel and restaurant openings

After a decade of construction, the Taipei Performing Arts Center has finally opened—just as the country has begun welcoming international visitors again. 

Elegant towering teahouses, otherworldly landscapes, and culinary excellence have long tempted travelers to Taiwan . Now, after more than two years, the island nation has reopened its borders to international visitors—and there’s quite a bit to catch up on.

One decade of construction later, the Taipei Performing Arts Center is finally open, with three performance spaces housed within sleek geometric buildings. A few kilometers south, the stylish Hotel Resonance Taipei recently unbolted its doors with 175 fresh guest rooms, offering sweeping city views and sleek modern interiors. Just before borders closed, the Taipei location of The Place hotel—equal parts polished and relaxing, with a teahouse in its lobby—opened in Nangang, and a design-forward branch of the Kimpton set down roots in the Da’An District. There’s even more to come, with the Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen slated to open in 2023 in the bustling Ximending, which was just named one of the “51 Coolest Neighborhoods In The World” by Time Out. Plan your meals around any of the five restaurants that earned Michelin stars in 2022: Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature, Holt, Yu Kapo, Paris 1930 de Hideki Takayama, and Sushiyoshi.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, has been attracting travelers who hop on the high-speed rail, headed for one of the 44 restaurants that earned Tainan its addition to the 2022 Michelin Guide . Also making it worth the trip: Anping Tree House, an abandoned warehouse that has been swallowed by banyan trees; the colorful and artsy Shennong Street; and when you’re ready for a nap, Mao House , a chic bed and breakfast that stands in stark contrast to its architecturally staid neighbors. —Ella Quittner

Turks and Caicos

Go for: Easier access to remote islands, cruise upgrades, sleek resorts

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands, changing what it means to have an exclusive experience in the archipelago.

The exquisite white sands and blue waters of Grace Bay Beach have long been the coveted endgame for visitors to Turks and Caicos . Lately, though, a wave of new hotels and developments in more remote parts of the island chain are changing what it means to have an exclusive experience here. 

Leading the way, the 46-unit Rock House opened this past May, with its sleek Mediterranean style (a departure from the archipelago’s traditional colonial aesthetic), private plunge pools, and sustainability efforts that preserve native foliage and limestone. But Rock House’s real magic is undeniably in its location: a clifftop perch above a secluded beach on Grace Bay’s north shore, where you can while away your days snorkeling in a protected marine sanctuary. More properties slated to come in 2023 include the 31-acre South Bank Turks & Caicos , a residential resort and marina, opening in March, at the top of Long Bay Beach with 18 waterfront villas and a five-acre swimming lagoon. The Strand Turks & Caicos will follow later in 2023, 20 minutes south of Grace Bay, with oceanfront residences and what feels like its own peninsula on Cooper Jack Bay.

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are also making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands. On Grand Turks, a $25 million dock extension is set to welcome larger cruise ships in 2023. And on tiny South Caicos, a significant upgrade to the single-runway South Caicos Airport is scheduled for completion in June, meaning improved access to the least populated of the islands—like the uber-luxe Sailrock Resort , a favorite of celebs like Justin Bieber and Regina King. —Nina Kokotas Hahn

Go for: A revived cultural calendar, dazzling new hotels

In 2023, Vienna will welcome the return of the Viennese ball season after a two-year hiatus. 

Vienna has long been a European capital of groundbreaking art and music, and in 2023 the city has several landmark anniversaries on its cultural calendar.

After a two-year hiatus, the 2023 Viennese ball season promises lush nights of live orchestral music and dancing in black-tie. Two of the year’s sparkliest, the Vienna Opera Ball and the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, are also marking their 65th and 80th anniversaries, respectively. The latter is returning  on January 19 with performances by the legendary orchestra. Meanwhile, the Opera Ball, to be held  on February 16 , will host dancing “Under the Sign of Solidarity”—the night’s theme—in collaboration with  Österreich hilft Österreich (Austria Helps Austria) to fundraise for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Belvedere, home to Gustav Klimt’s famous  The Kiss , is celebrating 300 years since its completion with a year-long exhibition, “ The Belvedere: 300 Years a Place of Art ,” paying homage to the museum’s impact on Viennese art history. Also not to be missed in 2023: “ Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse… ,” a collaborative exhibit by the Belvedere and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, showcasing the prominent artists who influenced the master of Viennese Modernism.

Kick your feet up at Vienna’s chic new hotels. The  Rosewood Vienna , which opened in 2022, will welcome its first full year of guests with the new Asaya Spa. Then, in late 2023, The Hoxton is set to open a 196-room hotel featuring an events auditorium (a first for the hotel brand) honoring Vienna’s legacy as a hub for live entertainment and culture. —Matt Ortile

Go for: Locavore food experiences, forest hotels and saunas

In lush Wales, a foodie renaissance is taking place—drawing travelers to terroir-driven restaurants, distilleries, and revived pubs in untrammeled areas. 

A Welsh foodie renaissance has, admittedly, taken a while to arrive. But a new generation of chefs are digging into their terroir and emerging with handfuls of truffles, scallops, and cheeses, from James Sommerin’s Home restaurant in Penarth, to SY23 in seaside Aberystwyth, headed by Great British Menu finalist Nathan Davies. There’s also been the rise of hard-to-reach destination restaurants determinedly doing their own thing, such as Annwn in deepest Pembrokeshire, where Matt Powell forages most of his ingredients from the shoreline (the project is currently on hold as it relocates), and Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in the Dyfi Valley , which was just awarded a second Michelin star. Ward’s empire will grow in 2023 with the opening of eight-seat Gwen—named after his mother—with sourdough pizzas on the menu. Paternoster Farm , meanwhile, set in a former Pembroke cowshed, is doing wondrous things with Porthilly oysters, Welsh Mountain lamb, and sea beet—with its Five Mile Feasts, a special menu, gathering up all sorts of local treasures. 

In Cardigan, the Albion Aberteifi —certainly the coolest hotel to arrive in Wales in years—is set to open a Scandi-Japanese restaurant on the river bank in 2023, along with a woodland onsen and spa. Wales seems to be turning into a hub for the UK’s thriving outdoor sauna scene: Snowdonia-based Heartwood Saunas is launching a new forest project this December, where groups of up to 10 can use a wood-fired sauna before jumping in the pools of the River Dulas (or head to the yoga deck), all while surrounded by old oak trees and natural pools. In Carmarthenshire, the seven-mile stretch of Pendine Sands is enjoying a revival. Caban hotel is opening in the spring alongside the Museum of Speed , which celebrates the many land-speed records made on the beach—including one by actor Idris Elba in a Bentley Continental GT. Reducing the speed a notch, a new slow-travel route of roads and walking paths, The Wild Drovers’ Way , unfurls over 180 miles from the foothills of the Cambrians into the Brecon Beacons—a lovely way to appreciate some of Wales’ rural highlights.

If you need somewhere to toast all this, you could head to Swansea, where Penderyn will open its new whisky-distillery experience in March, while in Cardiff, the St Fagans Museum of National History has been rebuilding the iconic Vulcan pub (beloved of Manic Street Preachers) on its grounds, set to open in 2024. Lechyd da! —Rick Jordan

Western Japan

Go for: Expedition cruises in the Seto Inland Sea, new onsen experiences

Luxury small ship company Ponant will launch a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on Japan's oldest sea route. 

New luxury openings and a world’s-first expedition cruise are among a plethora of reasons to head for western Japan in 2023. In the Seto Inland Sea, which separates Japan’s main island of Honshu from the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu, luxury small-ship company Ponant has announced a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, which will sail along Japan’s oldest sea route. Exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on the coast of Honshu, as well as Inland Sea islands such as Inujima—once a copper mining hub and now one of the famous contemporary “Art Islands”—the 264-guest Le Soléal will chart a seven-night course towards the Sea of Japan, starting in May 2023. Also in the Seto Inland Sea, in a forest on Awaji Island, wellness retreat Zenbo Seinei just opened its doors. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Shigeru Ban, it features a 21-meter-long gallery for zazen meditation and a restaurant celebrating Japan’s culture of fermented foods.

On Kyushu island , the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen now conveniently connects cosmopolitan Nagasaki to Japan’s vast bullet train network. Good thing, as there’s a new Ritz-Carlton coming in the summer of 2023 to the vibrant, gateway city of Fukuoka ; and in the hot-spring town of Yufuin, Kengo Kuma—the architect behind the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 games—has completed a new gallery at Comico Art Museum to house works by Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, among others, as well as two exclusive-use “Art Houses” with private onsen baths. Nearby, Kuma has also created the gorgeous KAI Yufuin , a contemporary onsen ryokan with views of Mount Yufu and enveloped in rice terraces whose beauty changes with the seasons. —Kate Crockett

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Go for: Design-forward boutique hotels amid the region's jungle and waterways

The Yucatán Peninsula is already an easy-to-love destination—its food heritage just one of the reasons to visit—but a boom of design-forward stays are upping the ante. 

Just outside of Mérida, above, travelers will find the new Galopina, a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin.

With a boom of design-forward stays opening their doors—in an already easy-to-love destination marked by verdant jungle and brilliant waterways—the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico’s southeastern bounds is poised to be one of the most enticing areas to visit this year.

The 22-bungalow Boca de Agua is set to open in April in Bacalar , with suites designed by architect Frida Escobedo, who was recently tapped for the forthcoming contemporary art wing at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City . North of Bacalar, tucked within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is Casa Chablé , which will open in December 2022 with 10 rooms and bungalows. Guests take a 40-minute boat ride through lush mangrove forests, to arrive at the resort’s 12 acres of tropical jungle fronted by white-sand beaches. Plus, situated in the tranquil Xpu-ha cove, between the two bustling towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the ultra-luxurious boutique property Hotel Esencia opened in November as one of the most refined offerings in Riviera Maya: the Esencia Mansion, a four-bedroom private hideaway with its own speakeasy, cinema, and rooftop infinity pool. And just outside of Mérida is the new Galopina , a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin. After a stint in Paris , they returned to their home country and created their dream homestead in the jungle with miles of trails, organic gardens, and guest rooms offering meditative terraces. In May 2023, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , will reopen on the Riviera Maya with 10 new waterfront suites, a culinary program overseen by chef Daniel Camacho, and a new look that will showcase Mayan culture and design with work by local artisans. —Michaela Trimble

Zamora, Spain

Go for: Romanesque architecture, dazzling lakes, and improved access from Madrid

Zamora, which is known for having the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, is becoming a European World Heritage Site in 2023—perfect timing, as a new high-speed train from Madrid makes it easier to reach than ever. 

Few know—even in Spain —that Zamora is the city with the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, but it was reason enough for UNESCO to make Zamora a European World Heritage Site for 2023. Additionally, its proximity to Madrid —an hour away thanks to a new high-speed AVE train, inaugurated just a year ago—put this underrated town high on our must-visit list.

But there is more to Zamora, such as its enormous modernist legacy and its Lagunas de Villafáfila, a collection of lakes that are home to thousands of migratory birds each season. There’s even more to see, scattered throughout the province: Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and just a few miles away, Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Towards the east you will find Toro, the epicenter of bold red wines—and home to critically acclaimed winery Numanthia that’s credited with putting the wine region on the map. Not far away, in the heart of Tierra de Campos, snag a table at Lera , which got its Michelin star in 2022, and is a favorite among wild game enthusiasts.

Finally, to the south, Arribes del Duero shows that Zamora province has it all—even fjords. Beautiful crags and cliffs mark the border with Portugal in a natural park that has become a center for viticulture and attracts reputed international winemakers. Olive, citrus, and other fruit trees, artisanal ceramics, and stunning natural beauty turn this secluded corner into a Mediterranean paradise. Consider the luxurious Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve , and the Castillo de Buen Amor (refurbished in 2021) in Salamanca, just a 30-minute drive away, the perfect setting for your quaint Zamora escape. —David Moralejo

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Best places to visit in june 2024.

