June seaside holidays up to 40 percent cheaper, sea already warm
June is the best-value month for the sea: prices in Greece run up to 40 percent lower than in July and August, and the water is already pleasant for swimming. Here are the real figures by destination.
- Holiday prices in Greece are 30 to 40 percent lower in June than in July and August.
- The sea is already warm: around 23 degrees on Halkidiki and around 24 on Crete.
- Seven nights half board in a three-star Greek hotel costs about 450 euros per person.
- Packages with flights start from around 450 euros for five nights, rising to 900 in peak season.
Is it worth heading to the coast the moment school ends, before the crowds arrive? It is, and by a wide margin. Early June is when you pay the least, and the sea is already warm enough to step in without flinching.
The director of the Robinson travel agency, Ljubisa Nesovanovic, says booking early really paid off this year. “A large number of travellers took advantage of significant first-minute discounts, which in some cases reach up to 20 percent,” he says. On top of those discounts, June brings the simple logic of low season, so the gap against the height of summer becomes serious.
Why is June the cheapest month for the sea?
The reason is straightforward. School holidays are only just starting, families with children are still waiting for the season to end, and hotels want to fill their rooms before the rush. That pushes June prices down, and in Greece they run 30 to 40 percent lower than in July and August.
The water is not cold either. On Halkidiki the sea sits at around 23 degrees in June, and on Crete at around 24 degrees, comfortable for most swimmers. More southerly spots such as Crete and Rhodes warm up earlier, so they are a good choice if you prefer warmer water.
The price gap is clearest in packages that include flights. The cheapest five-night deals in June and September start from around 450 euros, while the same package in July and August costs between 600 and 900 euros per person.
How much do packages cost by destination?
Prices depend on the country, the hotel category and the type of service. Here are rough June figures, per person:
- Greece, seven nights half board in a three-star hotel: about 450 euros.
- Montenegro, a four-star hotel: between 400 and 550 euros.
- Albania, all inclusive in Durres: between 550 and 750 euros.
Montenegro remains the easiest option for those driving their own car, with no flights and no long journey. Albania looks pricier at first glance in an all-inclusive package, but that figure covers food and drinks for the whole stay, so per day it can work out better than it appears.
Before you set off, compare two or three offers for the same dates and the same hotel category, because prices for identical accommodation vary from agency to agency. Our advice is to look at the total cost per day rather than just the package price, since transport and meals change the maths.
Would you rather pay less and head to the sea in June, or wait for the peak of the season despite the higher prices?
