How to choose the best season for traveling in Europe: tips and real-life examples

Are you planning a trip to Europe but don't know when the best time to travel is? Each season has its own advantages: from beach vacations to cozy winter atmospheres and budget airfares. Find out when your trip will be the most comfortable and economical

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When choosing a season for traveling in Europe, travelers often try to find a balance between good weather, comfortable conditions and affordable prices. Summer attracts with its warm sea and festivals, but at the same time brings the largest influx of tourists and the highest costs. The off-season offers a milder climate and shorter queues at popular locations, while winter is suitable for those who want to save money and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of European cities. At the same time, the difference in prices between seasons can be tens of percent, which has a beneficial effect on the travel budget.

In this article, we'll look at the differences between high, low, and transitional seasons, who is best suited for them, and how to plan a trip correctly. By the end, you'll be able to easily determine when to go on your next European trip.

Earlier, we told you that the European Parliament has adopted important changes to the rules for obtaining and using driving licenses in the EU.

You can apply for a Green Card for travel to Europe online, without queuing, on the Visit Ukraine portal. The policy is valid for all EU countries and is required when crossing the border.

High season: when Europe is most expensive and popular

The period from June to August is traditionally considered the peak of tourist activity in Europe. It is during these months that cities are filled with travelers, beaches with vacationers, and the calendar with dozens of festivals and events. The weather is consistently warm, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and the daylight hours are long, which allows you to plan active walks and busy routes.

Advantages of the high season:

- Warm and predictable summer weather in almost all European countries;

- A wide range of events: music festivals, fairs, cultural programs;

- Ideal conditions for seaside vacations in Greece, Spain, Italy, and Croatia.

Disadvantages to consider:

- Highest airfare and accommodation prices: on average 30-50% higher than in the low season

- Large crowds in popular tourist centers;

- High heat in Southern Europe, which can make walking difficult.

The high season is suitable for those who want to maximize their summer drive: festivals, beaches, and active city life. But if your goal is a quiet vacation and savings, this period may be the least profitable.

In our previous article, we told you which month AVTA experts recognized as the best for a vacation in 2026.

Off-season: the best balance of price, weather and comfort

The spring and autumn period (April-May and September-October) is considered the best time to travel in Europe. It is during these months that travelers enjoy comfortable weather, moderate prices, and significantly shorter queues at popular locations. At this time, there is no summer heat, but it is already warm enough for long walks, excursions, and active exploration of cities.

Why experienced tourists choose the off-season:

- Pleasant climate, especially in September in southern Europe, where the beach weather remains;

- Fewer tourists, which allows you to comfortably visit museums, attractions and city centers;

- Flight and accommodation prices are 10-25% lower than in the summer peak season

What can be a disadvantage:

- The weather in Northern and Central Europe is sometimes unpredictable, with rain or cool temperatures.

The off-season is the best choice for those who don't want to overpay, appreciate quiet travel, and like to combine a comfortable climate with affordable prices. In many countries, May and September are considered the ideal months for traveling.

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Low season: the best time to travel

The period from November to March (with the exception of the Christmas and New Year holidays) is traditionally considered the least active in terms of tourism. However, it offers the most opportunities for those who want to see Europe without the crowds and save money. The cost of airfare and accommodation during this period is much lower, and the cities look more relaxed and authentic.

Advantages of the low season:

- The lowest prices for housing and flights: savings can reach 30-40% compared to summer

- No queues in museums and popular tourist destinations;

- The opportunity to experience the winter atmosphere of Central and Northern Europe;

- The measured rhythm of cities, which allows you to see their real daily life.

Possible disadvantages:

- Cold or rainy weather, short daylight hours;

- Some seasonal attractions, beaches and sea routes may be closed;

- The period of Christmas markets, on the contrary, becomes a peak - prices temporarily increase.

The low season is ideal for budget travel, short city-break trips, shopping, or winter routes. If the atmosphere of European cities is more important to you than the weather, this is the best time to travel.

You can learn more about the TOP 5 best European cities for a budget winter trip here.

How to choose the best season: top tips for travelers

After comparing the seasons, it's easy to see that there is no one-size-fits-all option, it all depends on your budget, travel style, and expectations. Some people want warm seas and festivals, others want quiet cities and minimal costs, and some are looking for a “golden mean.” However, a few guidelines will help you decide faster and plan your trip consciously.

When to go if comfortable weather is important:

- May and September are the best months with pleasant temperatures and no summer tourist waves.

When to go to maximize savings:

- November, January, and February are the best months for airfare and accommodation;

- Exceptions are the winter holidays and ski resorts.

When to go for events and active city life:

- June-August - festivals, concerts, beach season, long days.

European countries that are consistently among the top tourist destinations (Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands, Croatia) attract travelers regardless of the season, but the weather and prices in them can vary dramatically. Therefore, you should always check the seasonality in a particular country and region before traveling.

If you are planning to travel in Europe by car, do not forget about the Green Card - a mandatory international insurance policy without which you will not be allowed to cross the border. On Visit Ukraine, you can apply for insurance online in a few minutes, choose the desired coverage period and receive an electronic policy by email. This guarantees you financial protection in the event of an accident and helps you avoid fines and delays on the road.

We remind you! The world's gastronomic capitals topped the new ranking of the best cities for food lovers. Read more to find out which cities have become leaders in gastrotourism, what attracts travelers, and what dishes are worth trying in each of them.

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