School's out and summer is in full swing, which means one thing – it's time for a vacation. While some like to take their time and enjoy the season before they jet off, June is a surprisingly good time to book a getaway. In some destinations, crowds won't arrive until July, leaving room for discounts on flights and hotels. We took into account these factors as well as weather, seasonal events (including Pride celebrations ) and a variety of location types – from city centers to serene beaches – to come up with the best places to visit in June. Have a favorite June vacation spot? Vote below to have a say in next year's ranking.

Glacier National Park

Grand teton national park, amalfi coast, serengeti national park, canary islands.

If you can accept not being able to access certain parts of this Montana park (such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road), you could save loads and avoid crowds if you visit in June. During this time, Glacier National Park's lodging options have lower rates and more availability than the rest of the summer months. High temps in the 70s mean you'll stay comfortable while hiking (many of the lower-elevation trails are open in June if you don't mind a little mud) or rafting down the Flathead River. For a more leisurely way of exploring the park, go boating on Lake McDonald.

June in Florence brings long hours of daylight ideal for taking in the city's famed art and architecture while the Tuscan sun shines. When temperatures get too warm (think: average highs in the 80s), there are plenty of must-see museums, like the Uffizi Gallery, that offer a cool respite. While you may have to contend with more crowds in the summer high season (make those restaurant and hotel reservations in advance), June makes up for this with a robust festival calendar. Sample the region's wine during Mostra del Chianti in the nearby town of Montespertoli and celebrate Florence's patron saint during Festa di San Giovanni.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, there is really no wrong time to visit Lake Tahoe. But there is a case to be made for visiting this destination in June, which ushers in the carefree summer season with everything from farmers markets to free summer concerts to annual beer festivals. The water will likely be too cold for swimming, but you'll find stunning views from a boat tour or on a scenic drive, bike or hike around the largest alpine lake in North America. As an added bonus, with average temperatures in the mid-60s and 70s, you'll stay comfortable on any excursion.

Grand Teton National Park comes to life in June: wildflowers are in peak bloom, snow is nearly all melted and animals and their young are on the move. Not to mention, average daytime temperatures hover in the 70s (though evenings and mornings are still brisk), which makes for near-perfect weather as you hike the Jenny Lake Loop and other popular trails surrounding the snow-capped mountains. Just be prepared to share, as June is one of the most popular months to visit this park.

June is the Goldilocks summer month on the Amalfi Coast, when temperatures are warm enough for the beaches, but not yet scorching, and the season's crowds are just beginning to arrive. When you're not lounging on the pebbled shorelines, explore the region's 13 towns tucked along the Tyrrhenian Sea, hike the Path of the Gods or meander through the gardens at Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone (still in bloom before the sweltering temperatures descend). What's more, June marks the start of festival season, so you'll catch events like the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics and the Festival of Sant'Antonio.

Though Edinburgh is known for its moody atmosphere, the Scottish city's stone facades and green hills perk up in the summer. With comfortable temps in the mid-60s and 17-hour days, you'll have plenty of time to tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle, hike up to Arthur's Seat or peruse the four gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. You can also mingle with locals at a bevy of markets and fairs and seasonal happenings like Pride Edinburgh. For a glimpse of Scotland's lush countryside, take a short bus ride to Pentland Hills Regional Park, a perfect place to spend a summer day.

Watching the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is an unforgettable safari experience , and June is typically a great time to see it (though, like most things in the wild, timing is never guaranteed). Visit the Western Corridor area during this time to witness herds of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make their way north in search of food and water. Because June falls within Serengeti's dry season, you'll find less foliage obstructing your view, as well as fewer mosquitos. Daytime highs typically sit in the 70s, but mornings and evenings can get chilly, so remember to pack adequate attire.

Although travelers flock to Telluride for its superb ski slopes , this Colorado town offers plenty to do when the weather warms up in June. Travelers will find endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking scenic trails like Bridal Veil Falls to biking the San Juan Mountains' winding paths to off-roading at Ophir Pass. Plus, downtown Telluride is home to Town Park, a kid-friendly space with amenities like a swimming pool and a fishing pond. June also features a full events calendar, so festivalgoers can check out annual events like the Telluride Balloon Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Think of all the exploration you could undertake with up to 17 hours of daylight, which is the norm for this Danish city in June. You'll need all the time you can get to see and do everything Copenhagen has to offer. Of course there are museums galore, but pleasant temperatures in the 60s win favor for outdoor pursuits. Take to the water on a kayak, a floating hot tub (for chillier days) or a boat tour, or stroll through the city's green spaces like the King's Garden. When the sun does set, you'll have your pick of top-notch eateries thanks to Copenhagen's highly lauded, innovative dining scene.

School may be out, but June is a great time to visit a city known for its books (Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, after all). Don't miss a chance to visit the Old Library of Trinity College, a must-visit for any bibliophile, and participate in the Bloomsday Festival, which celebrates Dublin author James Joyce. June further encapsulates the spirit of Dublin (and its other specialties – beer and music) with events like the Taste of Dublin. Plus, the weather is nearly as dry as this Irish city gets and temperatures average in the low 60s, perfect for a stroll along the River Liffey or down Grafton Street.

Though you may have to contend with crowds, June's mild temperatures in the 70s make it an ideal time to visit Lucerne. Not only will you stay comfortable as you admire the postcard-worthy Chapel Bridge and stroll down Old Town boulevard, but you can also take full advantage of this Swiss city's star attraction – Lake Lucerne. Popular swimming clubs like Seebad Luzern and Lucerne Lido will be open for the season and feature sandy beaches, heated or lake water swimming pools, restaurants and sunbathing spots. Plus, you'll have prime weather for a trip up Pilatus mountain, from which you can see as many as 73 Alpine peaks.

Cloudless skies, golden beaches and clear waters await travelers year-round in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa. But beyond these obvious draws, the islands boast unique natural attractions – including four national parks spanning dunes, forests and volcanoes – and a culture rich in art and traditions. Visit in June to experience Corpus Christi, a joyful celebration with parades, dances and flower-covered streets, and the San Juan Festival, when bonfires ring in the summer solstice. The trade-off: Summer is a popular time to visit, so plan ahead when booking your trip.

Barbados beckons to June travelers keen on lounging on a beach without breaking the bank. June is the first month of this Caribbean island's rainy season; however, showers typically occur in short bursts, giving vacationers ample time to soak up some sun. Plus, visitors will often find fewer tourists and lower flight and accommodation prices in the low season. With the money they save on their overall trip, travelers can enjoy fee-based activities like a tasting or cocktail workshop at the Mount Gay Rum Visitor Centre, the world's oldest continuously run rum distillery.

If you're seeking the epitome of a beach vacation under the hot summer sun, look no further than Aruba. You can spend endlessly sunny days reclining on the powdery white sands of Eagle Beach or bodyboarding at the secluded Andicuri Beach. If you're feeling restless, take a break from the beach and trek through Arikok National Park, where you can admire rock formations, coastline views and plenty of flora. Though the weather is fairly consistent year-round (Aruba sits outside of the hurricane belt), June brings warmer water temperatures and fewer tourists, so room rates are typically cheaper.

Paris is always a good idea, but this destination has a propensity for gloomy weather during the colder months. Daytime highs in the low 70s usher in a warmer and brighter disposition in June. These sunny days are ideal for seeing the city's stunning architectural landscape and iconic sights, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, or taking a boat cruise on the Seine. Plus, seasonal festivals and concerts start to pop up throughout the city. Keep in mind that summer is peak tourist season in Paris, so expect crowds and higher rates for accommodations.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

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Adirondacks

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Best places to travel in June 2025

The solstice at the end of June brings long days to destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, making it an excellent time to get outdoors. You can roam through Canada’s wilderness, hike in Germany’s Black Forest or soak up the sun in the French Riviera.

This is also a popular month for festivals. For example, Greece’s Athens and Epidaurus Festival lets you watch ancient plays performed in ancient venues, while in Peru, you can attend a festival celebrating the Inca sun god, Inti. The month also marks the end of the rainy season in places like Uganda and the Zanzibar Archipelago, where you’ll find well-watered landscapes bursting with life, but mostly sunny skies.

Festivals and events around the world in June

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Visiting France in June means you’ll beat the heavy summer crowds. The warm sunny days are just right for whiling away an afternoon at a Parisian café, or indulging in a picnic under the shade of a tree in one of the parks. Head north to Normandy for the D-Day anniversary and you can stroll along the beaches to soak up some of the glorious light that’s attracted so many artists over the years.

Towards the end of the month, the lavender is just beginning to bloom in Provence. Or you might relax on the Riviera’s beaches before the real heat sets in.

• Don't miss: Paris in depth
• Flight time: 7 hours 20 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Paris)
• Time difference: UTC +1
• June Temperature (Day): 66 to 77°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 1 to 4in, varies by region
• Explore France
• France tours
• France travel guides

June is the best month to see Peru, so you’ll need to plan well ahead to guarantee the best options within a short window. The rainy season ends in May, leaving the landscape lushly green and the weather warm and sunny, though you can expect crisp, cool evenings at altitude. It’s an excellent time for hiking the Inca Trail.

Throughout the month, you’ll find a series of festivals across the country, which builds up to Inti Raymi. Held just after the summer solstice, it’s a celebration dedicated to Inti, the benevolent Inca sun god.

• Don't miss: Amazon, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
• Flight time: 10 hours 30 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Lima)
• Time difference: UTC -5
• June Temperature (Day): 68 to 84°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 0 to 0in, varies by region
• Explore Peru
• Peru travel guides

3. Zanzibar Archipelago

June is an excellent time to visit Zanzibar. The long rains have finally ended, though you might get the occasional sprinkle, which keeps visitor numbers down. It means you can enjoy the white-sand beaches, warm weather and (mostly) blue skies without too many others around. You can also tour Stone Town or the spice plantations, hike through the Jozani Forest to try to spot red colobus monkeys, or take a sailing safari to look for dolphins.

You might combine a stay here with a safari on Tanzania’s mainland, where the parks and reserves are at their greenest, birdwatching is excellent and animals are in prime health.

• Don't miss: Classic Tanzania: safari & beach
• Flight time: 20 hours 30 (Zanzibar, via Nairobi)
• Time difference: UTC +3
• June Temperature (Day): 32 to 32°F, depending on region
• Explore Zanzibar Archipelago
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• Zanzibar Archipelago travel guides

Though the temperatures are consistently warm year-round, June is one of the best months to visit Uganda. It’s the start of the second dry season, so you’re less likely to encounter rain, but the landscape is still verdant from the recent rains. The roads are also in peak condition, making travel into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest smoother.

Bwindi is one of very few places in the world you can track highly endangered mountain gorillas, and June provides some of the best conditions for hiking to see them. You can also head to Kibale Forest National Park to see habituated groups of chimpanzees.

• Don't miss: Uganda primate explorer
• Flight time: 20 hours (New York to Entebbe)
• June Temperature (Day): 79 to 79°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 4 to 4in, varies by region
• Explore Uganda
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Across Greece’s mainland and islands, June is an exceptional time to visit. Everything is fully open and the temperatures start to rise, but the real heat doesn’t set in for another month or so. You’ll be able to enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures without the summer throngs, either in the cities or on the beaches.

June is also when many festivals take place across the country. For example, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival showcases theatrical performances in both cities. It’s a chance to see ancient Greek plays performed in ancient venues, including the Theatre of Epidaurus.

• Don't miss: Athens & the Peloponnese
• Flight time: 9 hours 30 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Athens)
• June Temperature (Day): 52 to 90°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 0 to 4in, varies by region
• Explore Greece
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• Greece travel guides

6. Malaysia

Though the capital and west coast of Malaysia are year-round destinations, June is also an excellent time to visit the islands scattered up and down the east coast, which is experiencing its dry season. June also offers some of the best diving conditions in the waters off Tioman, Redang and the Perhentians, where you’ll enjoy hot, dry weather and clear waters.

