For those of us who aren’t making the trip for a festival or a white Christmas, these dates will give you great weather for a fraction of the cost.
Holidaymakers with a penchant for warm, sunny days and streets that aren’t packed to the hilt with tourists, take note: these months will give you all that and more when you travel to Europe.
The best time to travel to Europe
March to June and September to October.
Why?
Spring and autumn offer warm to hot days and are just outside of the peak holiday periods, ie, the European summer and Christmas break. Being shoulder months, they offer less crowds and less expensive flights and accommodation.
Overview
Europe experiences four seasons. Summers are warm to hot with countries such as Spain, Greece and Italy enjoying some of the highest temperatures of 30℃+. Winters are cold and can be harsh in some of the northernmost countries such as Russia, Belarus and the Baltics.Europe is a popular destination for holidaymakers worldwide, especially during the summer, so unless you’re attending a summer festival, it’s best to steer clear during July and August.
Weather and prices
The best time to visit, weatherwise: July and August provide the best weather, however, to avoid the summer breakers, travel during the shoulder months of May and June and September and October.
The cheapest time to visit: Search for flight deals during the low-season months of March to June and September to October.
The best time to visit Europe for…
- To avoid crowds: Summer and winter are the busiest months of the year for Europe so you'll find travelling in spring or autumn less crowded.
- On a budget: Search for flights and hotel deals at the end of season, from August to September or during winter (excluding the Christmas and New Year's holiday week).
- Eastern Europe: Eastern Europe can be visited all year round as it has warm to hot summers and snow-filled winters. As winters can be harsh, you might like to travel in shoulder months when outdoor activities such as hiking are open.
- Central Europe: Central Europe can be visited all year round and, similar to Eastern Europe, it has hot summers and snow-filled winters. Spring and autumn are ideal months to visit as they offer pleasant weather.
- Mediterranean: Peak season is when the resorts in the Mediterranean open their doors to visitors. To avoid paying peak prices, travel during the beginning or end of season.
- Northern Europe: The best time to visit Europe's north depends on your travel intent. During summer, you'll enjoy long days and the midnight sun in certain destinations. During winter, you'll have a few short hours of daylight each day but you'll also likely have a white Christmas and may even see the Northern Lights in certain locations. For general sightseeing, spring and autumn feature mild to warm temperatures and are best for outdoor activities.
Hot Europe travel deals
TourRadar
Up to 76% off tours worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Europe, India, Iceland, Asia, Japan, New Zealand, Morocco and more. T&Cs apply.
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TourRadar
Up to 70% off Europe tours
Valid for travel on select dates across Europe. Destinations include Turkey, Santorini, Porto, Istanbul, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Paris, England and more. T&Cs apply.
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World2Cover Travel Insurance Deals
15% off travel insurance
Save on your next policy to destinations including Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam and more. Terms and conditions apply.
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Rail Europe
Spring sale: 50% off France and Germany train tickets
Valid for travel from 3 April - 1 September 2019 across France and Germany. Destinations include Paris, Marseille, Mannheim and more. T&Cs apply.
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Rail Europe
Spring sale: Up to $120 off with code
Valid for travel on select dates with participating locations. Destinations include France, Germany and more. T&Cs apply.
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Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
20% off Europe hotels with code + extra 10% off for members
Valid for bookings on select dates across participating hotels in Europe. Destinations include Paris, London and more. T&Cs apply.
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Emirates
Europe flights from $1,214 return
Valid for travel from April - November 2019. Destinations include Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, Rome, Athens, London and more. Sample fare is Perth-Copenhagen.
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Contiki
Up to 20% off Europe tours
Valid on select dates. Destinations include Croatia, Ibiza, Mykonos, Santorini, France, Italy and more. T&Cs apply.
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Topdeck
Up to 30% off trips worldwide
Valid for travel between May - December 2019. Destinations include Europe, North America, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
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Cudo
8-day Europe tours from $1,899
Valid for travel on select dates between November - December 2019 across Europe. Destinations are Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and France. Inclusive of cruise on the scenic Rhenic River, daily breakfast, sightseeing and more. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Up to $3,000 off tours + cruises worldwide
Valid for sailings until December 2019. Destinations include Central Europe, France, Italy, Asia, Portugal, Spain, India, Egypt and Russia. T&Cs apply.
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Wotif
Up to 27% off Europe hotels
Valid for use on select dates across Europe with participating hotels. Destinations include Amsterdam, Berlin and Istanbul. T&Cs apply.
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Topdeck
Up to 30% off last-minute tours
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Europe, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America. T&Cs apply.
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Topdeck
10% off Europe winter tours
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Paris, Rome, Prague, London, Barcelona, Athens and more. T&Cs apply.
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Rail Europe
10% off rail passes
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include France, Italy, Spain, Austria and more. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Air
Up to 20% car hire worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Australia, Japan, Europe, China and more. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Free economy airfare with Europe cruises
Valid for travel between 1 March - 15 November 2020 across Europe. Other destinations include France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Russia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Contiki
Extra $50 off any Contiki tours
Valid for use on select dates with Contiki. Must use a Mastercard to redeem discount. Destinations include Europe, Italy, Iceland and more. T&Cs apply.
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Best Western
Save up to 30% on Europe stays
Valid on stays book a minimum of 21 days in advance. Choose the Early Web Special rate to save 15-30%, depending on the property.
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Lufthansa
Europe flights from $1,510 return
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include London, Rome, Paris, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid and more. Sample fare is Perth-Barcelona.
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Omio
Europe train tickets from €15
Valid on select trains in Europe. Sample price is for trains from Brussels to Bruges or Rome to Florence.
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Eurail
20% off passes for students
Enjoy 15% off on your rail travel in Europe. Must be 27 and below to redeem offer. T&Cs apply.
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Go Airport Shuttle
5% off airport transfers and car hire
Valid on select dates and locations worldwide. Destinations include USA, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Sydney, and the Czech Republic. T&C's apply.
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Hostelworld
Europe stay from $15 per night
Valid on select dates and hostels across Europe. Destinations include London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and more. T&C's apply.
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Radisson Blu
Up to 20% off stays
Valid on advance bookings at participating hotels in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas only and is subject to availability. Most hotels define advanced bookings as one month in advance. Subject to change. See site for details.
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Qatar Airways
Qatar sale: Europe flights from $1,099
Valid for travel from 13 January - 30 September 2019 across Europe. Destinations include Amsterdam, Paris, Athens, Dublin, Venice, Rome and more. Sample fare is Copenhagen. T&Cs apply.
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KLM
Europe flights from $1,077 return
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Oslo, Rome, Amsterdam, London, Edinburgh and more. Sample fare is Dublin. T&Cs apply.
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Etihad Airways Australia
Europe flights from $1,889 return
Valid for travel until 31 December 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Belgrade.
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Should I book now for Christmas to Europe or wait?
Hi Ando,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder. Our page suggests March to June and September to October but it will be solely up to you when your budget and schedule permits. Hope this helps and feel free to reach back out if you have further questions.
Best,
Nikki