Best Time to Visit Europe
From top to bottom with varying seasons Europe is a year-round destination. For pleasantly warm and quieter months March to June and September to October are best to explore the cities and Mediterranean coasts. July to September are peak months with the vibrancy and heat that summer brings. Cooler temperature throughout winter but the magic still lives on with Christmas markets and an abundance of attractions and tours.
Winter seas the Alps come alive for skiing from December to April with spectacular snow fall.
Winter (December - February)
It’s time to hit the slopes! Europe in winter becomes an adventure playground, the Alps, Spanish Pyrenees and Italian Dolomites come alive with many exclusive ski resorts, top notch apres ski and delectable cuisine. Charming festive markets are buzzing in December, perfect for a long weekend getaway to Paris, Budapest, Prague and Berlin to name a few. For more Christmas magic, head north to Lapland and visit the famous man himself, witness the Northern Lights burst into action for Sweden, Iceland and Norway. Amsterdam lights up with its annual winter lights festival. If you are yearning for some winter sun Tenerife will tick that box with comfortable temperatures and luxury resorts.
Spring (March - May)
Europe starts to spring in to bloom as temperatures begin to warm up throughout, especially in Southern Europe where the climate is perfect with warm sunny days, making for a lovely trip for the Easter break, with many towns putting on Easter festivities, Holy Week processions in April and the Venice Carnival. Spring is still a great option for a skiing, the sun is warmer making it perfect for apres ski and Easter ski trips with the family. May is one of the best months to visit Europe, summer resorts along the Mediterranean and Adriatic coast, Balearicas and Greek islands are open, with warm sun perfect for sightseeing but without the summer crowds.
Summer (June - August)
Summer is when Europe really comes alive, with long hours of sun, high temperatures and school holidays. The Mediterranean coast of Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Balearicas have an abundance of resorts, stunning beaches and splendid tavernas. The inland terrain is ideal for historical trips to towns, ancient architecture, vineyards and olive groves. June is best to beat the crowds before the throng of summer starts. The Adriatic coast is prime at this time of year for Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. The famous Tomatina Festival in Spain sees the tomato fight in full swing in August. The mountains swap from snow and ski to sun, biking and hiking trails and pleasant temperatures.
Autumn (September - November)
September and October will see the summer crowds ebb away and temperature start to lose the fierce heat, but with perfectly balmy days and the sea at its warmest you can’t go far wrong with travelling at this time of year. There also comes an abundance of food festivals and celebrations, the grape harvest begins, and visitors can enjoy the sampling of local produce and wines. Cooler temperatures allow for hiking and biking to return through the mountains and hills, Mallorca is superb in Autumn along with the Alps, Pyranees and Dolomites. Northern Europe starts to cool and becomes wetter, especially in Iceland and Norway but with the chance of seeing the Northern Lights from November.