What months are Europe busy?

In travel-industry jargon, the year is divided into three seasons: peak season (roughly mid-June through August), shoulder season (April through mid-June and September through October), and off-season (November through March). Each has its pros and cons.



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Don't discount July and August. In much of Europe (especially Italy and France), cities are partially shut down in July and August, when local urbanites take their beach breaks. You'll hear that these are terrible times to travel, but it's really no big deal.

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Since Spain has a number of different climatic conditions, when you go will certainly influence the kind of holiday you have. Typically speaking, Spring (March to May) or Fall (September to November) are considered to be the best times to visit Spain.

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The best time of year to visit Spain is in the spring and early summer (April-June) and fall (September-October) for abundant activities, good weather, and fewer tourists.

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Don't discount July and August. Although Europe's tourist crowds can generally be plotted on a bell-shaped curve that peaks in July and August, there are exceptions. For instance, Paris is relatively empty in July and August but packed full in June and September for conventions and trade shows.

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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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Don't discount July and August. Although Europe's tourist crowds can generally be plotted on a bell-shaped curve that peaks in July and August, there are exceptions. For instance, Paris is relatively empty in July and August but packed full in June and September for conventions and trade shows.

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Though Spain can be brutally hot in the summer, winters can be bitter cold in the interior (and very rainy on the coast), and spring and fall can be surprisingly crisp. Off-season, roughly November through March, expect shorter hours, more lunchtime breaks, and fewer activities in smaller towns.

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The cheapest time to visit Spain is usually from December to March, though you can also enjoy affordable flights and hotels in early spring and late autumn. The winter months see many vibrant markets and activities dedicated to annual celebrations such as Christmas, Carnival, and New Year's Eve.

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Traditionally August is the month for Spaniards to go on holiday. In the old days that meant the whole month, nowadays 2-3 weeks. As 15th August is a public holiday here, like Ferragosto is in Italy, the two middle weeks in August are the peak for absences from the cities.

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