Planning a big trip to Europe this year? That’s great! But there is so much to do and see year round that you might ask, what is the best time to visit Europe?
Traveling to Europe is one of the great vacations you can have. Just consider that Europe is not a small place, but a continent full of many countries, each with its unique characteristics, culture, and festivals. So choosing the “right time to visit Europe” or “the best time to visit” is a bit more complicated than you might think. But don’t worry, in this article, you’ll find a breakdown of the main pros and cons of each season and what to see and do in Europe month by month. You can be sure that whenever you decide to visit you’ll have a great time.
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Main Travel Seasons in Europe
In general, you can divide the year into 3 main seasons if you’re talking about travel and tourism. Each of them has its own appeal and different travelers might consider one season best for travel, over the others for lots of reasons.
Peak Season, May to September
This is the season when most people arrive in Europe and most countries get overflowed by tourists, so you’ll find the main attractions and landmarks quite crowded. It’s great to travel if you love warm weather, perfect for beaches and spending lots of time outdoors, and of course, longer days to enjoy them. It’s also a season full of special activities and events, and that’s why so many people consider it the best season to visit Europe.
If you want to enjoy the local cultures you have to participate in the many festivals that every country celebrates during the summer months. You can go to Spain for La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls, or Scotland for the Edinburgh Festival, but in most countries, you’ll find plenty to do.
Having said that, if you don’t do too well with crowds then this creates a slight problem. Paired with that, you’ll find that finding accommodations is harder and pricier. Even basic services can see their prices significantly increased during these hectic months. Also, the heat might be a bit excessive, especially if you’re planning to visit the Mediterranean Coast. So try to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Tips for traveling during Peak Season:
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Book in advance: This is not only important but vital. Book your flights, hotels, and even popular attractions month in advance whenever possible.
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Arrive either early or late: If you want to visit the main attractions with less crowds, then try going very early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Photo by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash
Shoulder Season, April and October
Still a popular season to visit Europe, but less overwhelming than peak season. Is far better in some aspects, like the weather and the prices. In most of Europe, you’ll find milder weather during these months, so it’s perfect for doing longer hikes and walks and spending all the time possible outside and sightseeing.
There’s also the fact that there are a lot fewer tourists around, so it’s cheaper to get a nice hotel and you don’t have to stay in line just to see the attractions, so take this chance to join some tours! If you think you’ll miss the festivals, then you’re in luck. It’s fall after all, there are lots of harvest festivals and celebrations like Oktoberfest in Munich, Tulip Festival in the Netherlands, and Wine harvesting festivals in France and Italy.
But not everything is so positive. The weather might be mild, but it’s also unpredictable, so be ready for unexpected cooler days and heavy rain showers. Also, the days tend to be considerably shorter than in summer, so you probably have to cut short an excursion of two if you don’t like staying outside late. Finally, you risk that some attractions might have already closed or are working limited hours.
Tips for traveling during the shoulder season:
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Pack smart: Since the weather might change without notice, then make sure you have enough layers and a waterproof jacket. Accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves can be of great help here.
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Check local event calendars: Don’t focus exclusively on the massive and incredibly popular festivals in the big cities. You can have a lot of fun in lesser-known festivals, just check the local calendars ahead of time.
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Off-Season, November to March
Not everyone finds winter a good season for traveling to Europe, but it has some advantages, and there’s a certain appeal. Firstly, if you’re looking for cheaper accommodations, flights, and activities this is the best season for you. Just plan ahead of time so you can get the considerable discounts. It’s also great if you like fewer crowds and having a deeper and more intimate experience of the major attractions. In summer there’s not a single opportunity to see places like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona without many people.
On top of all that, you have unique activities like the Christmas Markets in Vienna or Munich and skiing in the Swiss Alps or the French Pyrenees. As for festivals, you can have the most magical night in the Carnival of Venice, or go to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Budapest, Madeira, or Amsterdam.
On the negative side, you have cold and unpredictable weather. This is true especially if you’re visiting Northern Europe, where the winter can be chilly and really unpleasant. Even dangerous if you’re not used to it. And of course, the days are a lot shorter so you won’t be able to spend long periods outdoors or sightseeing. There are also limitations in both attractions and services, to the point that some cities feel empty during these months.
