Highlights of Traveling in Asia in June
Figuring out where to travel for June in Asia largely depends on the transitioning weather, but you’ll also want to take some big summer festivals into consideration.
Thailand and neighboring countries in Southeast Asia will be starting into their rainy seasons. Meanwhile, crowds surge for busy season in Borneo, Bali, and the rest of Indonesia where there is less rain. Australians in the Southern Hemisphere will be looking to escape June winter by grabbing cheap flights up to Bali.
Beijing and other big cities in East Asia will have already emerged from spring and warmed up. Urban humidity really traps the heat. Rainfall increases with temperatures that peak in July and August. Tokyo and Hong Kong will be especially hot, humid, and rainy.
Rainy Season in Thailand
If you’re one of the many people heading to Thailand in summer, expect some rain. June pretty well kicks off the monsoon season that runs until November. That said, June can be an excellent “shoulder” month for enjoying Thailand outside of busy season but before rain becomes torrential.
Koh Chang, a popular tourist island near Bangkok, receives exceptionally heavy rain in June. You’ll find better weather by going to the islands on the other side of Thailand. June is the last month to visit Koh Lanta before many places on the island close up for the season.
Asia Weather in June
(average high / low temperatures and humidity)
- Bangkok: 94 F (34.4 C) / 79 F (26.1 C) / 75 percent humidity
- Kuala Lumpur: 91 F (32.8 C) / 76 F (24.4 C) / 79 percent humidity
- Bali: 86 F (30 C) / 76 F (24.4 C) / 79 percent humidity
- Singapore: 90 F (32.2 C) / 79 F (26.1 C) / 78 percent humidity
- Beijing: 87 F (30.6 C) / 67 F (19.4 C) / 61 percent humidity
- Tokyo: 76 F (24.4 C) / 69 F (20.6 C) / 74 percent humidity
- New Delhi: 103 F (39.4 C) / 81 F (27.2 C) / 54 percent humidity
Average Rainfall for June in Asia
- Bangkok: 7.3 inches (185 mm) / average of 16 rainy days
- Kuala Lumpur: 2.5 inches (64 mm) / average of 14 rainy days
- Bali: 0.1 inch (3 mm) / average of 5 rainy days
- Singapore: 2.0 inches (51 mm) / average of 12 rainy days
- Beijing: 1.5 inches (38 mm) / average of 10 wet days
- Tokyo: 2.3 inches (58 mm) / average of 13 wet days
- New Delhi: 2.3 inches (58 mm) / average of 5 rainy days
Malaysia experiences varied weather in June. Kuala Lumpur and the islands on the east coast, such as Tioman Island and the Perhentians, enjoy better conditions compared to the islands on the west coast (Penang and Langkawi). Kuala Lumpur and Singapore receive ample rain throughout the year, but June is one of the drier months.
In India, the southwest monsoon begins its journey up the west coast in early June, bringing heavy rain to Mumbai. New Delhi will experience sweltering temperatures, often exceeding 100 F, coupled with sporadic showers.
What to Pack
Prepare for high heat and rain throughout most of Asia. You’ll want to bring extra tops or even consider buying unique items available locally. Despite the heat, covering up when visiting temples and sacred sites is expected, so be sure to pack at least one pair of lightweight pants.
Furthermore, sunscreen may be more expensive and less reliable than what you’re accustomed to at home. Therefore, packing some from home is recommended, particularly if you’re heading out to the islands.
June Events in Asia
Significant festivals in Asia can lead to business closures, price increases, and transportation delays, which may impact your travel plans. To avoid regrets, ensure you are aware of the festival dates!
Many Asian festivals operate on lunisolar calendars, causing date fluctuations each year. The following notable events may occur in June:
- Vesak Day: (dates vary) The observance of Gautama Buddha’s birthday takes place throughout Asia, with dates differing by country. It is a public holiday in some regions, and temples become especially festive. However, alcohol sales are typically banned.
- Rainforest World Music Festival: (dates vary) This three-day cultural festival near Kuching in Sarawak, Borneo, celebrates the Dayak indigenous culture. It features daily workshops and performances from global bands, raising awareness about palm oil deforestation.
- Gawai Dayak: (begins May 31) This annual festival occurs on June 1. Families in Sarawak and West Kalimantan often open their longhouses for visitors.
- Bali Arts Festival: Highlighting traditional Balinese dances and performances, this festival spans throughout June across various venues on the island.
- Indian Festivals: India hosts a multitude of celebrations each month, including many festivals in June due to its rich diversity of cultures.
June Travel Tips
- June is a peak month for weather and tourism in Bali, attracting even larger crowds. Pre-booking your accommodations is advisable, but remain vigilant about certain caveats when booking online for Bali.
- With over 2,000 miles of coastline, Vietnam’s weather varies significantly. Central regions like Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Dalat are the driest in June, while Saigon and northern areas like Hanoi experience heavy rain.
- Tropical storms can disrupt travel plans across the region, especially in Vietnam and Japan. If a significant storm passes through, it can alter your itinerary significantly.
Places with the Best Weather in June
- Sumatra, Indonesia (fewer rainy days than usual)
- Malaysian Borneo (fewer rainy days than usual)
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Indonesia, especially Bali
- Tioman Island and the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia
- Singapore
Places with the Worst Weather in June
- Much of China (rain, heat, and humidity)
- North and South Vietnam (rain)
- Much of Japan (rain and humidity)
- Shanghai (rain and humidity)
- Hong Kong (rain and humidity)
- Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia (rain)
- Much of India excluding higher elevations (extreme heat)
