Is now a good time to travel in Europe?

Shoulder season — generally April through mid-June, and September through October — combines the advantages of both peak- and off-season travel. In shoulder season, you'll enjoy decent weather, long-enough daylight, fewer crowds, and a local tourist industry still ready to please and entertain.



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Generally, the answer is yes; most countries in Eastern Europe remain safe, and your planned trip is very likely to go ahead. However, it's understandable that some have expressed concern about entering countries near to Russia or Ukraine.

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When is the best time to visit Europe? The best time to visit Europe is from late March to early June (spring), or between September and November (fall). You'll avoid the busy summer period and see your money go further.

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The summer season, which runs from late May or early June through the end of August, is when many families are available to travel. As a result, it's the most expensive time to visit Europe. The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid/late March—are often the cheapest time to fly.

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If you want to cover a lot of ground, one month gives you enough time to spend at least two or three nights in each destination. If, on the other hand, you want to do more than just scratch the surface of each country, it's best to stick to fewer destinations and travel at a slower pace.

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If you want to avoid jet lag as much as possible, try to find a flight that arrives in Europe in the mid-afternoon or evening. This means leaving North America in the early morning.

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For most travelers looking for sunny, warm days and minimal crowds the best time to visit Italy is late May or early October. These months are cooler and less busy than the hot summer months that lie between them. At these times you can explore the north and south, cities, coast and mountains in comfort.

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France - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France.

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Exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain.

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This strong tourism rebound is expected to continue well into 2023, though at a slower pace. Looking forward, international travel to Europe is forecast to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2025, while domestic travel will fully recover in 2024.

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It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular. Sometimes it's most economical to fly from the U.S. to London, the busiest route, then take discount airlines to Continental cities.

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Use the flight to rest and reset. With a few hours of sleep during the transatlantic flight, you'll be functional the day you land. When the pilot announces the European time, reset your mind along with your wristwatch. Don't prolong jet lag by reminding yourself what time it is back home. Be in Europe.

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Backpackers should expect to spend between $40 – $70 USD/day in Eastern Europe, $70 – $100/day in Western Europe, and $150 – $200/day in the Nordic countries.

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Top peak-season destinations Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, France, Russia, Scandinavia - are the destinations loved for their warm weather, a promise of sun, and culinary experiences. So it is no surprise that from May till July, and September, we have many travelers and adventurers there.

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We recommend visiting between October and April — sidestepping the jam-packed holiday season in December — if your main objective is to avoid crowds. Go at the beginning or end of that window, October or April, for temperatures still comfortable enough to sit outside at one of the quintessentially Parisian cafe tables.

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What month do people travel the least?
  • Early December: Typically the first two weeks of December, sandwiched between the big peak travel periods of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and Christmas/New Year's.
  • January: Most of the month, once the New Year's travel rush subsides generally around Jan.


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