You might start off with a few days in Kuala Lumpur, where you can take a walking tour to sample the street food. Then you could visit the Sultan’s Palace in Kuala Terengganu, before ending with a few days on the beaches of Tioman.

• Don't miss: Malaysia's unspoilt beaches & Kuala Lumpur
• Flight time: 22¾ hours (New York to Kuala Lumpur)
• Time difference: UTC +8
• June Temperature (Day): 72 to 91°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 4 to 11in, varies by region
• Explore Malaysia
• Malaysia tours
• Malaysia travel guides

7. Mauritius

With a subtropical climate, Mauritius enjoys lovely beach weather most of the year. However, June is particularly pleasant. Not only are there fewer visitors, you’ll also experience less humid days, making it an excellent time to lounge on the white-sand beaches. If you want to explore the island’s islets and snorkeling spots, consider a private boat tour.

The Chamarel Mountains, in the south, see the occasional burst of rain, which keeps them green. You can take a private tour through this verdant region to see the sugarcane fields, tea plantations, and national parks there.

• Don't miss: Mauritius coast to coast
• Flight time: 21 hours (New York to Plaisance)
• Time difference: UTC +4
• June Temperature (Day): 73 to 79°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 3 to 5in, varies by region
• Explore Mauritius
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• Mauritius travel guides

Long, warm days make June an excellent month to visit every part of Canada. The summer crowds haven’t arrived in full force yet, but trails, hotels and restaurants are all open. Across the country, the waterways are fully thawed, and even in the northern reaches of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, the snow has melted, revealing a playground of mountains, forests, valleys, lakes and waterfalls in full flow.

The vast wilderness offers many options for hiking, kayaking and more, but don’t overlook the cities, where you can enjoy the many cultural festivals on offer. For example, Montréal hosts the world’s largest jazz festival each June.

• Don't miss: Hidden gems of the Rockies self-drive tour
• Flight time: 1 hour 25 (New York to Toronto)
• Time difference: UTC -5 to UTC -6
• June Temperature (Day): 36 to 77°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 0 to 5in, varies by region
• Explore Canada
• Canada tours
• Canada travel guides

Though Germany is a year-round destination, June’s long days and warm spring temperatures make this an excellent time to visit. The summer crowds haven’t descended and you’ll be able to enjoy the fine weather without the crush.

The trees in the Black Forest have fully leafed out and are best appreciated on a driving tour. You’ll be able to hike under the cool shade, visit the world’s biggest cuckoo clock, and admire Triberg Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Germany. This is also a great time to visit the cities — festival season is in full swing and the weather is comfortable for walking tours.

• Don't miss: Rhine Valley & Black Forest highlights
• Flight time: 7 hours 30 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Munich)
• June Temperature (Day): 66 to 66°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 2 to 2in, varies by region
• Explore Germany
• Germany tours

10. Nicaragua

Tropical Nicaragua is a year-round destination. However, June is an exceptional time if you want to visit for snorkeling or birdwatching — two of the main reasons people visit this often-overlooked Central American country.

You might slip silently along the Rio Bartola under the towering rainforest canopy on a privately guided tour of the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve. Along the way, look out for birds like trogons, manikins, tanagers, and if you're lucky, scarlet macaws. Or you might visit the Corn Islands, located off the east coast. Boasting a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, these two islands have some of the best snorkeling in the region.

• Don't miss: Overland tour through Nicaragua & Costa Rica
• Flight time: 6 hours 45 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Managua)
• Time difference: UTC -6
• June Temperature (Day): 84 to 88°F, depending on region
• June rainfall: 11 to 22in, varies by region
• Explore Nicaragua
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• Nicaragua travel guides

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June 2023 International Air Passenger Travel to and from the United States

—air passenger enplanements up 19% year over year in june 2023, —air passenger travel between the united states and europe up 16% in june 2023.

Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in June 2023 :

U.S.-international air traffic passenger enplanements 1 totaled:

• 22.719 million in June 2023, up 19.0% compared to June 2022, with enplanements reaching 95.4% of pre-pandemic June 2019 volume. 

Originating Non-Stop Air Travel in June 2023

• 4.227 million in June 2023, up 19.7% compared to June 2022.
• This represents 80.2% of pre-pandemic June 2019 volume. 

On a related note, overseas visitor arrivals 2 totaled 2.551 million in June 2023, the twentieth consecutive month overseas visitor arrivals exceeded 1.0 million. June overseas visitor arrivals reached 73.2% of pre-pandemic June 2019 volume, down from 73.6% in May 2023. (See June I-94 Advance Release https://www.trade.gov/i-94-arrivals-program )

• 7.541 million in June 2023, up 18.5% compared to June 2022 and exceeding June 2019 volume by 9.5%.

World Region Highlights in June 2023 (APIS/I-92 arrivals + departures)

• Total air passenger travel (arrivals and departures) between the United States and other countries were led by Mexico (3.336 million), Canada (2.647 million), the United Kingdom (2.060 million), Germany (1.054 million), and the Dominican Republic (998,000).  
• Europe totaled 7.424 million passengers, up 15.9% over June 2022, and down only (-7.0%) compared to June 2019.  
• South/Central America/Caribbean totaled 5.303 million, up 13.5% over June 2022, and up 3.8% compared to June 2019.  
• Asia totaled 2.165 million passengers, up 103.0% over June 2022, but still down (-35.2%) compared to June 2019.  
• Top U.S. ports serving international locations were New York (JFK) 3.126 million, Los Angeles (LAX) 2.040 million, Miami (MIA) 1.899 million, Newark (EWR) 1.423 million and San Francisco (SFO) 1.378 million.  
• Top Foreign ports serving U.S. locations were London Heathrow (LHR) 1.723 million, Cancun (CUN) 1.205 million, Toronto (YYZ) 1.042 million, Paris (CDG) 825,000, and Frankfurt (FRA) 703,000.

1 APIS/ “I-92” (arrivals + departures)

2 adis/i-94 (with stays of 1-night or more in the united states and visiting under certain visa types).

Interested in an interactive data visualization of these statistics? Please visit our APIS/I-92 International Air Passenger Monitor for a more comprehensive and customizable experience.

I-92/APIS International Air Passengers The APIS/I-92 Program provides information on non-stop international air traffic between the United States and other countries. The data has been collected from the Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection’s Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) since July 2010. The APIS based “I-92” system provides air traffic data on the following parameters: number of passengers, by country, airport, scheduled or chartered, U.S. Flag, foreign flag, citizens and non-citizens. Visit the APIS/I-92 Data Program home page for more information on airline travel to and from the United States.  

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the  CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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• 10 Best Places To Visit In June In World In Your Summer Break In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Only a handful of destinations in Southeast Asia have good weather in June. The heatwave in the subcontinent can send the summer temperatures soaring and the onset of monsoons threaten to derail your travel plans. Thankfully, this is not the case everywhere. June is usually the best time to travel with your family since most of the schools and universities shut down for the summer break. We have shortlisted the top places to visit in June in world to escape the summer heat and enjoy an incredible traveling experience

10 Best Places To Visit In June In World 2024

Here are 10 best places to visit in June in world that you can visit with your family and friends to make the most out of your summer break. Keep the sunscreen handy and scroll through this extensive list:

• New Zealand

Turkey enjoys lovely dry summers in June. Having said that, the coastal spots on the Black Sea are comparatively less warmer. The best places to visit in June in world include Cappadocia, Oludeniz and Adana. Cappadocia offers you an opportunity to stay in cave hotels, go on an air balloon with your significant other and admire numerous popular historical sites. Oludeniz is famous for paragliding. Adana is the fifth largest city in Turkey and is known worldwide for its mouthwatering cuisine and Hamam baths. When you’re in Turkey, don’t forget to try kebabs, lokma (dough fried in oil and flavored with honey, sugar syrup, or cinnamon) and baklava.

Top attractions: Pamukkale pools, Ephesus, Munzur Valley National Park, Ani

Suggested Read: 15 Rivers Of The World: The Most Stunning Natural Attractions

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England’s jaw-dropping countryside and scenic beaches feature on everyone’s bucket list. Some of the cheapest places to travel in June in England include the English Riviera, Southport, Pembrokeshire and Llandudno. English Riviera boasts of sandy beaches and glamorous resorts. It is an ideal getaway for families with kids and couples. We recommend you to check out Babbacombe Model Village which is a hit with the tourists thanks to its stunning gardens and occasional laser shows in the night. Southport’s Victorian-styled buildings, shopping spots and cute cafes are ideal for the traveler who’s looking for a laidback vacation.

Top attractions: Pembroke Castle, South Downs National Park, Conwy Castle, Blue Flag beaches

One of the best places to visit in June around the world is Denmark and you must add it to your list! If you want to travel overseas and keep your carbon footprint to the bare minimum, we suggest you make a beeline for Denmark. Everyone bikes in Denmark. In Copenhagen, streets are built for bikes and pedestrians, not for cars. No wonder why it is the world’s most livable city. All the popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen are within walking distance from each other. You can easily cover some of the most prominent beaches, national parks and fjords within a day. The world’s best restaurant, Noma, is based in Denmark. Tuck into Nordic cuisine and document your unique culinary journey on Instagram.

Top attractions: Maritime Museum, Stroget, Mon, Aarhus

Suggested Read: 10 Marvelous Rock Formations In The World Which Will Leave You Mesmerized!

4. New Zealand

The best places to travel in June  in New Zealand are Hawkes Bay and Marlborough. They are the leading wine regions. It is a well-known fact that New Zealand wine is famous all over the world for its decadent quality. Don’t forget to tuck into local food paired with a glass of wine in some of top-notch restaurants of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The country offers a range of adrenaline-inducing adventure activities like snowboarding, kayaking, tramping, sailing, swimming and parachuting.

Top attractions: Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park

You will always feel the weight of history no matter where you go in Peru. It is home to the Inca Ruins, which are considered to be some of the most beautiful and mysterious sites in the world. But the Inca Ruins are not the only highlights of this place. You will find ancient temples, civilisations, museums, towns and villages in Chan Chan, Puno and Nazca Lines. The Peruvians are extremely polite and helpful. Your interaction with them will enhance your traveling experience.

Top attractions: Cañón del Colca and Cañón del Cotahuasi

Suggested Read: Make Your Reservations At The Upcoming World’s Largest Underwater Restaurant In Norway

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6. Malaysia

The best places to visit in June in Asia lie in Malaysia. They include Perlis, Penang and Langkawi. Perlis is home to some of the most mouthwatering Thai and Malay cuisine. While it is not as urban as Penang and Langkawi, its historicity attracts tourists from far and wide. Penang’s white sand beaches offer innumerable avenues for adventure like scuba diving and snorkeling, to name a few. Langkawi, on the other hand, is a haven for duty free shopping.

Top attractions: Sungai Klah Hot Springs, Kenyir Lake, Sam Poh Tong Temple, Batu Caves

Suggested Read: 7 Turkey Waterfalls That Are Counted Among the World’s Most Stunning Waterfalls

There are many reasons to fall in love with Finland. Although it is an year-round destination, June is considered as an ideal time to see the Northern Lights. The best way to explore Finnish history is to take a tour of its cities, namely Turku and Helsinki. Turku was the capital city of Finland during Swedish rule that lasted from the Middle Ages to 1809. Helsinki, on the other hand, houses several historical sites like the Suomenlinna Fortress, the National Museum, and the Helsinki Cathedral.

