If you’ve ever wondered “when is the best time to visit Europe?” you’re not alone. Many European countries are year-round destinations — but the “best” time depends on what you want most — warm beaches, fewer crowds, fall colors, Christmas markets, or spring flowers.

This guide breaks down European seasons, European weather, and the experiences that shine by month. Along the way, we’ll share Collette tours that match each season — so when you’re ready, you can turn your “someday” into a real itinerary.

Start exploring trips now: Europe Tours & Destinations

Quick Answer: When Is the Best Time to Go to Europe?

The best time to travel to Europe depends on your travel style:

• For mild weather and fewer crowds: April–May and September–October

• For peak summer energy and extended daylight: June–August

• For festive charm and holiday magic: November–December

• For budget-friendly travel and cozy cities: January–March

In other words, there’s no wrong time to visit Europe — just different versions of Europe.

Europe by Season: What to Expect (Spring / Summer / Fall / Winter)

Europe in Spring (March–May): Blooms, mild weather, and shoulder-season value

Spring is one of the most loved answers to “when is the best time to visit Europe,” especially if you want comfortable temperatures, fresh landscapes, and fewer crowds than in summer.

Spring is perfect for:

• Gardens, countryside, and canal walks

• City sightseeing without summer heat

• Festivals, Easter celebrations, and the outdoor café season

Best places to visit in Europe in Spring:

• The Netherlands (tulips and windmills)

• Spain and Portugal (sunny and walkable)

• Italy (classic cities and countryside in bloom)

Trip inspiration:

• Holland and Belgium Springtime River Cruise

• Canals, Champagne & Culture: A Journey through the Netherlands, Belgium & France

Europe in Summer (June–August): Iconic energy, long days, and coastal living

Summer is peak season for a reason. You’ll get the longest daylight hours, buzzing nightlife, and outdoor festivals.

Summer is perfect for:

• Mediterranean beach time

• Island hopping and small ship cruising

• Alpine hikes and scenic rail routes

• Late-night dinners and lively plazas

Best places to visit in Europe in Summer:

• Croatia and the Adriatic islands

• Italy’s coasts (Amalfi, Cinque Terre)

• Greece’s islands

• Switzerland and Austria for mountain air

Trip inspiration:

• Croatia & Its Islands: Small Ship Cruise

• Rome, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

Europe in Fall (September–November): Harvest season, golden light, and fewer crowds

If you’re looking for the sweet spot of good weather, value, and fewer people, fall is hard to beat.

Fall is perfect for:

• Food and wine regions during harvest

• Comfortable touring (less heat, less hustle)

• Autumn scenery, especially in Central Europe

Best places to visit in Europe in Fall:

• Italy (food, wine and art)

• Portugal (warm weather into November)

• Germany, Austria, and Bavaria (Oktoberfest season)

Trip inspiration:

• Italy’s Treasures: Art, Food & Wine of Italy

• Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria featuring Oktoberfest

• Exploring the Alpine Countries

Europe in Winter (December–February): Christmas markets, cozy cities, and crowd-free classics

Winter is when Europe becomes storybook — especially in December. And outside the holidays, January and February can be surprisingly magical (and often more budget-friendly). Additionally, if you’re interested in chasing the northern lights in Europe, winter is prime time.

Winter is perfect for:

• Christmas markets and holiday lights

• Museums, cafés, and a slower pace

• Romantic city escapes

• Southern Europe sunshine (Portugal, Spain)

• Chasing the northern lights (Iceland, Finland

Best places to visit in Europe in Winter:

• Germany

• Austria

• Portugal

• Spain

• Iceland

Learn about experiencing the holiday season in Central Europe with our Magical Christmas Markets virtual on-demand event. Collette Tour Manager Pilar R. explores Christkindlesmarkt history and traditions in Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich and more. Register and watch it here.

Trip inspiration:

• Enchanting Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & France

• Magical Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany

• Christmas on the Danube

Best Places to Visit in Europe in January–December

Below is your best time to travel Europe month by month, including what the season feels like, where to go, and a Collette tour that fits.

January: Cozy city escapes and fewer crowds

European weather by month: Cold across much of Europe, but cities feel calmer — and museum-hopping is at its best.

Best places to visit in Europe in January:

• Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice without peak crowds)

• Spain and Portugal for milder temps

• London and Paris for classic winter sightseeing

Tours to consider:

• Spain’s Classics & Portugal

• Reflections of Italy featuring Verona & Lake Como in Winter

• London & Paris

February: Paris romance and Southern Europe warmth

February brings Valentine’s vibes — and often better rates.

Best places to visit in Europe in February:

• Paris for classic romance

• Seville, Granada, Lisbon for sunny culture

• Italy for art-forward city breaks

Tours to consider:

• Spotlight on Paris

• Best of Italy

March: Early spring energy and lighter crowds

March starts to brighten across Europe, especially in the south.

