Best Time To Visit Europe: A Complete Guide
Europe is always delightful and considered to be a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. European countries are loved for their vibrant cities famous for intriguing architecture, nightlife, delicious cuisine, museums and more. From Mediterranean sandy beaches, to ancient history of Rome, to tempting shopping options in Paris, to Bollywood-inspired Swiss mountain train trips, Europe is a paradise for tourists.
Coming to the decision of the best spots to explore depends on travelers preferences but at the same time make sure you keep an eye on the best time to visit Europe. Whether you are arranging a family escape or a honeymoon vacation we are here to direct you with the best time and season to visit Europe.
There are three travel seasons that can bifurcate whether the destination will be crowded or not. You can choose from peak season, off season or shoulder season.
Summer in Europe
The summer season beginning from June to September is the prime season to visit Europe. The weather is hotter, days are longer and potential chances to enjoy various outdoor activities are higher. As it is the peak season, you need to be prepared to face heavy crowds at popular tourist attractions in cities like Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and more. Summer is the prime time for tourist excursions, so we suggest you plan your holiday in advance to get flights, accommodations, rental cars, and attraction tickets at a reasonable cost. Last minute booking and reservations will affect your budget. Summer in Europe is also the best time to witness intriguing festivals and exciting outdoor excursions attracting travelers from across the globe. Ultimately, the best time to visit Europe depends on your individual preferences and travel goals.
Best places to explore in Europe in Summer
- Spain
- Greece
- Italy
- France
- Croatia
- Portugal
- Scandinavia
- The Netherlands
Things to do in Europe in Summer
- Explore the historic cities such as Rome, London, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, etc.
- Enjoy a sunbath at the popular beaches like the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Costa del Sol, Algarve, and more.
- Take a road trip to some of the most scenic routes like the Amalfi Coast, Scotland’s North Coast 500, the German Fairy Tale Route, and more.
- Enjoy the festivals and events like Bastille Day in France, La Tomatina festival held in Spain and more.
- Enjoy local cuisines from French pastries to Italian pizza, and Spanish tapas to Greek moussaka.
- Go hiking around breathtaking landscapes like Norway’s Fjords, Swiss Alps and the Scottish Highlands.
Cities to explore in Europe in Summer
- Paris in France is known for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Champs-Elysées.
- Rome in Italy is known for its ancient ruins, delicious cuisine and its charming streets.
- Barcelona in Spain is loved for its art and architecture.
- Amsterdam in the Netherlands is popular for its picturesque canals and cultural attractions.
- Copenhagen in Denmark is famous for its beautiful waterfront, bike-friendly streets, delicious delicacies and more.
Tips to explore Europe in Summer
- Plan in advance: Summer is the busiest season for travel in Europe, so it’s important to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Book your flights, accommodation, and activities in advance to ensure availability and better prices.
- Consider Public Transportation: Public transportation in Europe is often affordable and efficient, making it a great option for getting around. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass or using a transportation app to save money and time.
- Stay Safe: Europe is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to take precautions like staying in well-lit areas at night, keeping your belongings close, and being aware of your surroundings.
- Pack Appropriately: Europe can have a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions during the summer, so make sure to pack appropriate clothing for your destination and activities. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
Winter in Europe
Winter in Europe can be a magical and charming opportunity to visit, with snowy landscape, merry festive holiday markets, and comfortable winter excursions. Nonetheless, Europe’s winter can likewise be chilly, dull, and challenging for explorers not used to the colder climate.
Winter season in Europe starts from November to March allowing tourists to experience a completely different side of the destination. The winter months are the cheapest time to visit Europe as you will get to explore the tourist attractions at ease without any hustle.
But make sure you check the list of attractions open in the winter season as many sights are extremely busy during summer season and so some of them are often closed during the winter months. Days are shorter in winter and the climate is extremely cold but experiencing Europe in winter is a very unique experience as you can explore the Christmas markets, stay in ice hotels, enjoy skiing, and other snow-based activities. And if you are planning to visit the Scandinavian countries then you might get lucky to witness the Northern lights in winter.
Best places to explore in Europe in Winter:
- Salsburg, Austria
- Finnish Lapland
- Norway
- Belgium
- Swiss Alps
- Iceland
- Germany
- Belgium
Best things to do in Europe in Winter:
- Visit the Christmas markets selling local food, crafts and gifts.
- Go skiing or snowboarding.
- Experience the Northern Lights in Norway, Iceland or Finland.
- Go ice skating.
- Enjoy winter cuisine including hot chocolate, fondue and roasted chestnuts.
- Attend music festivals and winter carnivals.
Cities to explore in Europe in Winter:
- Vienna in Austria is loved for its beautiful architecture, Christmas markets and classical music concerts.
- Copenhagen in Denmark is famous for ice skating, holiday markets, and Christmas decoration.
- Zurich in Switzerland is known for offering stunning winter landscapes and pretty holiday markets selling local cuisine and local crafts.
- Reykjavik in Iceland is known for exciting winter activities like ice cave exploration, witnessing Northern lights and relaxing in hot water springs.
- Prague in the Czech Republic is a magical city famous for its stunning architecture, festive decorations and Christmas markets.
Tips to explore Europe in Winter:
- Plan for shorter days: In winter, the days are short and the sun sets earlier, so plan your excursions in daylight to enjoy well.
- Pack woolens: Pack Comfortable Garments: Winter temperatures in Europe can be very cool, so it’s necessary to pack warm clothing, including a comfortable coat, cap, gloves, and boots.
- Try Winter Sports: If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports, Europe is home to some of the best destinations in the world.
- Be Ready for Holiday Closures: A few businesses and attractions might have restricted hours or terminations during the Christmas season, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Which month is best to visit Europe?
Generally, March to June and September to November are the best months to visit Europe. June to September are the peak months when tourists face heavy crowds and high budgeted tour packages.
- What is the price of a Europe tour?
The cost of a Europe tour can differ broadly depending upon the term of the holiday, the cities and countries covered, the sort of accommodation, and the method of transportation. Flamingo Transworld Pvt. Ltd. offers a variety of Europe tour packages starting from INR 2,50,00/-
- What is the cheapest month to go to Europe?
The least expensive month to go to Europe may depend upon a few elements, like the destination, season, and kind of travel experiences. Generally, the months of November, December, January, and February will generally be the least expensive months to venture out to Europe.
Europe sure has a wide range of exciting activities and experiences to offer for each kind of explorer, no matter what the season. So connect with Flamingo Transworld Pvt. Ltd. consultants and book the best Europe tour packages with the top tourist attractions and experiences of a lifetime.