Top attractions: Baltic Sea, Museum of Contemporary Art, Koli National Park, Lapland

Suggested Read: Pyramids Of Egypt: 10 Places To Marvel At The Mysterious Ancient Wonders Of The World

Spain’s sandy Atlantic beaches draw tourists from far and wide in the month of June. They’re dotted with numerous shacks that serve mouthwatering Spanish delights like croquettes and tortilla espanola. The mountains are just around the corner. Spain is the second most mountainous country after Switzerland in Europe. It houses Casa Botin, the world’s oldest running restaurant.The whole place is riddled with magnificent beaches, churches, water parks and mosques. There’s something for everyone here and so it is counted among one of the best places to visit in June in the world.

Top attractions: La Sagrada Familia, The Mezquita, Lago Martianez, Balearic Islands

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Japan is a country with a different culture that will impress you to the core. Known as the ‘Land of the rising sun’, it is one of the popular destinations to visit in June. The best thing about Japan is its delicious food and techno-friendly environment which attracts visitors from all over the world. You will also find many world heritage sites here. The country becomes all the more enchanting in the month of june and many festivals are held that you can attend for a heartwarming experience.

Top Attractions: Nijo Castle, Meiji shrine, Todai-ji temple

How can you miss Italy when it comes to going on an expedition during the summer vacation. Known for its unique tourist attractions, architecture, food and more, Italy is definitely one of the best places to visit in June in world. If you are literature buff, you will surely fall in love with the country and even if you are not, you will marvel at the amazing places that it boasts of! During the month of June, the temperature ranges from 20 to 24 degree celsius which is quite good to explore the beautiful country.

Top Attractions: Leaning tower of Pisa, Colosseum in Rome, Milan Cathedral

Further Read: 11 Largest Castles In The World That You Must Visit At Least Once In A Lifetime!

You have to consider so many things while zeroing in on a destination for your family vacation. Truth be told, it can be slightly exhausting for a single person to book the accommodation, flights and plan the itinerary at the same time. We have an attractive alternative for you. Book your world trip with TravelTriangle to have the ultimate travel experience of your life. Sit back, relax and leave it to the holiday professionals! With their help, you can cover as many places to visit in June in world as you want to.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In June In World

What are the international destinations to travel in June?

You can visit countries like Italy, Spain, Japan, Finland, Denmark, England, Turkey, New Zealand, Peru and Malaysia with your friends and family to enjoy your summer vacation during June.

Is it safe to travel internationally in the upcoming weeks or months during Covid?

The tourism industry is slowly reopening, and you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more if travelling in a small group while following all the guidelines released. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure.

What is the best time of the year to visit Europe?

Europe experiences a different climate as it varies across different countries. However, the months of May to October are considered the best time to visit Europe.

Which are the best experiences one can enjoy in Finland?

June is considered to be an ideal time to see the Northern Lights in Finland. You can visit the Baltic Sea, Museum of Contemporary Art, Koli National Park, Lapland for a better experience. Plan your honeymoon here to feel magical with your loved ones.

What are the most famous hill stations in the world?

Here is the list of the most famous hill stations in the world. 1. Hallstatt, Austria 2. Faroe Island, Denmark 3. Lecco, Italy 4. Tyrol, Austria 5. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile 6. Wengen, Switzerland 7. Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Russia 8. Leh- Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir, India 9. Val di Funes, Italy 10. Grindelwald, Switzerland

What are some of the adventurous things to do in India in June?

Surfing in Goa, motorbiking in the Himalayas, Champakulam Moolam boat race in Kerala and trekking in Karnataka are some of the popular things to enjoy in India during June.

Where are the best holiday destinations to visit in June?

June is the ideal month to hit these fantastic holiday destinations. 1. Cancún, Mexico 2. Kos, Greece 3. Phuket, Thailand 4. Athens, Greece 5. Madrid, Spain 6. Milan, Italy

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11 Dream International Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable

From Portugal to Panama, here’s where you can get the most bang for your buck.

As the world becomes more connected by air travel, international vacations are increasingly affordable — but you have to know where to look and when to book. Typically, if you're hoping to save money, you should plan your trip around a destination's off-season. As a bonus, you're bound to have a better travel experience when you don't have to jostle your way through crowds to get to the top attractions.

Whether you're dreaming of a vacation as far from the U.S. as Australia or as close as Toronto, the actual cost could surprise you (in a good way). Using data from the booking platform Kayak , we've compiled a list of 11 international destinations where your dollar will go the furthest, plus when to book for the cheapest airfare and accommodation.

Toronto, Canada

Just north of the U.S. border is a growing city bursting with culture, a diverse culinary scene, and activities catering to a range of age groups and interests. Often mistaken for the Canadian capital, Toronto is sometimes known as "Hollywood North" for its wealth of celebrity residents. Foodies will want to make stops in Little Italy, one of several Chinatowns, and Little Portugal for a gastronomic jaunt around the world. Tourists may also be inclined to catch a hockey game, sample craft beer, and take a trip to the famous CN Tower to get unmatched views of the city.

Kayak data indicates that Toronto's low season runs from October to March, with the exception of December because of holiday travel. The cheapest flights can be found for about $180 from New York's JFK Airport in October. A direct flight from JFK to Toronto takes less than two hours.

Hotels downtown seem to be cheapest in January and February, when you can expect to pay as little as $33 per night for three-star accommodation. They're most expensive in September, going for an average of $371 per night.

Grand Est, France

The area formerly known as Alsace (now officially part of the larger Grand Est region) is beloved by French travelers. It doesn't attract nearly as many visitors as Paris or the Cote d'Azur, so you'll get a quieter experience. Kaysersberg, once featured on the TV program Le Village Préféré des Français as the French's favorite village, exemplifies many of the characteristics that have endeared Alsace to locals. It's got architecture that dates back to the 13th century, world-renowned wine cellars, and hearty Alsatian cuisine.

Fly to Strasbourg, the capital of Grand Est, in February or March for the best price. From New York City, round-trip flights can be found for less than $700, and you can stay in a three-star hotel for as low as $89 per night in the off-season. Kayak says the cheapest months for accommodation in Grand Est are August (an anomaly) and October.

Armenia attracts tourists with its rich arts scene, upscale shopping, and history museums packed with treasures. Though the capital, Yerevan, is a popular destination, no trip to this Asian country is complete without stepping into the gorgeous and rugged countryside. Head out to Khor Virap, a monastery first established during the 600s, for mountainside views and ancient architecture about 45 minutes away from Yerevan. It's worth the additional hour it takes to drive out to Garni Gorge, topped by a Roman temple, along the way.

Winter is Armenia's low season. The cheapest month to fly from NYC to Yerevan is November ($838 for a round trip, on average), though flights from January through March aren't much more expensive. Three-star hotels average $90 per night in January, the cheapest month for accommodation.

Brisbane, Australia

The capital of Queensland on Australia's east coast is arguably the country's design capital. Drop by the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (colloquially called QAGOMA , one entity) or the Institute of Modern Art ( IMA ) to get a sense of Asian-Pacific art. Go shopping in the Fortitude Valley district, where you'll be able to pick up pieces from local and international designers. And, of course, because it's Australia, it's easy to get in touch with the local wildlife. Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , just about 20 minutes from the city, to hang out with more than 100 critters (not just koalas, either).

In general, Australia doesn't exactly fit the bill of "budget travel" for Americans, considering the absolute cheapest round-trip flight from NYC to Brisbane on Kayak costs almost $1,000. However, relative to other Australian destinations, this waterfront city is one of the more affordable entry points. The cheapest month to book a flight to Brisbane is September, the first month of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Three-star hotel stays average in the $150 range from April through July, then spike in August.

Madeira, Portugal

It's been 600 years since the Portuguese colonized Madeira, and the archipelago continues to astound visitors with its natural beauty. Trek along miles of rugged coast to see the Atlantic at its most paradisiacal. The capital of Funchal is home to a number of hotels offering glamour, glitz, and stiff cocktails. Speaking of drinks — be sure to check out the famous fortified wine named after the island where it was made.

Typically, a round-trip flight from NYC to Funchal will set you back anywhere from $650 to $1,100, with the lowest prices offered November and January to May. Hotel prices fluctuate on a similar schedule and range from about $150 to $330 per night for a three-star property.

If you're looking for a cheaper Mediterranean vacation , hop to the sea's southern side and try out Tunisia. The country has history (with a Roman colosseum — the Amphitheatre of El Jem — some say is even better than Rome's), miles of beautiful, sandy beaches, and bazaars with carpets, ceramics, and metalwork.

Kayak data indicates that the cheapest time to fly from NYC to Tunis , Tunisia's capital, is November (about $560), then September to October and January to May ($608 to $768). Prices for a night in a three-star Tunis hotel range from around $100 to $200, with the cheapest months on Kayak being September and December through March.

Etyek, Hungary

Budapest gets the majority of Hungary's visitors, but if you want to delve deeper into the country's culture, drive 18 miles west of the capital to Etyek, often called the "vineyards of Budapest." This area has been producing grapes since the 18th century and has been likened to Champagne for its excellence of crisp wines like chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. The town is also a pilgrimage for film buffs, with huge movies like "Blade Runner 2049" and "The Martian" having been shot there.

Etyek is about a 30-minute drive from Budapest. September through November and January through April are the cheapest times to fly to the Hungarian capital from NYC, according to Kayak data . Outside of the busy summer season, round-trip flights can be found for $524 to $620.

While September is a cheap time to fly to Hungary, it happens to be the most expensive month for accommodation. Book your trip in January, February, or March to snag a three-star hotel for $160 a night or less.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

That St. Vincent and the Grenadines were the last of the British colonies in the Caribbean to gain their independence (only in 1979) could be a reason why the islands have lagged behind other big players in drawing tourists. The upside of that, however, is the lack of crowds at beaches and on trails leading through lush rainforest to dormant volcanoes.

Visitors will fly into St. Vincent's Argyle International Airport, open only since 2017, and ferry over to the smaller islands of the Grenadines. The route is run several times a day from Kingstown.

Round-trip flights from NYC can be found for under $600 in March, May, and November. Hotels on St. Vincent remain surprisingly cheap throughout the year, showing the same sporadicity as flight prices. Go in January, May, June, August, or December for average nightly prices under $200 for three-star properties. The cheapest month for accommodation is December, when you can find a good hotel for about $50 a night.

Panama City, Panama

Meander through Panama City's old quarter where Spanish-style houses line cobblestone streets. Eat your way through Panamanian cuisine — yuca, plantains, empanadas, sancocho de gallina (chicken stew), and fish soup are among the most-loved dishes — and then top it all off with a tour of the city's thriving cocktail scene. The rainforest is easily accessible from Panama City if you're eager to swap the urban jungle for real jungle scenery.

Even though Panama is located in the Northern Hemisphere, its seasons — of which there are only two — are opposite of the U.S.'s. "Winter" (aka the wet season) lasts from around May to December and "summer" (the dry season) lasts from December to May. It's cheaper to go during the wet season, when the climate is least comfortable.

Prices for a round-trip flight from NYC to Panama City's Tocumen International Airport range from $339 to $659, with the cheapest times being April to June and September to October. The most expensive flights are in December. You can often stay in a three-star property for under $130 per night if you go between June and September.

Nicholas Schmidt/Travel + Leisure

Guatemala is consistently ranked a Travel + Leisure reader favorite for its combination of natural beauty and historic wonders. Visitors can wander through ancient Mayan ruins, hike the mountains and jungles, or explore the historic streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Antigua. Guatemala also boasts a thriving arts scene, perfectly preserved Spanish architecture, and unique cuisine like chuchitos (Guatemala-style tamales).

Book a trip for May or September for the cheapest flights ($269 to $344) on Kayak . Three-star hotels during that time should cost in the $120- to $140-per night range, while stays during August — the cheapest month for accommodation — cost, on average, $108 nightly.

