Europe offers something special every month, from alpine adventures in winter to coastal escapes in summer.
Planning your travels according to the seasons not only ensures the best experience, but it also helps you avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices.
Here’s a detailed month-by-month guide to the best destinations in Europe complete with travel tips, weather expectations, top reasons to visit, and average daily costs.
January – Lapland, Finland
Why Go: For a true winter wonderland, Lapland is unmatched.
Think Northern Lights, reindeer sleigh rides, snow-covered forests, and cozy log cabins.
Weather: Expect extremely cold temperatures between -16°C and -6°C (3°F to 21°F), with heavy snowfall and limited daylight (3-6 hours).
Tips:
- Wear thermal layers, insulated boots, and windproof outerwear.
- Book Northern Lights tours and activities like husky safaris and ice fishing in advance.
- Stay in a glass igloo or snow hotel for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Average Daily Cost: €120–€180 (includes accommodation, food, and tours)
February – Venice, Italy
Why Go: February is Carnival season in Venice, with elaborate masks, baroque costumes, and festive parades creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Weather: Cool and misty with temperatures between 3°C and 9°C (37°F to 48°F).
Tips:
- Avoid crowds by visiting early in the morning.
- Waterproof shoes are a must due to possible flooding (“acqua alta”).
- Stay outside the main island (like in Mestre) for better accommodation deals.
Average Daily Cost: €100–€150
March – Seville, Spain
Why Go: Spring begins to bloom in Andalusia, and Seville’s orange trees blossom with fragrant flowers.
It’s also a lead-up to the dramatic Semana Santa processions.
Weather: Mild and sunny with temperatures between 11°C and 21°C (52°F to 70°F).
Tips:
- Visit the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral before the Easter rush.
- Tapas bars are affordable and authentic try salmorejo and jamón ibérico.
- Use Seville as a base to explore nearby cities like Cordoba or Granada.
Average Daily Cost: €70–€120
April – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why Go: Tulip season peaks in April.
The Keukenhof Gardens and nearby flower fields explode in color, and the city’s canals are at their most photogenic.
Weather: 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F); frequent light rain.
Tips:
- Rent a bike to explore parks and neighborhoods.
- Book Keukenhof tickets in advance; combine with a guided tour for convenience.
- Visit on or around King’s Day (April 27) for a massive city-wide party.
Average Daily Cost: €100–€140
May – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Why Go: May is perfect for visiting Dubrovnik.
The weather is warm, the Adriatic is starting to heat up, and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet.
Weather: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F); mostly sunny.
Tips:
- Walk the city walls early or late in the day to avoid the sun and crowds.
- Visit nearby Lokrum Island or take a day trip to Montenegro.
- Eat seafood at local konobas (taverns).
Average Daily Cost: €80–€130
June – Lake Bled, Slovenia
Why Go: Picture-perfect Lake Bled is framed by the Julian Alps and is ideal for hiking, rowing, and day trips to Triglav National Park.
Weather: 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F); warm days and cool nights.
Tips:
- Climb to Bled Castle for panoramic views.
- Take a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island.
- Hike or bike the surrounding trails.
Average Daily Cost: €70–€110
July – Greek Islands (Paros & Naxos)
Why Go: Greece shines in July.
Skip crowded Santorini and Mykonos for the quieter, equally beautiful islands of Paros and Naxos.
Weather: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F); hot and dry.
Tips:
- Travel by ferry between islands.
- Rent a scooter to explore inland villages and hidden beaches.
- Enjoy long, late dinners at seaside tavernas.
Average Daily Cost: €90–€130
August – Edinburgh, Scotland
Why Go: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe turns the city into a cultural haven with thousands of performances and street acts.
Weather: 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F); often overcast with occasional rain.
Tips:
- Book everything early — accommodation prices soar during Fringe.
- Catch sunrise from Arthur’s Seat.
- Bring layers and a rain jacket.
Average Daily Cost: €120–€170
September – Bordeaux, France
Why Go: It’s harvest season in Bordeaux.
Enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and ideal biking weather.
Weather: 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F); sunny and mild.
Tips:
- Explore by bike or take a wine château tour.
- Try regional delicacies like cannelés and duck confit.
- Visit the Cité du Vin wine museum.
Average Daily Cost: €90–€130
October – Prague, Czech Republic
Why Go: Autumn adds a golden hue to Prague’s spires and cobblestones.
It’s a romantic time to visit with fewer tourists.
Weather: 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F); crisp and colorful.
Tips:
- Explore Old Town and Charles Bridge at dawn.
- Warm up with goulash and local beer.
- Visit Letná Park for the best fall foliage views.
Average Daily Cost: €60–€100
November – Lisbon, Portugal
Why Go: Milder than much of Europe, Lisbon is vibrant in November.
Fewer tourists, lower prices, and warm hospitality await.
Weather: 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F); mostly sunny.
Tips:
- Ride Tram 28 early to beat the crowds.
- Sample pastel de nata and bacalhau.
- Enjoy sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Average Daily Cost: €70–€110
December – Vienna, Austria
Why Go: Vienna is enchanting at Christmas.
Markets sparkle with lights, classical music fills the air, and the historic center is beautifully decorated.
Weather: -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F); cold and festive.
Tips:
- Visit the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz.
- Attend a classical concert or holiday opera.
- Warm up with a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine).
Average Daily Cost: €100–€140
Final Tips for Year-Round European Travel
- Best Times to Travel: Shoulder seasons (April-May & September-October) offer ideal weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Use budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet) or Eurail passes for inter-country travel.
- Money-Saving Tips: Stay in local guesthouses, use city passes for attractions, and eat where the locals do.
- Packing Tips: Layered clothing is essential for fluctuating temperatures across seasons.
