Best Time to Visit Europe: Seasons, Weather, Tips & Top Destinations

Europe is a favored destination for holidaymakers. Still, the best time to visit Europe depends on many factors: your budget, your preferred types of weather, and your activities. Europe has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to traveling. Keep reading to make the right decision on when to visit European destinations.

When is the best time to visit Europe weather-wise?

Weather Conditions in Europe

Europe is known for its temperate climate. According to Köppen's climate classification, most of Western Europe has an oceanic climate characterized by cool to warm summers and chilly winters with lots of cloud cover. 

Southern Europe has a distinctly Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and cool to mild winters with plenty of sunshine. 

Meanwhile, warm to hot summers and chilly winters are characteristics of the humid continental climate in central and eastern Europe.

Weather conditions in Europe

In the coastal lowlands of the Mediterranean Basin, the summer season is primarily evident during the dry months when precipitation might, in specific years, become exceptionally rare. 

The winter season runs from October to February. The only regions of Europe with an arid climate are the small areas of the continent with desert climates, which are found along Spain's southeast coast.

The table below gives information on European seasons, weather conditions, and temperatures.

Travel Months	Min Temperature	Max Temperature	Season
DEC - FEB	14°C	24°C	Summer
SEP - NOV	7°C	14°C	Autumn
MAR - MAY	7°C	10°C	Winters
JUN - AUG	2°C	18°C	Spring

Best Time to Visit Europe

As mentioned at the beginning, Europe has four seasons, each with its beauty and distinctness. So what's the best time to visit Europe? Continue reading!

Summer

Europe is a year-round travel destination, but many people believe that the best time of year to visit European countries is during the summer months from June to September. 

Summer is a beautiful time when the days are longer, the beaches are more stunning, and most European countries celebrate cultural events, galas, and fashion sales. It is an excellent choice for those who love hikes or adventure activities. 

The continent has a wide range of climates, but most of it has mild weather with temperatures of 7-14 due to the winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean.

The best time to visit Europe is in the summer, from June to August. If you plan to visit Europe during these times, keep the following caveats in mind.

Summer in Europe

Autumn

Autumn is the shoulder season for visiting Europe, particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden. Fewer tourists make it more accessible at this time.

The temperature and weather during this season are cool and pleasant, making it ideal for tourists to travel around Europe. However, rain is common during this time, so the weather can be wet and cold sometimes. 

For some, autumn may not be the best time to travel around Europe, but others like to watch cities in the rain.

Visit Europe in autumn

Off-Peak Season to Visit Europe

April to June and September to November can be the best time to travel across Europe if you don’t want to travel during peak seasons or have a certain level of flexibility.

You can enjoy long days without the crowds and maximize your time and experience in every city. Moreover, you may use any services at a lower price (e.g., flight tickets, hotel prices). 

However, traveling before or after peak seasons can be disadvantageous due to unexpected weather, so remember to bring the necessary stuff for both warm and cool weather.

Best time to visit Europe countries

Winter 

If you are a budget-conscious traveler and want to see Europe’s different sides, the cold months of winter from November to March are the best time to visit Europe on a budget. 

You can visit many tourist attractions without being overwhelmed by the crowds. That said, it’s worth noting that many buzzing summer destinations are often closed during the winter months. Thus, you should plan your itinerary wisely.

The winter days in Europe are shorter, and the weather is significantly cooler. You can have a chance to celebrate Christmas, one of the biggest holidays in Europe. Moreover, you may get interested in visiting Christmas markets, skiing, and other snow-based activities. 

Winter is the best time to visit and spy on the Northern Lights, but pack a winter jacket and woolens. 

Winter in Europe

Spring

Spring brings favorable weather, with temperatures ranging from  2°C to 18°C. It’s not too hot or cold, so it's ideal for sightseeing and exploring Europe at its peak beauty with its newborn greenery. 

Spring can be the best time to visit European countries, particularly in the South, such as France, Scotland, England, and Ireland. 

Tourists visiting Europe this season will have the opportunity to attend many wonderful music festivals and outdoor activities that open after the white winter.

► Read more: Best weather places in the world 

Spring in Europe

Tips for Travel in Europe

• First, purchase tickets for famous tourist attractions and make restaurant reservations in advance if you travel in peak season to avoid paying unnecessarily high fees. 

• If you plan to go to Paris and don’t want to be hit by rainfall, just avoid visiting it in July. If you visit Moscow, you should carry sunblock to avoid the intense heat. Remember to bring an umbrella in case of unexpected summer showers.

Tips to enjoy your trip in Europe

• Follow the lead of the Europeans, who like dining and drinking outside. Pack a picnic blanket and grab some snacks from the grocery store. One of your meals should be at a plaza or by a river. 

• Make sure to check weather before heading out to stay safe and healthy. Pack for a pair of rain boots and warm clothes in case of a sudden rain.

5 Best Destinations in Europe

The countryside of France and Italy and the islands of Greece and Spain are just a few breathtaking scenery and energetic cities that characterize the European continent. 

Given the abundance of stunning locations offering natural wonders and must-see attractions, it should not be surprising that choosing which places to visit in Europe may be challenging.

Check out our recommendations below:

London, UK

London, UK

London is a city full of whims and surprises; you might spend a lifetime getting to know it only to discover it has disappeared and changed yet again. 

With its lush parks and ancient neighborhoods stretching from the mighty River Thames, the city has many unique attractions, including towering cathedrals, museums, galleries, and royal residences.

Paris, France

Paris, France

Paris is unquestionably the center of France, home to many renowned cathedrals, museums, and monuments. 

Your journey might easily include a sightseeing tour of the Eiffel Tower, browsing the Louvre's exhibits, and meandering through the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens' foliage.

Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy

A bright winter's day is ideal for soaking up Venice's distinct and enchanted ambiance to avoid crowds. Give up your map and explore Dorsoduro's eerie back roads, dreaming of covert assignments and whispered conspiracies at every corner.

Remember to check out the Gallerie dell'Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, two of Venice's best galleries that feature pieces by many of the giants of 20th-century art.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It would be an understatement to say that Amsterdamers love the water. Stroll around the canals and observe a few of the many houseboats. Better yet, get a ride. 

A completely different set of architectural elements, including the bridge decoration, is visible from the boat level. 

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is possibly the most beautiful city in Eastern Europe. It is situated along both banks of the picturesque Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the beginning of the Great Plains to the east.

Parks are teeming with sights, the architecture is unparalleled, museums abound with priceless artifacts, pleasure boats cruise the picturesque Danube Bend, Turkish-era hot springs emit steam, and the city's nightlife typically lasts until morning. 

Conclusion

Each season offers a wide range of exciting activities and experiences for every tourist. Therefore, consider those factors carefully before you book a holiday to ensure you maximize your time and money and have the Europe trip of a lifetime. So, we hope you have decided on the best time to visit Europe. Enjoy your trip!