Hanoi, Vietnam

You get a little bit of everything from a trip to Hanoi: vibrant culture, thousand-year-old history, a food scene that spans world-famous street carts to Michelin-starred restaurants, and a touch of jungle evidently seeping from the outskirts into the city. With $1 USD converting to about 25,000 Vietnamese dong, roughly the cost of a delicious banh mi , you should find it easy to stick to your budget and still live indulgently in this bustling capital.

Round-trip flights from NYC to Hanoi cost about $870 at their cheapest, from September through November, which is Vietnam's transitional period from the hot and humid wet season to the dry (and touristy) season. During this time, three-star properties go for about $125 to $150 a night.

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Travel trends for 2023

Excited to get your 2023 travel plans going? Same. We’ve crunched the numbers on what we think will be the top trends in travel for next year – because what’s the point of having all this travel data if we don’t share it? From the most affordable destinations to those places we think will be “in,” these are the travel trends you need to know for the year ahead.

Trending destinations.

When it came to 2022 trips, travelers were more than ready – destinations around the country and the world saw tourism coming back. The emergence of “revenge travel” was also too real and there are no signs of it stopping in 2023. So where is everyone headed this year? We’ve got a few educated guesses.

Region of the year: Asia and South Pacific.

Snapshots in London, Paris and the Amalfi Coast flooded our feeds in 2022 as US travelers were returning to travel. In 2023, we expect to see travelers branch out to destinations in Asia and the South Pacific. Based on our data, here are the places that we anticipate will generate buzz:

Top 10 trending destinations for 2023

• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam : Searches were up 769% year over year
• Taipei City, Taiwan : Searches were up 289% year over year
• Auckland, New Zealand : Searches were up 272% year over year
• Singapore : Searches were up 201% year over year
• Hong Kong : Searches were up 190% year over year
• Melbourne, Australia : Searches were up 167% year over year
• Bangkok, Thailand : Searches were up 166% year over year
• Tokyo, Japan : Searches were up 150% year over year
• Sydney, Australia : Searches were up 145% year over year
• Tel Aviv, Israel : Searches were up 134% year over year

Our takeaways: Travelers will be flocking to bucket list destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand in 2023, likely because these destinations have (finally) re-opened to visitors. Already have your eyes on flights? We’ve got new data on when to book – keep scrolling for the details.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023. To find year over year percent change, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were considered. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Which places are cheaper? You’re getting warmer…

Skipped out in 2022 because of audacious flight prices? We hear you – fares this past year were out of control (which might bleed into 2023 too… but more on that later). That’s why we took a look at our numbers to see which destinations are seeing the biggest dips in flight prices:

Destinations trending cheaper vs. last year

• Melbourne, Australia : 10% YoY price decrease in airfare
• Bora Bora : 9% YoY price decrease in airfare 
• Copenhagen, Denmark : 8% YoY price decrease in airfare 
• Sydney, Australia : 2% YoY price decrease in airfare
• Fiji : 2% YoY price decrease in airfare 

Destinations trending cheaper vs. 3 years ago

• Warsaw, Poland : 10% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
• Bora Bora : 8% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
• Mykonos, Greece : 7% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
• Lisbon, Portugal : 4% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
• Bogotá, Colombia : 2% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare

Our takeaways: You might have noticed that Melbourne and Sydney are also on the top-trending destinations list. While flights there are generally expensive, 2023 will see lower-than-usual prices… so this could be your time to plan a trip “down unda.” Additionally, if you’ve had your eyes on Bora Bora, our numbers show flights there are less pricey than they’ve been in years.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023. To find year over year percent change in airfare, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were considered. To find year over 3 year percent change in airfare, the same search dates in 2019 and travel dates in 2020 were considered. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Staying within a budget? Here’s where to go.

For flights that don’t drain your bank account, we’d recommend a city adventure that’s closer to home. Based on our data, airfare to these popular destinations in and around the US are where you can see more… for less:

Destinations around North America seeing the lowest fares on average

• New York, NY, US : $337
• Chicago, IL, US : $343
• Austin, TX, US : $360
• Atlanta, GA, US : $363
• Houston, TX, US : $365
• Nashville, TN, US : $365
• Guadalajara, Mexico : $369
• Toronto, Canada : $375
• Raleigh, NC, US : $375
• Fort Lauderdale, FL, US : $376

Want to make use of your recently-renewed passport without paying a hefty price? It’s possible – based on our data, here are some places to consider for international travel on a budget in 2023:

Destinations outside of North America seeing the lowest fares on average

• Bogotá, Colombia : $534
• Medellín, Colombia : $542
• Guayaquil, Ecuador : $642
• Lima, Peru : $691
• Lisbon, Portugal : $708
• Quito, Ecuador : $712
• Reykjavik, Iceland : $718
• Warsaw, Poland : $747
• Copenhagen, Denmark : $749
• Krakow, Poland : $766

Our takeaways: For those staying closer to home in 2023, we recommend pursuing popular cities in the US, Canada and Mexico. For international excursions, consider flying to destinations in South America and Northern Europe to stay under $800.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023 with the lowest average airfare. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Flight trends.

The searches continue..

Inflation made its mark (or… dent) in 2022 – and many of us have felt that effect on our budgets. But travelers have continued to search for flights… even if it means shelling out more money than usual. Based on our numbers, here are 3 things we noticed about search behavior and what these trends could mean for 2023:

• Interest in travel isn’t going anywhere. It’s clear travelers aren’t willing to sacrifice their long-awaited vacations. Both domestic and international flight searches are up for 2023 compared to 2022 (25% for domestic and 64% for international).*
• Solo travel is on the rise. Travelers are ready to find themselves (and their new favorite destinations). Searches for single-person flights are up 36% for travel in 2023 compared to 2022.**
• Wanted: more legroom. Travelers are looking to upgrade. Though all flight classes are seeing an increase in search interest, one class got more attention: premium economy. Searches for these seats are up 64% for travel in 2023 compared to 2022.***

Our takeaways: Flight searches in 2022 for travel in 2023 were up 46% versus searches in 2021 for travel in 2022 – which could be telling for travel demand in 2023. Travelers continue to plan trips both domestically and abroad, with no signs of stopping. 

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023. To find year over year percent change, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were considered. 

**KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for one traveler for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023.

***KAYAK US considered round-trip flights for different airfare classes for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023.

Airfare prices are reaching for the sky.

We won’t sugarcoat it – the increase that we saw in 2022 for flights will likely carry over into 2023. Does that mean we’re going to stop traveling? Absolutely not – especially since we have the data to help ease the burden of heftier prices. Based on our numbers, here’s what you can expect for trends in flight prices:

• Higher demand = higher prices. With more search interest comes bigger price tags. Both domestic and international flight prices are up in 2023 compared to 2022 (52% for domestic and 29% for international).*
• These are the regions with the lowest increases. Flights from the US to destinations around the world will see an increase in price for 2023 trips. That being said, flights to the South Pacific (+3%) and Europe (+10%) will see the smallest price increases.*
• Fly out mid-winter. Both domestic and international trips are expected to see price increases through June, so you may save if you take trips earlier in the year. This is especially true for trips abroad – prices for international flights departing in February dip 8%, making this month a great time to travel.*

Our takeaways: Searches show that the demand for travel is there – and even though flight prices continue to soar (up 52% for domestic and 29% for international), this doesn’t seem to be stopping US travelers from getting away.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023.

The best days to book for a better price.

There’s never a straight answer to the age-old question: when is the best time to book flights for the best possible deal? That’s because the data is always changing. As far as when to book in 2023, we have multiple answers. Based on our numbers, here’s what to expect:

• Leave on these days of the week. Yet another reason to love Thursdays and Fridays: because they may offer cheaper prices on airfare*. Our historical data shows that the lowest flight prices can be found if you book your departing flights on one of these days.
• This is when people are traveling. Travelers really take advantage of that extended holiday time off – our historical data shows that December is when travelers take the longest trips. This data also shows that the largest number of trips are taken during June and July*.
• Trips are being booked in advance. Both domestic and international flight booking windows increased compared to 2021 (9% for domestic and 7% for international). Domestic flights were booked 42 – 46 days in advance and international flights were booked 62 – 66 days in advance, respectively.*

Our takeaways: Opt for flights that leave on Thursday or Friday for a better deal and avoid booking trips during the busier months of June and July if you can help it. Booking your flights in advance also would be wise. In fact, here’s when to book your flights based on your destination:

*KAYAK US historical data was considered for flight search dates 1.1.2022-11.20.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2022-12.31.2022.

Hotel trends.

Lots of up and down..

Flights may have their inflation moment next year, but that doesn’t mean that hotels are following suit – it all depends on where you’re going. More travelers are searching for international hotels, meaning that domestic travelers are likely visiting more destinations where they already have a place to stay. Wondering what that means for nightly rates? Based on our numbers, here’s what to expect when finding a place to stay in 2023:

• Opposites attract. The data for domestic vs. international stays are pretty opposite. While searches for domestic hotels decreased 5% YoY and nightly rates increased 8% YoY, searches for international hotels increased 4% YoY and nightly rates decreased 6% YoY.*
• Staying local? Head west. Looking at the locations with more affordable options, the West dominates with generally lower nightly rates. If you’re looking to stay in and around the US for less, you may find the best hotel prices in Northwest and Southwest locations.*
• International places with good prices. Going along with the theme of trending destinations, the international locations where you’ll find stays with reasonable rates are in Asia, the South Pacific and Europe. Many of these international rates rival those located in the States.*

Our takeaways: Travelers are searching less for domestic stays and more for hotels abroad. Domestic nightly rates have increased slightly – making them around the same price point as international nightly rates, which have decreased slightly. 

*KAYAK US considered standard, double occupancy hotel searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.20.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023.

Where to stay for less.

No matter where you’re looking to stay, nightly prices for hotels and rentals aren’t seeing huge increases in rates. For both domestic and international stays, travelers could expect to pay under $220 a night depending on where they’re headed. Based on our numbers, here are destinations with affordable accommodations:

Destinations around North America with the lowest rates*

• Ocean Shores, WA, US : $153/night
• Portland, OR, US : $161/night
• Cody, WY, US : $169/night
• Mexico City, Mexico : $190/night
• Reno, NV, US : $190/night
• Salt Lake City, UT, US : $192/night
• Toronto, Canada : $202/night
• Houston, TX, US : $205/night
• San Antonio, TX, US : $212/night
• Denver, CO, US : $214/night

Destinations outside North America with the lowest rates*

• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam : $105/night
• Bangkok, Thailand : $124/night
• Berlin, Germany : $143/night
• Lisbon, Portugal : $153/night
• Seoul, South Korea : $162/night
• Madrid, Spain : $172/night
• Istanbul, Turkey : $176/night
• Athens, Greece : $176/night
• Auckland, New Zealand : $180/night
• Cartagena, Colombia : $182/night

Our takeaways: The majority of destinations around North America with affordable nightly rates are what we’d consider “outdoorsy” – great for the traveler looking to get outside. International destinations with affordable hotels overlap with regions that may see the lowest increase in airfare prices, which could mean spending less overall to visit a bucket list destination, despite the general rising cost of airfare.

*KAYAK US considered standard, double occupancy hotel searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.20.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Rental car trends.

The demand for rental cars is going down.

When it comes to search interest and prices, rental cars are in a league of their own. This past year was still a little chaotic for those looking for a ride – especially with residual demand and lack of inventory left over from 2021. With many of these issues in the rearview (we hope), we expect to see rental car searches and rates start to level out. Based on our numbers, here’s what you can expect to see for rental cars over the next year:

• There’s more interest abroad. Domestic rental car searches are down 21% YoY, whereas international searches are up 41% YoY.*
• Drivers know what they want. What do they want? Some want luxury – searches for luxury car rentals are up 25% YoY. Others want something more sustainable – searches for electric car rentals increased 136% YoY.*
• This car won the popularity contest. By “this car” we mean this particular type, which was the most popular class of car among renters in 2022. Compact cars took the top spot in 2022, which could spell out more interest in these types of rentals in 2023.*

Our takeaways: There is less demand for rental cars in 2023 (-3%) compared to 2022. For those who are seeking rented rides, specific classes of cars are all the rage, including EVs – which could continue into the next year, since prices at the pump are still higher than usual. 

*KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For YoY comparison of car categories, the same search dates in 2021 and the same travel dates in 2022 were used. 

Rental prices are matching search energy.

Search interest isn’t the only thing that’s going down – rental prices also saw decreases over the past year. Though average daily rates for domestic car rentals are down 7% YoY, average daily rates for international rental car have risen 12% YoY, matching the increased search interest for international rental cars (up 41% YoY). Based on our numbers, here are destinations where drivers can expect lower average daily rental rates:

Destinations around North America with rental deals*

• Cancun, Mexico: $37/day
• Aruba: $58/day
• Miami, FL, US: $59/day
• Fort Lauderdale, FL, US: $63/day
• Los Angeles, CA, US: $64/day
• San Jose, CA, US: $66/day
• San Diego, CA, US: $67/day
• Tampa, FL, US: $68/day
• Boston, MA, US: $68/day
• Santa Ana, CA, US: $69/day

Destinations outside North America with rental deals*

• Bangkok, Thailand: $37/day
• Málaga, Spain: $43/day
• San José, Costa Rica: $45/day
• Cape Town, South Africa: $49/day
• Liberia, Costa Rica: $51/day
• Athens, Greece: $53/day
• Madrid, Spain: $57/day
• Frankfurt, Germany: $59/day
• Lisbon, Portugal: $59/day
• Auckland, New Zealand: $59/day

Our takeaways: Rental rates as a whole are dropping it low(er), with a total 5% YoY decrease in daily rates compared to those in 2022. For the best deals in and around the US, travelers will find the cheapest rentals located in California and Florida. For international car rentals, travelers can expect to pay less than $60 a day at the most affordable destinations. 

*KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For year over year percent change, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were used. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

That was… a lot of information, even for  data geeks like us. If there’s one thing we took away from all these insights, it’s that rising costs won’t keep travelers from seeing the world. Remember, we always have tools and tips to help you navigate these pricey times, pursue those dream destinations and carpe that diem. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletters to get more on the latest travel trends and information (but they’re never as long as this post, we promise).

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A month-by-month guide to the cheapest flights to international destinations

Airfare prices change regularly throughout the year, but if you know where to look, it's possible to find a bargain to even the most popular destinations — especially if you're able to be flexible with your travel dates.

TPG reached out to Skyscanner to trawl through their vast amount of airfare data and give you a comprehensive look at the destinations around the world that typically cost less to fly to. Whether you're looking to depart from the United States or from the United Kingdom, plenty of sweet spots can be found.

Below are destinations that are consistently priced low throughout the year and destinations that regularly pop up with cheaper airfares during specific months.

*All pricing taken from economy class, round-trip bookings made on Skyscanner for travel in 2022.

Related: Best credit cards for booking airfare

Which destinations are the cheapest to fly to year-round?

While certain destinations can be cheaper on average throughout the whole year, others fluctuate, and not always in the ways you might think.

For example, if you're based in the U.S. and dream of flying to Europe for your next vacation, the best prices for most European locations were in April, May and June, according to Skyscanner's data on the average cost of a return economy flight. This is true, according to that data, even though this time is normally considered a peak travel time for the region and coincides with the U.K. school holidays.

However, while you may be able to pick up cheaper airfare during this time, prices for hotels and attractions may be higher during these periods.

Meanwhile, the average return flights to London were at their lowest at the beginning of the year, between January and March. Note this can be a notoriously drizzly and cold time to visit the U.K. capital (though, let's face it, England isn't really known for its great weather at the best of times).

The next cheapest period to visit London from the U.S. was perhaps surprisingly between October and December. Again, this is during the colder months, but still great news for those looking for a potential Christmas escape to take advantage of some of the Thanksgiving and fall breaks in the U.S.

For travelers based in the U.K., we found airfares to destinations in Italy to be consistently among the top 10 cheapest throughout the year. Despite its popularity among British travelers, Greece didn't break the top 10 once for the cheapest average airfares.

Related: These are the best times to book airfare

Cheapest places to fly from January through March

Traveling from the us.

January through March saw the lowest average prices of the year for flights departing the U.S. to London and Paris, with the French capital coming in a smidgen cheaper to get to. If you take advantage of the convenient Eurostar links between these two European cities, you could easily hit both of these destinations during this period for less than you'd pay any other time.

Related: The best hotels in London

If you decide to do both, we suggest returning to the U.S. from Paris to avoid the U.K.'s notoriously high fees and taxes on airfares.

Average airfare prices to Puerto Rico from the U.S. were among the cheapest during these months in 2022. January is also an ideal time to visit Puerto Rico, thanks to the dryer winter months with moderate temperatures and far less rainfall than you'll see during other times in the year.

Closer to home, this period is also a great time to visit Mexico , where you can enjoy much dryer and cooler temperatures.

Traveling from the UK

If you don't mind wrapping up to stay warm, you can bag plenty of great deals to Europe departing the U.K., but be warned that some places can be chilly during the winter months.

For example, Eindhoven, the Netherlands, can see temperatures dropping as low as 34 Fahrenheit (1.3 Celsius) in January and only just peaking over 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) in March.

Riga, Latvia, sees even lower temperatures, regularly plummetting to around 24 Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius) between January and February and peaking at around 33 Fahrenheit (1 Celsius) in March.

If you're looking for sun, Palma, Mallorca, is your best bet. The first months of the year generally still see days filled with sunshine. It won't necessarily be hot enough to top up your tan and enjoy a beach break, though — temperatures mainly float around the 61 Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) mark.

Cheapest places to fly from April through June

If you're considering a European vacation , these months pulled up cheaper airfares than any other, according to Skyscanner data, with good average prices for Spain, France, Portugal and the U.K. While each of these locations will begin seeing sunnier weather throughout June, you can still expect blues skies and bouts of sunshine during April too.

It is, however, worth doing some research before you book — U.K. schools break for Easter in the first half of April and again at the beginning of June for the summer half-term break. During these times, you can expect many European locations to be busy with family vacations and often see soaring accommodation prices. If you can, we'd recommend booking outside of these weeks to save on both money and time spent queuing due to increased numbers of other tourists.

Looking for something more far-flung? Tokyo has great average airfare prices during the spring, and if you time it properly, you could also witness Japan's beautiful cherry blossom season, which typically peaks in early April.

This is one of the prime times to visit Italy and take in the sights before its summer hits full throttle in July, bringing with it almost prohibitively high temperatures. Visits between April and June are perfect for soaking up the sun, alfresco dining and diving into this country's rich history.

Sicily, in particular, is excellent at this time of the year. However, note that it might get a little too hot for some as June approaches, especially if this year's wildfires and extreme weather are anything to go by.

If Dubrovnik, Croatia, has been on your list for some time but now feels a little too in vogue and expensive, you could also get good prices on flights to Zadar . This charming seaside city is situated on the Dalmatian Coast and is known for its fantastic restaurant and dining scene, with an array of stunning nearby national parks.

Related: 13 of the most beautiful villages and towns in Sicily

Cheapest places to fly from July through September

For those yearning to visit Canada outside of its harsh winter periods, July through September can be an ideal time to enjoy a summer vacation. Toronto bursts to life during the Toronto Jazz Festival and Toronto Fringe Festival in July — perfect for culture vultures.

You can get good prices on flights to Mexico between July and September. While these months bring slightly cooler and more comfortable temperatures, they also mark Mexico's rainy season, typically from late August to September.

Conversely, if you've always had Peru on your bucket list, this can be a great time to visit.

It's the country's driest season — fantastic conditions if you plan to hike to Machu Picchu. According to Skyscanner's data, you can typically find good prices on flights to Peru during these months. However, note that if you plan to travel to Machu Picchu from Lima, you must either get a connecting flight to Cusco or take a long bus ride.

September can be one of the best periods to visit Ireland during its shoulder season. Along with good deals on airfare, you'll also typically see cheaper accommodation costs and fewer crowds. The weather can also be fairly mild during these months with good dry spells, though it likely won't be shorts and T-shirt weather.

Mid-August through to September also sees much milder weather in Italy and can be a preferable month to visit than July and August, which are the hottest months of the year and the most crowded with tourists.

Elsewhere in Europe, July onward is a great time to take advantage of good weather in France.

According to Skyscanner data, Rodez, France, is one of the cheapest places on average to fly to from the U.K. during these months. It also sees high temperatures and lots of sunshine. The mercury is typically around 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) in July and August before dropping off to a more manageable 69.8 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) average in September.

Cheapest places to fly from October through December

There are great prices on airfares to Mexico from October through December, and these months are also a particularly intriguing time to visit.

Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations typically take place Nov. 1-2. The festival is an opportunity to honor deceased family members, and there is a wide array of celebrations throughout Mexico, making this a memorable and enlightening time to visit and learn about Mexican traditions.

If you keep your eyes peeled, it's also possible to get low-priced airfares to Iceland, allowing for a festive visit to Reykavik to take in the snow alongside a healthy jolt of Christmas spirit.

Visit London to see the city decorated for the festivities as it gears up for the holidays and New Year celebrations. Sure, it'll be cold and the weather occasionally unwieldy, but it's a magical time to visit the U.K. capital.

Related: These are the best Christmas markets in Europe

For U.K. travelers looking for an affordable winter getaway, cast your eyes toward Italy, where the weather, though much milder than in the earlier months of the year, is still quite the contrast to the climate at home if you pick the right destination.

For example, Sicily will feel much closer to the U.K. spring weather. Other areas, such as Milan or Venice, won't be quite as warm but still make for great locations for romantic winter getaways on the continent.

Bottom line

While airfare prices fluctuate, they don't always follow the expected patterns you might guess. Based on Skyscanner's data from last year, you might be surprised by how much cheaper certain destinations in some months compared to others — especially airfares to Europe from the United States during summer when one might expect higher costs.

Similarly, from the U.K., Italy is generally fairly cheap to fly to if you look in the right places. By looking further afield to places like Rodez, France, or Zadar in Croatia, you might even visit somewhere that's commonly overlooked by other tourists wishing to visit better-known cities such as Paris or Dubrovnik.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

The Passport 3 Month Rule - Country Requirements & More

Are you ready to plan an international trip? Before booking your tickets and traveling abroad, make that the validity of your passport is up-to-date. One crucial part of this process usually overlooked by people is the 3-month rule enforced by certain countries.

Even if your passport has not expired yet, there are places you cannot travel to or through unless you have at least 90 days' worth of validity remaining before the expiration date. These passport requirements are not negotiable.

If you are looking to travel internationally, you need to be prepared with a passport that will allow you to travel to and through all the countries on your itinerary.

Short Summary

• The 3-month passport validity rule requires passports to be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of arrival, with exceptions and special cases.
• It is important to research entry requirements, obtain necessary visas in advance, and verify a passport's expiration date before traveling.
• If your passport does not have enough validity remaining, you will need to apply in person at a regional passport agency. Alternatively, our expert advice is to enlist the help of a registered passport expediting service to get your passport renewed as fast as possible .
• Emergency situations may require contacting one's home nation embassy or consulate to apply for emergency passport renewal service .

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

Understanding the 3-Month Passport Validity Rule

The 3-month passport validity rule mandates that a passport is valid for up to three months after the anticipated date of arrival. This regulation is in place to prevent illegal residency and guarantee travelers possess legal passports throughout their stay. Simply put, if you don't have the right travel documents, countries will deny you entry across their borders.