Best places to visit in Europe in March:

• Spain and Portugal for spring sun

• Italy for early blossoms and walkable weather

• Scotland and Ireland if you don’t mind brisk, moody landscapes

Tours to consider:

• Reflections of Italy

• Exploring Scotland & Ireland

April: Tulips, canals, and fresh spring color

April is one of the most iconic spring months—especially in Northern Europe.

Best places to visit in Europe in April:

• The Netherlands for tulip season

• Belgium for charming medieval towns

• France for springtime strolls and cafés

Tours to consider:

• Holland and Belgium Springtime Tulip River Cruise

• Canals, Champagne & Culture

May: One of the best months for European travel — warm, scenic, and not too crowded

If you’re asking when is the best time to travel to Europe, May is a top contender. It’s shoulder-season perfection.

Best places to visit in Europe in May:

• The British Isles for gardens and green countryside

• Italy and France before summer crowds

• Central Europe for easy touring weather

Tour to consider:

• Exploring Britain & Ireland

June: Long days and the start of peak season

June brings the best of summer without the heaviest crowds (yet).

Best places to visit in Europe in June:

• Italy and Greece for coastal time before peak heat

• Switzerland for mountain scenery

• France for lavender season starting late June into July

July: Peak summer = islands and seaside living

July is hot, festive, and busy — perfect if you want that full summer atmosphere.

Best places to visit in Europe in July:

• Croatia

• Greece

• Italy’s coasts

• Spain’s islands

Tours to consider:

• Croatia & Its Islands: Small Ship Cruise

• Greece Island Hopper

Learn more about Collette’s Greece Island Hopper tour with our virtual event, where Collette Tour Manager George G. shares insider tales of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini and reveals local insights, tips, and hidden gems. Register and watch it here.

August: Sun-soaked travel and local holiday season

August is still peak season, but some locals head on vacation, especially in parts of France, Spain, and Italy.

Best places to visit in Europe in August:

• Scandinavia for cooler weather

• Switzerland and Austria for alpine lakes

• The Mediterranean Coasts for the Spanish, French, and Italian Rivieras

Tours to consider:

• Spectacular Scandinavia

• Exploring the Alpine Countries

• Mediterranean Coastal Journey

Get a feel for Collette’s Mediterranean Coastal Journey tour with our virtual event. Watch it now.

September: Best overall month for many travelers

If you’re looking for the most reliable “best time to visit Europe,” September is often the winner for its warm days, cooler nights, and fewer crowds.

Best places to visit in Europe in September:

• Italy (especially food and wine regions)

• Croatia and Greece (warm seas, fewer tourists)

• France (harvest season)

Tour to consider:

• Italy’s Treasures: Art, Food & Wine of Italy

• France Magnifique

• The Balkans

October: Fall color and festival season

October is gorgeous in Central Europe and legendary in Bavaria.

Best places to visit in Europe in October:

• Germany, Austria, Switzerland

• Northern Italy (Lake District and vineyards)

• Portugal for extended warmth

Tours to consider:

• Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria featuring Oktoberfest

• Exploring the Alpine Countries

November: Quiet cities and sunshine in Portugal and Spain

November is a shoulder-season secret, especially in the south.

Best places to visit in Europe in November:

• Portugal (Lisbon, Algarve, Douro Valley)

• Spain’s southern regions

• Big cities like Paris and Rome for culture-heavy itineraries

Tours to consider:

• Sunny Portugal

• Portugal’s Old-World Charms

• Exploring Iberia

Join Collette Tour Manager Javier G. for our Exploring Iberia: The Magic of Portugal & Spain. This virtual event uncorks the soul of Iberia, from the sizzling pans of Valencia to the warm welcomes of Porto.

December: Christmas markets and holiday magic

December is one of Europe’s most atmospheric months, especially in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France.

Best places to visit in Europe in December:

• Germany

• Austria

• France

Tours to consider:

• Enchanting Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & France

• Christmas on the Danube

How to Choose Your Best Time to Visit Europe

Still not sure when is the best time to go to Europe? Here are a few quick ways to decide:

Choose spring if you want:

• Mild weather and flowers

• Better prices than summer

• Classic cities without peak crowds

Choose summer if you want:

• Beach time and island energy

• Festivals and long daylight

• The “big Europe trip” feel

Choose fall if you want:

• Food, wine, and harvest season

• Great weather and lighter crowds

• Scenic landscapes and golden light

Choose winter if you want:

• Christmas markets and cozy culture

• Lower crowds in major cities

• Southern Europe’s mild winter sun

Ready to Start Planning Your Trip to Europe?

Whether you’re dreaming of tulip season in the Netherlands, sipping wine in Tuscany, cruising Croatia’s islands, or wandering Europe’s Christmas markets, the best time to travel to Europe is the time that matches your wish list. Explore Collette’s Europe tours and find the season that fits you.