The Best Time to Travel to Europe

Best Time to Travel To Europe – According to our Europe Experts

The best time to travel to Europe really depends on what you like to do and where you are going.

Summers in Southern Europe are hot, which is why most Europeans head for the beaches, while they are a great time to explore Scandinavia, Ireland, and the UK. Fall in Western Europe is generally rainier than in spring, while in Central Europe, you have a good chance for a golden fall with stunning fall foliage (here are some stunning photos of the Czech Republic in the Fall), and winter in the Alpes and Northern Europe will give you a snow-covered winter wonderland.

Europe can be quite stormy in winter (don’t forget to buy some winter gear!), but the weather in Scandinavia is going to be a lot colder than in southern Italy or Greece. If you are a skier, cold weather is exactly what you want! And winter in Europe to experience the Christmas Markets are generally a bargain and January sales in Paris are fabulous.

Obviously, there are fewer tourists in winter and when school is in session than the rest of the year. Be sure that there are no major shows taking place when you want to go, or hotels will be at high rates and perhaps even sold out. Your Travel agent can give you that information, as the dates change every year.

The most active time for tourism is in summer. Just like in the US, most festivals, parties, and parades take place during that time. But keep in mind, crowded cities such as Rome and Florence (and anything south of them) are brutally hot in summer. But, if you are minding your budget, hotels have bargain prices in the larger cities in July and August because business people are vacationing at the resort towns along the sea, where prices are at their highest.

Spring seems to be less rainy than fall in Western Europe and the British Isles. So, I love traveling to England, Ireland, and Scotland in Spring.

Best Time to Travel To Southern Europe:

Spring: Warm to hot weather, less rainfall, lot of tourists, beach resorts might be closed

Summer: Very hot, beaches are crowded, cities are less crowded, lots of families and children

Fall: Warm to hot weather, lot of tourists, beach resorts might be closed

Winter: Mild climate, rainy, few tourists, beach resorts most likely closed

Best Time to Travel To Central Europe:

Spring: Cold to mild, erratic weather (dress in layers, bring raincoat)

Summer: Mild to hot weather, often thunderstorms in early evening, cities are crowded, lots of families and children

Fall: Rainy, cold to mild weather, fewer tourists, golden fall

Winter: Cold, wet climate, rainy, few tourists, Christmas markets, winter sports in higher elevations

Best Time to Travel To Western Europe:

Spring: Cold to mild, erratic weather (dress in layers, bring raincoat), lot of tourists for spring festivals

Summer: Mild to hot weather, often thunderstorms in early evening, cities are crowded, lots of families and children

Fall: Rainy, cold to mild weather, fewer tourists, golden fall

Winter: Cold, wet climate, rainy, few tourists, Christmas markets, winter sports in higher elevations

Best Time to Travel To Eastern Europe:

Spring: Cold to mild, erratic weather (dress in layers, bring raincoat)

Summer: Hot weather, often thunderstorms in early evening, lots of families and children

Fall: Rainy, cold to mild weather, fewer tourists, golden fall

Winter: Cold, snow, few tourists, winter sports

Best Time to Travel To Northern Europe:

Spring: Cold to mild, erratic weather (dress in layers, bring raincoat), lot of tourists for spring festivals

Summer: Mild weather, cities are less crowded, lakes and national parks crowded

Fall: Rainy, cold to mild weather, fewer tourists, golden fall

Winter: Cold climate, snow, few tourists, northern lights, winter sports

As for me, I travel in Spring (April – May) or Fall (September – October). Airline tickets are a little less expensive than in the summer, the weather is usually fantastic…and the hoards have not yet descended or have gone home. But the best time to travel to Europe really depends on your preferences, your itinerary and mostly the destination you choose in Europe.

Whenever you go, you can have a fantastic time. Just plan ahead for the weather.

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