Eurotravel Planner

Section: When to go - Season & Timing

Next Section: Itinerary Planning & Guidebooks

I've been in Europe during all seasons (generally skipping January/February), with more than 12 months of touring on the ground in Continental Europe and Britain over the past decade and more. Let me say that you can certainly go to Europe happily from late March through mid-November.

• When should I plan to go to Europe?
• Will it be too hot? Too cold?
• Do I need winter gear in the Alps?

Remember that Europe's weather differs greatly from North to South. Scandinavia is usually quite wet during the summer months, unlike Central Europe (unless you were traveling in 1997 like me, where a freak reverse in weather patterns meant the worst flooding in 200 years in the Czech Republic and Poland and unusually sunny days in Sweden).

Each season has different challenges and potential for fun. Off-season can mean: weather problems, less light for touring during the day, fewer attractions open, and less outdoor activities available. At the same time, it delivers no overcrowding, cheaper prices, more chances for cultural exchanges, options for spontaneity, and a more relaxed pace.

Europe, Month by Month
March (variable-to-bad weather, wet, uncrowded, poor light)
I've done more than one trip during this time. It's tougher if you expect all touristy attractions to be open or want a lot of outdoor experiences (bike rides, walks, boat rides). Don't wear shorts ;-)

April (variable weather, uncrowded, okay afternoon light)
Mid-April is where the best travel season gets rolling, even as prices and crowds haven't yet jumped. It's a nice season, but be prepared for large weather variations.

May (usually great weather, not crowded, good light)
My favorite month! You have Europe to yourself. It's usually 100% open and everyone's fresh and ready for new travelers.

June (best weather, not too crowded early June, lots of light)
My favorite month (again)! It's like May with better weather. Crowds really show up towards the end of the month as the season hits full swing.

July (biggest crowds, most heat waves, lots of light)
Solid, traditional travel month. Busy, busy, busy. Make reservations in advance, expect to wait in lines and pay more, and be ready for hot and muggy weather. I don't bother to even bring a jacket when I travel in July. Last summer in France, it often hit 100F degrees.

August (biggest crowds, most heat waves, lots of light)
Ditto. Hotter and more humid than July, with bigger crowds, so bring patience. Consider going farther north in Europe as Europeans vacation to the south in July and August (Italy, Spain, Greece, south France, Spanish coast).

September (usually good weather, not crowded, good light)
Superb month, similar to June for weather and light and, in reverse, crowds that quickly evaporate as school re-starts.

October (variable weather, colder, uncrowded, okay light)
Can be quite nice, I've traveled this a few times. It's wetter, attractions are slowing down but still open, crowds are almost gone (except at Oktoberfest in late September and early October).

November/December (variable weather, wetter, cold, poor afternoon light)
It's colder, crowds are gone, there are fewer opportunities for physical tourism (hikes, biking, walking quaint city centers), and seasonal attractions are closing (themeparks, boat rides). Consider this to be a culinary and cultural treat as you skip from café to museum to restaurant to concert to pub.

This is perhaps the time to see Greece or Italy. It's cooler and crowds have vanished.

During one trip I traveled from May through August. I found May and June to be spectacular for having the best weather and being around fellow travelers without feeling crushed by the crowds.

If you like the comfort of crowds, July and August are your best bets. If you are traveling alone and want to meet fellow travelers, you're best served late May through early September.

If you don't mind missing out on outdoor activities and crowds, consider March, late October and November as a cheap way to view Europe. For example, in March a few years back I flew to London for $375 roundtrip and got double air miles (equal to another free trip).

Winter Travel
Okay, Winter is a more interesting travel time, so I've got some additional tips you may discard at your leisure. Of course, being off-peak, it's nice since you don't hit the crowds.

Wherever you are, consider that there will be differences in your travel style. There is more rain - an average of about 3-4 inches per month, and it's colder, about 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit on average in Italy, lower the farther north you go.

Regarding December weather, Italy and Greece are the best you can hope for in Europe. Italy is a very long country, and goes from coastal down south to the Italian Alps up north, so the weather is also extremely variable in winter depending on location.

The north gets cold (hint: Italian Alps, Matterhorn). Mind you, you might be from a cold climate yourself. Generally, the middle of Italy is relatively good weather during this time. But, bring a waterproof jacket and a good, medium-weight jacket. If you're going up farther north, bring a heavy jacket. Don't bother to bring shorts at all.

Something to consider for off-season travel is getting an early start each day, in a season when darkness comes quickly in the afternoon. When I'm doing late-season travel in Europe, I try to adjust for an earlier schedule, which gives me more daylight sightseeing time.

Speaking of which, I suggest traveling light to get that mix of city-sights and Italian cultural flavor. If you're always packing and unpacking - in Italy, you DO NOT leave luggage in cars or busses - it takes time away from experiences.

Major attractions are open and available in winter- but without the crowds. You can probably skip reservations for most activities (even your hotel if you want) and can get local deals on the ground that are often better than what you'd see by pre-planning. At the same time, you may need to understand that your trip will likely be more cultural and less physical during winter months.

Seasonal attractions and outdoor attractions are often closed or severely reduced in winter. Hint: Don't assume bike rides in the country with a picnic will be possible or enjoyable in December!

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