Tips for traveling during the off-season:
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Plan for shorter days: Keep in mind that the days have fewer hours of sunlight in winter than in any other season, so try not to fit many activities that are outdoors in one single day.
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Check for seasonal closures: Before your trip, see if you can check online which hotels and attractions are still working in winter and if they have reduced hours.
Photo by Llanydd Lloyd on Unsplash
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January
The very first month of the year and straight into the off-season. If you love winter and winter sports then go visit France or the Swiss Alps to ski. If you prefer other activities there’s Vienna’s New Year’s concerts or the Carnival of Venice.
February
Still full in winter, but it’s also Saint Valentine’s Day, so it’s great for taking your significant other and having a wonderful vacation in Paris, Rome, or London. If you are looking for specific activities then there’s the Mardi Gras Festival in Nice and the Celtic Connections in Glasgow.
March
It might still be winter in the Northern countries, but closer to the Mediterranean the temperatures are starting to descend. March is the best month to visit cities like Barcelona and Dublin. If you’re in Italy you can enjoy the Vernal Equinox Celebrations and in Dublin, there’s St. Patrick’s Day.
April
Now the flowers are starting to bloom all over Europe and the weather is setting in a nice, pleasant temperature. You can go to Paris to enjoy the cherry blossoms or the tulip fields in Amsterdam. In fact, in Holland, you can go to the Tulip Festival and the Amsterdam Dance Event.
May
Warmer temperatures but not as hot as to not enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Go to the Netherlands and do a tour on a bicycle or hike the Dolomites in Italy. If you’re searching for festivals and celebrations go to the Cannes Film Festival or the Greek Orthodox Easter.
Photo by Stefano Bazzoli on Unsplash
June
The very start of summer is full of festivals and exciting activities for the whole family. June is the best month to head over to Santorini or Nice to enjoy the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and taste great wines by the beach. For party lovers, there’s the Fete de la Musique in France and the Glastonbury Festival in the UK.
July
The longer days are great for fully exploring cities like Rome, Paris, or Barcelona, and attending outdoor music festivals and activities. Go to the parks to have picnics, or have boat tours in the rivers and lakes. For festivals, you can go to Bastille Day in France or Running of the Bulls in Spain. There’s also the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
August
The summer is ending, but there are still lots of fun things to do. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and the beaches, and it’s the best weather to hike the Alps or visit wine regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany. If you want to see a festival out of the ordinary then visit Spain to enjoy La Tomatina, Scotland for the Edinburg Festival Fringe or Iceland for the Fiskidagurinn Mikli.
September
Finally, the crowds start to get smaller and smaller, although the weather is still warm and pleasant. September is the best time to go to the harvest festivals across all of Europe, especially in Italy and France. There’s also the world-renowned Oktoberfest in Munich and La Merce in Spain.
October
October is a good time to visit the most important cities in Europe, with fewer crows and lovely fall colors. Excellent for photographs in picturesque landmarks like the tour Eiffel or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. As for festivals, in Germany, the Oktoberfest is still going on, with endless beer and fun, and there’s also the Fete de la Chataigne in France and Halloween celebrations in all of Europe.
November
Right in the off-season, November is the best month to travel if you’re looking for great deals while visiting beautiful European cities. It’s excellent to visit quiet museums and stop at cozy cafes. It’s still not Christmas, but some markets start to open, and you can go to the UK for the Bonfire Night or the November Carnival in Italy.
December
It’s finally Christmas! And Europeans love their celebrations. Visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, Munich, and Prague, or head to the Alps for a nice ski vacation. There are also New Year’s Eve parties in all major cities like Berlin, Paris, and London.
Photo by Maarten Duineveld on Unsplash
So, when’s the best time to visit Europe?
The short answer is that there’s no best time to visit Europe, as much as there’s no worst time to visit Europe. There is so much to do there, so many places to visit. Each month and each season has its own charm and its own advantages. So ultimately, the decision is extremely personal and based on your preferences and means. Do you prefer a warm climate or a cold one? Do you love the lively of the summer or prefer a quieter time in spring or fall? Do you plan to travel on a tight budget or do you have a lot to spend? Consider all that and then you’ll know when is the best time to visit Europe for you personally.