5. Tasmania, Australia
Why is Tasmania one of the best places to visit in June? Just gaze upon the Australian island’s east coast, and you’ll see why: whales. Tons of majestic humpback whales migrate along these relatively calm waters between May and July to breeding areas near Queensland, giving tourists plenty of opportunities to spot these incredible creatures in the wild.
You’ll also have the opportunity to see families of southern right whales (some of the rarest whales) during their migration north, which also starts in June. Great Oyster Bay and Frederick Henry Bay are some of the best vantage points for the whale migrations in Tasmania.
A trip to Tasmania in June also gives tourists a chance to see another natural wonder: the southern lights. Like their northern counterpart, the aurora australis creates stunning swirls of green, orange, pink, and red in the dark night sky – but the show is notoriously difficult to catch. The farther south you are, the better your odds of seeing the southern lights, and Tasmania is just over 5,000 kilometers from the South Pole. Schedule your travels around the June solstice – the longest night of the year – to give you the best likelihood of seeing the rare astral display.
6. St. Petersburg, Russia
June is White Lights season in St. Petersburg. Twilight lasts all night long, and you’ll see virtually no darkness whatsoever during these midsummer eves. The Russians celebrate every moment of their city bathed in a pearly glow, with plenty of events, parties, and festivals throughout the month of June.
Plan to catch at least one or two shows at the famous Mariinsky Theater during the Stars of the White Nights Festival, which includes traditional ballet, opera, and classical music recitals from some of the word’s top performers. New Holland Island and other venues around St. Petersburg also host outdoor concerts throughout the summer.
It’s worth staying up late to see the Neva River bridges open. Watching the structures lift apart is a tradition during White Nights, and you’ll be joined on the embankments with countless other spectators, all eager for a glimpse.
