Hottest Time to Visit Europe
Truth be told, there’s no bad time to visit Europe. It’s always one of the hottest destinations worldwide for its culture and ease of travel from country to country. Some love the cherry blossoms of spring in France while others enjoy the beautiful colors of Denmark in fall. If high temps and sunshine are your thing, Italy and Greece can feel like paradise in summer and nothing screams “made-for-TV holiday movie set” like the Christmas markets of Austria and Germany in winter. If you’re dreaming of the perfect European holiday, keep reading for things to do each season.
Spring
Much like most states in the US, spring takes place between March and May in Europe making it the perfect time to stroll down historic cobblestone streets. Paris’ cherry blossoms have become an icon of spring and you really can’t go wrong with museum hopping by foot through its 20 “arrondissements” (aka districts). Take a short trip outside of Paris to Giverny to see Claude Monet’s gardens in full bloom. You’ll feel like you stepped directly into one of his impressionist paintings. Another popular European destination in spring is the Netherlands with its seemingly endless rows of tulips that are in season from late March through early May. There are many flower sights and activities including the Keukenhof flower parade that attracts tourists and locals, alike.
Summer
Welcome to Europe’s peak season! Running from June through August, summer in Europe was made for long, slow days at the beach in the southern countries or hiking and sightseeing in the northern countries that tend to have lower temperatures. Most popular European tourist destinations will be packed so summer is the perfect time to find yourself off-the-beaten-path, soaking in as much of the culture as possible. Experience Krakow’s Folk Art Fair or Summer Jazz festival with live music floating through the “Grand Square.” One thing to watch out for during summer travel to Europe is a spike in prices. Plan early and save!
Fall
With the leaves turning vibrant orange and crimson, autumn in Europe is a spectacular sight to see. River Cruising down the Rhine river is the perfect chance to see multiple countries in one trip with daily excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences at each stop. The Rhine Gorge gives you incredible views as you sail through Germany. You also can’t go wrong with beautiful southern Italy and Sicily in the fall. There is so much to enjoy from the Isle of Capri to the charming villages of Alberobello.
Winter
There is no shortage of Christmas festivals and markets throughout Europe during the winter months. This is another perfect time of year to river cruise. Travel down the Danube River from Germany into Austria, enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the season. It will leave you feeling like you’ve walked into the most magical fairytale. If you’re looking for a ski trip, there are plenty of ski resorts to be found such as Verbier, an Alpine village in Switzerland. Enjoy the slopes and warm up afterwards with Swiss chocolate, fondue and raclette!
Looking for more European travel tips? Contact our expert travel advisors who are ready to help plan and book your next adventure.
