Best time to visit Europe
There is no right or wrong time to travel through Europe. The summer months, peak season, tend to see the nicest weather, but also the biggest crowds and the highest prices. Some cities including Dubrovnik, Barcelona and Venice have been experiencing severe problems with overtourism during the peak season, which can naturally have an impact on your enjoyment. But other parts of Europe, the Baltics, Scandinavia or the UK for instance, are best seen in peak season when the weather is warmest and most reliable.
Conversely, the off-peak season, which normally lasts between November and March, involves much more unpredictable weather, with rain, snow and cold temperatures likely in many parts of Europe, and shorter days. But at the same time, visitor numbers drop off sharply in most places, slashing queues at even the most popular landmarks.
The shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn are a good time to visit Europe. Through April, May and early June, and late September through to October and November, you should enjoy smaller crowds, but still pleasant weather, and plenty of daylight. The countryside is normally at its most beautiful in these months as well.
Conversely, the off-peak season, which normally lasts between November and March, involves much more unpredictable weather, with rain, snow and cold temperatures likely in many parts of Europe, and shorter days. But at the same time, visitor numbers drop off sharply in most places, slashing queues at even the most popular landmarks.
The shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn are a good time to visit Europe. Through April, May and early June, and late September through to October and November, you should enjoy smaller crowds, but still pleasant weather, and plenty of daylight. The countryside is normally at its most beautiful in these months as well.
Visiting Europe, month by month guide
Greece Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
5
12
63
FEB
6
13
54
MAR
7
15
50
APR
10
19
31
MAY
14
24
23
JUN
19
29
12
JUL
21
32
6
AUG
21
31
6
SEP
18
28
13
OCT
14
22
55
NOV
10
18
64
DEC
7
14
80
Finland winter activity vacation & Northern Lights
Discover this Finnish winter activity wilderness week
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US $3450 to US $3675
8 days
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Catalonia family activity vacation, Spain
Family fun with scenic bike rides & adventure activities.
From
€670 to €820
8 days
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Cyclades hiking vacation, Greece
Walk ancient paths and enjoy stunning Cycladic sceneries
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£645 to £717
7 days
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Split to Dubrovnik Luxury cruise, Croatia
Cruise Split to Dubrovnik in luxury via Croatia's islands
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£1319 to £2609
8 days
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Altiplano de Granada activity vacation, Spain
Multi-activity family vacation in the Spanish Lake District
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€495 to €793
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Turkey vacation, best of Turkey
Highlights tour including Istanbul, Cappadocia and Troy
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£1659
11 days
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Changing climate
Generally speaking, Europe gets colder the further east and north you go. In the far south, the climate is Mediterranean, sunny and warm even into late autumn, while to the east it’s far more continental, with seasons that are clearly defined. Northern and Western Europe have an oceanic, milder climate.
Some countries, such as Spain and Portugal, can get seriously hot during July and August, while parts of Europe frequently see bouts of heavy snow between December, January and February. Spring and autumn are often marked by torrential downpours in parts of Europe, overcast skies adding to the atmosphere.