It's important for people intending to travel abroad to be informed about their destination country's rules about expiring passports. These differ from one nation to another.

While some countries require just a 3 month validity period, others might have different passport validity requirements. Some simply require a valid passport at time of entry. Many countries require more.

For example, many countries impose 6 month passport validity rules where individuals must have at least six additional months left before their passport expires. In some cases, requirements include other validity periods based on the nature of the traveler's stay and the corresponding visa.

To learn more, be sure to check out our guide to the six month validity rule for passports . We also maintain a list of countries that require six months of validity for entry.

Europe, The Schengen Agreement, and the 3-Month Rule

Many European countries are a part of the Schengen Agreement. This decades-old agreement between 27 European countries was designed to make travel within member nations faster, more efficient, and less expensive.

The agreement requires travelers to have valid passports during their stay, and it is governed by a 3-month passport validity rule. This same rule is also imposed by most other non-member nations across Europe in order to ensure that visitors do not overstay beyond their visa period.

Because of this common policy, countries can more efficiently monitor movement at their borders while reducing any risks connected with extended visits.

If you are planning to travel to Europe, be sure to read more about the Schengen Agreement , its rules, and its history.

Countries with a 3-Month Passport Validity Requirement

Again, passport validity is a critical factor for anyone planning international travel. Many European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement require passports to be valid at least three months after an intended date of departure, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain among others.

Aside from these nations within Europe's borders, other non-European states impose this same 3 month passport rule too. Albania, Guatemala, and Panama being some popular examples.

It is important to research the passport policies for each country you plan on visiting. This is the only way to make sure you don't have hiccups during your travels due to invalid passports or failure to meet requirements regarding particular validity periods (which may also include six month rules). Ensure your U.S. passport holds sufficient time before leaving home by double checking beforehand!

Schengen Area Countries

The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement and require 3 months of validity remaining on your U.S. passport:

*Travel through the microstates of Monaco , San Marino, and Vatican City are also governed by the Schengen Agreement.

It's necessary that all people in transit through any of these 27 signatory nations are certain their passports maintain at least 90 days of validity throughout the duration of their travels.

Other Countries That Require 3 Months Passport Validity

Be advised that passport validity requirements can change with little notice, so please pay attention to these rules when traveling internationally so you don't stumble upon unexpected complications!

For instance, be sure to pay attention to whether the three month validity rule is calculated based on your date of entry or anticipated date of departure from your desitnation country.

As of 2023, the countries listed below have a 3-month validity rule for U.S. passport holders:

Traveling to Countries with a 3-Month Rule: Tips and Advice

When it comes to passport validity, researching the passport requirements and regulations of each destination country is key to a successful trip.

Check your passport expiration date

Check if you need a visa.

Certain countries might require a travel visa while others allow you to enter without one. Visas are issued based on why you are traveling (e.g. tourism, school , work , business , etc.). The types and lengths of each visa is determined by each country's bilateral agreements with the United States.

Like passports, visas can take time to acquire, so make sure any permits are obtained well in advance of your trip. Even though some countries offer visas on arrival , there can be issues if you are relying on this type of service.

Be prepared for emergency situations.

Even if you plan on a short trip to a destination with a low (or no) validity rules, you want to be sure you are covered in case you have to stay longer due to a medical or personal emergency. Should you need to travel internationally in a hurry, you want to be sure your passport allows you to take the most direct and efficient route without having to worry about whether your passport has enough months remaining before it expires.

As a rule, it is wise to prepare yourself before any trips by having contingency plans ready just in case anything unpredicted may occur during your trip abroad. There is a chance an unexpected emergency may require you to travel to or through a country with a three or six month validity rule. If your passport has plenty of validity left, this is something you won't have to worry about.

In case of an emergency abroad, such as a lost or stolen passport , you should contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for help. You will not be able to continue your travels without a passport-no matter what the validity rules are for the countries you need to travel to or through.

Based on over 20 years of helping readers with their passport related questions, our best advice is to maintain a valid passport with at least 9 months of validity or more. When your passport gets within a year of its expiration date, don't delay; renew it!

How to Renew Your Passport and Reset Your Passport Validity

Again, if you plan to travel internationally and your passport will not be valid for three months or more, don't wait. Renew your passport as soon as possible. This will ensure you have access to any country that allows American travelers-even if it has a three or six month validity requirement.

To get yourself a new or renewed passport, you need to send an application form along with the required supporting documentation , current passport photos , and pay the passport application fees .

It should be taken into account that the time needed for this renewal process may vary, so making sure everything's in order beforehand can help avoid issues during travel plans. Currently, the time to process a passport application is 6 to 8 weeks . An expedited application will be processed in 2 to 3 weeks .

Be sure to take into account these current processing times for renewal applications before planning any international trips. Also be advised that you will need to submit your current passport as part of the passport renewal process. This means you will not be able to travel internationally until your renewed passport arrives.

Visit our complete guide to renewing a U.S. passport for step-by-step instructions for how to get your passport renewed and our best tips for speeding up the process.

Expedited Passport Services

For those who require a new passport or need to renew theirs in a hurry, expedited services are available. Choosing expedited passport renewal on your application can save you several weeks of waiting for your new travel document, but it may not be fast enough for your needs.

For a faster passport renewal, you can try to make an appointment at one of the 26 regional processing agencies across the U.S. Know that you will need to demonstrate a need to travel internationally within 14 days. This option also includes several additional costs that must be considered.

The fastest and most efficient way to get a passport renewed is through a passport expediting service . These professionals use their expertise and experience to get you a passport faster than you likely can on your own. While they charge a fee for their services, these fees are often much less than what it costs to travel to a regional passport agency on your own and potentially wait days for your new passport to be issued.

Should you opt to go this route, consult our directory of top passport expediters .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i travel with less than 3 months on my passport.

When planning any international travel, it is important to ensure that your passport will be valid for the duration of your trip and beyond. You should have at least three months remaining on your passport before going abroad. Many countries may require a validity period of six months or more.

Most airlines refuse boarding if you don't meet this requirement, so make sure you check in advance! To avoid issues while traveling overseas. For maximum travel flexibility, make certain that there's still enough time left on your passport by checking that it is valid for at least six months after departure dates from each destination on your itinerary.

Can I travel with 2 months on my passport?

Most countries require that your passport remain valid for a minimum of either three or six months beyond the duration of your trip. If you are planning to travel to one of these locations, you can't travel with only two months left. You likely will not even be able to board your international flight as most airlines deny boarding if relevant passport requirements for the destination country are not met.

To make sure that you are able to have a secure and safe journey, be certain to check all details in advance like dates or other information about any passports used before taking off.

However, some countries require only that your passport is valid upon entry. For peace of mind, always be sure your passport has enough extra validity remaining to account for any potential emergencies or disruptions to your travel plans.

Can I travel to Mexico if my passport expires in 3 months?

As long as your passport is still valid for the duration of the trip, you may go to Mexico even if it's expiring in three months. Mexican travel regulations don't mandate any minimum validity period for passports.

Can I travel to Canada if my passport expires in 3 months?

You can go to Canada as long as you have a valid passport during your stay-even if it's expiring in three months. Canadian travel requirements do not have any minimum validity period for U.S. passport holders.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service: Expedite My U.S.Passport Now!

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GOBankingRates

7 Easy, Affordable Countries To Visit as an American Tourist

Posted: April 26, 2023 | Last updated: June 28, 2023

Summer travel is upon us, and maybe this year you've got your sights set on somewhere more far-flung than the United States. Travel abroad can be incredibly enriching and full of new experiences you can't get at home.

See:  10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing Find:  How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero

However, the cost to travel internationally can sometimes be prohibitive. Because of this, GOBankingRates contacted several travel experts to recommend the most affordable countries for Americans to visit right now -- like these seven.

Charles Neville, with JayWay Travel , a specialist European custom tour provider, recommends Albania for food lovers.

He says, "Expect exceptional local produce and abundant fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and Ionian seas, combined with hearty traditional meat dishes, and more-than-decent local wine. Hotels work out to less than half what you'd pay for an equivalent property in western Europe."

Alex Gillard, the founder of Nomad Nature Travel , also raves about Albania, calling it "a great, relatively undiscovered country to visit as an American tourist."

He adds, "Depending on the season, you can get a 500 to 600 dollar round-trip flight. I've spent months in Albania and it is very safe, the food is an affordable and incredible mix of Greek, Italian and local fare, and you can rent a car and get around their beautiful country for very cheap."

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Ande Wanderer, a travel writer and owner and editor of the travel site, Wander Argentina recommends Argentina not only for its affordable travel, but its excellent track record with COVID-19.

"We have had continuous days with zero Covid deaths and 90% of the country is fully vaccinated." Additionally, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the country.

She calls it one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit right now, where visitors "get double the pesos for their dollars." She recommends coastal Patagonia around Puerto Madryn to see whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins.

Also, Buenos Aires is a culinary lover's best bet, "with $12 steak and Malbec dinners, never-ending cultural events...weekly street fairs such as the huge San Telmo Flea Market, all night milongas and dancing in the street, especially on Argentina's Independence Day, July 9."

Andy Turlington, owner and travel advisor at Wildest Dreams Bookings in North Carolina, recommends Cuba, which is a short flight from Florida -- only about 100 miles from Key West.

"Cuba [has] interesting architecture, and the cars are a step back in time. Hotels in Havana start at about 50 U.S. dollars per night, but they have an Airbnb equivalent called 'Casa Particulars,' and many of them can be had for roughly 30 U.S. dollars per night."

This South American country is also extremely affordable. Turlington says, "You can easily get by in this country on about 30 to 50 U.S. dollars a day."

He especially recommends the capital city of Quito, where meals can usually be had for less than five U.S. dollars. Additionally, a taxi will cost about two dollars "to pretty much anywhere," and the bus costs about 35 cents. "Hotels can easily be had for less than 35 U.S. dollars a night, and for the ultra-cheap, they have plenty of hostels as well for about 10 U.S. dollars."

A country that's super affordable for an American tourist is Panama, according to Becca Siegel and Dan Gold, owners of the travel blog HalfHalfTravel.com . "The reason is that flights are often cheap from major hubs, especially if you can fly to Miami first, or through Miami with a short layover."

Once you land in Panama, they say that food, tours and accommodation are extremely affordable. "In Panama City alone, you can go walking in Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, excellent museums and experience great nightlife and culture."

An extra bonus is that Panama uses the U.S. Dollar, so you won't have to do any currency exchanges, which they say is "super convenient for lots of American visitors."

South Africa

Todd Sarouhan, owner of Go Visit San Diego and Go Visit Costa Rica, recommends Cape Town, South Africa for an affordable travel experience.

He says, "The most affordable countries are the ones where the exchange rate is in favor of the US Dollar. Cape Town is no stranger to being voted the best city in the world, the last time and for the seventh time running in 2019. Cape Town is a coastal gem, lying in the shadow of a cloud-hugged mountain where wine flows, penguins waddle and there's always something to do."

Turkey is a great option for tourists wanting to go to Europe, Turlington says. "The lira has been greatly depreciated over the last 2 years or so, making Turkey a bargain hunter's paradise."

Istanbul offers some incredible cuisine, and plenty of historical locations and different architecture and religious sites. Istanbul has copious amounts of good hotels in the 50 US Dollar range as well. Armenia and Georgia are also lower cost options in this area of Europe.

More From GOBankingRates

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• Published: 01 February 2024

The jump in global temperatures in September 2023 is extremely unlikely due to internal climate variability alone

• Mika Rantanen   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4279-0322 1 &
• Ari Laaksonen 1 , 2  

npj Climate and Atmospheric Science volume  7 , Article number:  34 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Atmospheric science
• Climate change

September 2023 was the warmest September on record globally by a record margin of 0.5 °C. Here we show that such a record-breaking margin is an extremely rare event in the latest generation of climate models, making it highly unlikely ( p  ~ 1%) that internal climate variability combined with the steady increase in greenhouse gas forcing could explain it. Our results call for further analysis of the impact of other external forcings on the global climate in 2023.

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Introduction

September 2023 was the warmest September globally, with the highest temperature anomaly of any month in any year since 1940 in the ERA5 dataset 1 . September 2023 also broke the previous monthly record by an exceptionally large margin: the previous record, set in 2020, was broken by 0.5 °C (Fig. 1 ). This is the largest margin by which the previous monthly record has been broken, in any month, in the entire ERA5 dataset.

Time series of September global mean temperature in 1940–2023 based on ERA5 reanalysis. Black circles indicate previous record-breaking Septembers before 2023. The temperatures are given in anomalies with respect to the 1991–2020 period.

In addition to September 2023, June, July, and August were also by far the warmest on record globally, with large margins. However, September had the largest margin of these months and is therefore the subject of this communication.

The observed record margin is a rare event in the climate model simulations

We argue that internal climate variability alone is unlikely to explain the unusually large margin by which September’s record was broken. To illustrate this, we consider simulations from three climate model ensembles: Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 2 (CMIP6), the 100-member Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble 3 (MPI-GE), and the 100 member Community Earth System Model version 2 4 (CESM2-LE). These are well-established models known for their reliable simulations of both internal climate variability, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, and the forced response to greenhouse gas forcing.

By looking at each model simulation for the period 1970–2050 and searching for the margins by which the monthly records are broken in each simulation, we obtain a total of 5166 September records in CMIP6 models, 1431 in MPI-GE and 2068 in CESM2-LE (see Methods). These distributions are shown in Fig. 2a–c . The distribution of record margins results from the unforced internal variability and the forced greenhouse gas-induced trend. A larger trend or higher variability, or both, increases the likelihood of large record margins.

Top row: all margins by which the previous record was broken in model simulations in 1970–2050. The number of samples in each model ensemble is shown in parenthesis. Black dashed line shows the observed margin in ERA5, and its percentage rank in the model-simulated distribution is shown at the top. Bottom row: distributions of the most extreme margins in each simulation. The black solid line shows the generalized extreme value distribution fitted to the extreme margins. a , d CMIP6 ensemble, b , e MPI-GE ensemble, and c , f CESM2-LE ensemble.

We briefly analyse the magnitude of internal variability in the models and observations by calculating the standard deviation of the detrended September mean temperature. Especially in CMIP6, the model-simulated standard deviation of September temperatures tends to be larger than in the observations (Supplementary Fig. 1 ). This suggests that the internal variability of the models is at least not smaller than in the observations, and thus the probabilities are not being underestimated.

The observed margin from September 2023 (0.5 °C) is shown as a black dashed line in Fig. 2 . As can be seen, the observation falls in the far right tails of the model simulated margins. In CMIP6 (Fig. 2a ), only three of the 5166 model-simulated margins exceed the observed margin, corresponding to the 99.94th percentile of the model distribution. In MPI-GE (Fig. 2b ) the observation is completely outside the distribution, and in CESM2-LE (Fig. 2c ) there is only one margin higher than the observation, meaning that the corresponding percentile is 99.95%.

We calculate the probability of the observed margin from the fitted Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution. In the fit, we consider only the most extreme margin from each simulation, similar to the observations (see Methods). For CMIP6, we obtain a p -value of 0.004 (Fig. 2d , see Supplementary Table 1 for the confidence intervals). For MPI-GE and CESM2-LE, the p -values are 0.018 and 0.01 (Fig. 2e, f ), respectively. These values are generally consistent with the empirically sampled probabilities, the probabilities for the 1990–2050 period and the probabilities for the August–October period (Supplementary Fig. 2 , Supplementary Table 1 ).

We repeat the analysis for September by excluding those climate models that, based on the Hausfather et al. 5 analysis, fall outside the likely transient climate response (66% probability range) of 1.4–2.2 °C. This further reduces the p -value for the CMIP6 models, giving a result of p  = 0.002 (Supplementary Table 1 ).

Furthermore, the discrepancy between the observed and simulated margins is almost equally striking when all calendar months are considered by the models. Considering all months, the p -values of the observed margin are 0.029 in CMIP6, 0.017 in MPI-GE and 0.025 in CESM2-LE (Supplementary Table 1 ). This is despite the fact that the internal variability of the climate is greater in the northern hemisphere (NH) winter months than in the NH summer months, as El Niño tends to peak in the NH winter. Therefore, the margins for breaking records are generally greater in the NH winter months than in the NH summer months.

For comparison, we also briefly examined the probability of the observed record margin of 0.47 °C in February 2016. In this case, we obtained p -values of 0.115 for CMIP6, 0.078 for MPI-GE and 0.141 for CESM2-LE. The margin observed in February was therefore about an order of magnitude more likely than the one observed in September, and thus more likely to be due to internal variability alone. However, it is worth noting that in February 2016, super El Niño had just peaked, when its impact on global temperature was near maximum. This is not the case for September 2023.

The most plausible explanation for the model-observation discrepancy in September 2023 would be that the observed combination of forced warming and internal variability is so rare that it does not occur in the models. The strengthening El Niño following a triple La Niña event observed in 2020–2022 has occurred only a few times since 1950, and not earlier in the 21st century 6 . However, large ensemble models are designed to capture such rare climate anomalies, and we found that no member in MPI-GE and only one member in CESM2-LE simulated temperature jumps as large as the one observed in September 2023.

It is also worth noting that increased solar activity may have contributed to the record margin in September 2023. However, solar forcing is included in CMIP6 models 7 , so while it may have added a few hundredths of a degree to the record margin, it is unlikely that increased solar activity contributed to the model-observation discrepancy, although the solar cycle 25 may have risen slightly faster than the estimate prescribed in the scenario.

Since the state-of-the-art climate models cannot generally reproduce the observed margin, we argue that it is highly unlikely ( p  ~ 1%) that internal climate variability alone would have caused the large increase in global mean temperature in September 2023. It is therefore likely that other external forcings such as (1) the Raikoke and Hunga Tonga volcanic eruptions 8 , 9 and (2) the removal of sulphur pollution from ships 10 have contributed to the observed temperature anomaly.

The Raikoke eruption in June 2019 injected enough sulphate into the stratosphere that it may have had a small cooling effect on the global mean temperature in September 2020. The Hunga Tonga eruption in January 2022 injected large amounts of both water vapour and sulphate aerosols into the stratosphere, causing both warming and cooling climate effects. Based on literature review, we estimate that the combined effect of the two eruptions on the temperature difference between September 2020 and 2023 may be 0.02–0.07 °C (Supplementary Note 1 ).

A number of studies have estimated the radiative forcing caused by the reduction of sulphate aerosol pollution from international shipping. The span of the estimates is large, from 0.02 to 0.60 Wm - 2. It is noteworthy that the studies carried out using global climate models with interactive aerosol 11 , 12 , 13 have produced higher estimates than studies relying on chemical transport models driven by offline meteorology. In early 2020, the sulphate pollution from shipping was reduced by an estimated 80%, or by 8.5 Tgyr −1 14 , 15 . In the climate model scenarios, sulphur dioxide emissions from shipping are not reduced stepwise but more gradually 16 . Based on literature, we estimate that the reduction of sulphur emissions from shipping may have increased the temperature difference between September 2020 and 2023 by 0.05–0.075 °C (Supplementary Note 2 ).

In summary, our analysis suggests that the record margin observed in September 2023 was an extremely unlikely outcome. In principle, such a low probability could be due to (1) exceptional manifestation of internal variability (i.e. a strong El Niño following 3 year La Niña), (2) the models underestimating the magnitude of the internal variability, (3) external forcings not being accurately prescribed in the models, or (4) a combination of above factors.

The combined effects of the volcanic eruptions and the reduction of sulphate emissions from global shipping may plausibly have caused a temperature increase of 0.07–0.15 °C between September 2020 and 2023. If this turns out to be the case, the global average temperature of September 2023 would still be exceptional, but not quite as unlikely as without the forcings; a 0.1 °C reduction in the observed margin would increase the p -value in CMIP6 by a factor of 15. In any case, our results call for further analysis of the impact of other external forcings on the global climate in 2023.

Observations and climate models

We use monthly mean near-surface temperature from both observations and climate models. The observational data comes from ERA5 reanalysis 17 . We compared the observed temperatures to three climate model ensembles: all available realisations from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 2 (CMIP6), the 100-member Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble 3 (MPI-GE), and the 100-member Community Earth System Model version 2 4 (CESM2-LE). Modelling uncertainty is addressed by considering 42 models in the CMIP6 ensemble, while internal climate variability is addressed using the two single model large ensemble datasets.

We use ERA5 to compare with models because ERA5 data provide a like-for-like comparison with climate models, unlike the observational datasets which are a blend of land 2-m temperature and sea surface temperature.

Quantifying record margins in climate models

From the models, we consider the period of 1970–2050, and search for the margins by which the global monthly records are broken. We require that there is a minimum of 10 years in the time series, so the first record is searched from the time series of 1970–1979 and so on. For the future period, we use the SSP2-4.5 scenario for CMIP6, RCP4.5 for MPI-GE and SSP3.70 for CESM2-LE. As we focus only on the pre-2050 period, the results do not markedly depend on the choice of the emission scenario. We chose the period 1970–2050 because the global warming rate in the models is similar to that observed, while in SSP2-4.5, the warming rate decreases during the latter half of the century. As a sensitivity test, we also repeated the analysis using the 1990–2050 period from the models (Supplementary Table 1 ).

When calculating the probabilities, we consider only the most extreme margin from each simulation, similar to the observations. We fit the Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) distribution to the extreme margins and calculate the probability that the simulated margin is equal to or greater than the observed margin. We assume that the margins of individual model realisations are independent of each other, although we acknowledge that this may not be entirely true. The uncertainty of the GEV probability is estimated by bootstrapping. We resample the margin data 1000 times by randomly drawing N samples with replacement, where N is the number of simulations in the model ensemble. This process creates an artificial ensemble for p -values from which the 5th and 95th percentiles are calculated.

In addition to the GEV fit, we calculate the probabilities empirically, by calculating the number of simulated margins equal to or greater than the observed margins, divided by the total number of simulated margins.

Data availability

ERA5 data is available from https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu . CMIP6 data is available from Earth System Grid Federation archive at https://esgf-data.dkrz.de/search/cmip6-dkrz/ . MPI-GE data is available under licence from https://mpimet.mpg.de/en/grand-ensemble/ . CESM2-LE data is available from https://www.cesm.ucar.edu/community-projects/lens2/data-sets . The code and datasets needed for reproducing the results are available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10512220 18 .

Code availability

Code used for the analysis is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10512220 18 .

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge support by the Research Council of Finland (grant no. 336557) and ACCC Flagship funding (grant no. 337552). Copernicus Climate Change Service is acknowledged for making ERA5 reanalysis available. We acknowledge the World Climate Research Programme, which is responsible for CMIP6. We thank the climate modelling groups for making available their model output, the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) for archiving the data and providing access, and the multiple funding agencies who support CMIP6 and ESGF. We thank Max Planck Institute for Meteorology for making MPI-GE publicly available. We acknowledge Kimmo Ruosteenoja for providing the CMIP6 data, and Alexey Karpechko for providing the MPI-GE data.

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M.R. carried out the climate model analysis and wrote most of the manuscript. A.L. wrote the parts on volcanic eruptions and sulphate aerosols. Both authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Rantanen, M., Laaksonen, A. The jump in global temperatures in September 2023 is extremely unlikely due to internal climate variability alone. npj Clim Atmos Sci 7 , 34 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-024-00582-9

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Received : 17 October 2023

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Published : 01 February 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-024-00582-9

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