What's the best time to visit Luxembourg?
The best time to visit Luxembourg is during the months of May to August when the weather is most favorable. May marks the beginning of spring with temperatures ranging from 47°F to 64°F, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Summer months offer even warmer temperatures, between 52°F and 73°F, and are perfect for exploring the city, although it can get crowded due to various festivals and events, including Fête de la Musique, National Day, and the Medieval Festival.
Forget Rome, Berlin, or Paris, and opt for one of the most underrated European gems instead — Luxembourg! It’s much more than a luxurious fairy tale, yet that’s precisely why people opt to visit it in the first place.
If you’re contemplating a Luxembourg getaway, chances are you’re wondering when the best time to visit Luxembourg is. From the warm summers to the enchanting winters, Luxembourg is special in each season.
The Overall Best Time to Visit Luxembourg
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The best time to visit Luxembourg is during the May–August period. The last spring month, May has temperatures between 47°F and 64°F.
With temperatures varying between 52°F and 73°F, the summer months are warm enough for all kinds of outdoor activities without breaking a sweat. Crowds may be an issue, but the city’s beauty makes up for it.
Plus, travelers get to enjoy Luxembourg’s climate at its finest. In May, all hiking routes open, and kayaking in the Sûre River is back. Also, more than 40 Luxembourg-based museums allow visitors free of charge to honor the country’s cultural heritage and artistic endeavors for two days.
Summer draws in a myriad of travelers not only because of fine weather but also thanks to the rich festival program. June boasts Fête de la Musique — a day-long music festival, it hosts artists performing various genres, varying from folk and pop to jazz.
June 22 marks the official celebration of the Grand Duke’s birthday. An event filled with numerous traditions, such as the well-known changing of the guard accompanied by fireworks, military shows, and festivities, National Day is a not-to-be-missed occurrence.
With its versatile program, the Medieval Festival running each summer ensures visitors are taken care of by offering battle shows, knights’ camps, bird-of-prey demonstrations, and jugglers’ performances, to name a few.
Music lovers should also keep their eyes peeled for the OMNI Festival dates and line-up. Other festivals worth being on your music radar include Rock um Knuedler, Blues Express, and Blues’n’Jazz Rallye.
Given all of them are free outdoor events, it may be just the “financial help” you need to compensate for dealing with Luxemborg’s peak season prices.
Cheapest Time to Visit Luxembourg
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Talking about the cheapest time to visit one of the most expensive European countries is somewhat ironic but far from impossible, as the cheapest time to head to Luxembourg is arguably in mid-November.
That said, note that certain world-class hotels are much more affordable in July and August, as that’s when business trips come to a halt, so regular travelers can take advantage of attractive prices during their tourist visit.
A relatively frosty month, November has temperatures between 36°F and 45°F. If you arrive in mid-November, you’ll be right on time for the city’s ice skating rink opening, Knuedler on Ice.
Besides an awesome ice-skating experience, take advantage of the holiday stalls right outside the rink offering Luxembourgish meals, such as potato pancakes (yes, it’s a thing!), Luxembourgish sausages, and mulled wine to keep everyone warm and happy.
Luxembourg’s Winter Lights Festival starts in November and lasts until January. If you make it earlier than mid-November, check out Haupeschfest.
A two-day happening in Berdorf, more than a hundred artisans reunite to sell handmade crafts. Loved by both locals and travelers alike, Haupeschfest is a true spectacle.
Finally, note that Luxembourg has free public transportation for both residents and visitors, so you’ll have one less expense to plan for your stay regardless of when you may decide to visit.
Least Busy Time to Visit Luxembourg
LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG – AUGUST 28, 2013: Urban scene, streets in the old town of Luxembourg City, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg/Vali.Lung/Shutterstock
The least busy time to visit Luxembourg is in winter (December–February), mostly due to Luxembourg’s winter climate. These months have temperatures fluctuating between a maximum of 40.5°F and a minimum of 31.7°F.
While winter sees moderate crowds in general, Luxembourg readies for the upcoming festive season, which may lead to an occasional influx of visitors, especially around the Christmas period.
Sunlight isn’t at its peak at this time of the year, but people prefer spending time indoors anyway. You can head to galleries and museums or simply enjoy a glass of wine in a local restaurant.
That said, no matter how cold it may get, you have to give skating rinks and the Christmas markets a chance. The capital has the following major Christmas markets: Place de la Constitution, Place d’Armes, and Place de Paris.
From Ferris wheels and famous delicacies to various light displays, Luxemborug’s Christmas markets are unlike anywhere else. January and February are undoubtedly the least busy months — the temperatures are still very low, but snow gives the entire region a winter idyll touch.
February marks the start of the carnival season, boasting music performances, parades, foodie options, and a myriad of playful costumes wandering the streets.
Worst Time to Visit Luxembourg
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Although a year-round destination, the worst time to visit Luxembourg is in October, as it’s the rainiest month of the entire year.
With 87 mm of precipitation, rain for around 14.4 days, and average relative humidity of 83%, your plans can easily get ruined, leaving you with nothing but feelings of disappointment for what was probably meant to be a spectacular (and not to mention expensive!) getaway.
October sees moderate fall temperatures varying between 55°F and 43°F. It’s the month when the transition from one season (summer) to another (fall) is most detectable.
Watching the leaves change color and eventually fall, people substitute their light jackets with sweaters and thicker coats, and stronger winds making their presence known isn’t the best recipe for attracting tourists.
That said, just because we’ve classified October as the “worst” time to visit Luxembourg doesn’t mean you’re not going to have an awesome stay.
For starters, you can head to some of the top-rated restaurants and try local delicacies, spend some time in the Notre Dame Cathedral, tour Vianden Castle, or opt for other rainy-day activities that will keep you dry.
Things to Consider
LUXEMBOURG-JANUARY 2021: The new modern tram in the city center/Sabino Parente/Shutterstock
What else is there to know before you head to Luxembourg? Here are some useful travel tips to make your trip as smooth as possible:
- US visitors are permitted to travel to Luxembourg for business/pleasure purposes for a maximum of 90 days without a visa only if they possess a passport valid for three months after their return to the United States.
- Make the countryside part of your itinerary. Staying in the capital may be tempting, as the city’s gorgeous, but visiting some nearby areas is worthwhile too. Tip: if you can visit at least one, make it Vianden.
- Walking is hands down the best way to navigate the capital, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes. That said, cycling is another cool option worth relying on. With approximately 372 miles of biking routes and 434 miles of mountain bike trails, Luxembourg is a heaven for bike enthusiasts. Car rentals are generally expensive, but we believe they don’t allow you to experience Luxembourg the way you should anyway.
- Just because Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe, your trip shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. One way to save money is by getting The LuxembourgCard. Not only does it provide you with hassle-free access to some of the main tourist highlights, but it also offers attractive discounts (the larger the number of people, the better the discount!).
- To eat well yet not break the bank, take advantage of the midweek menus at times when “à la carte” dishes are served for only a fraction of their regular prices.
- Tipping is customary. Most restaurant bills may include a 15% service charge, so any additional tipping may be unnecessary. That said, you’re always welcome to add a couple of euros if you’re satisfied with the service you received. Rounding up a taxi bill is also common, especially if the driver ends up giving you useful recommendations and insider tips.
- Luxembourg has a high-quality health system — if you’re an EU citizen, your European Health Insurance Card will cover any potential medical costs. If not, get travel insurance.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Luxembourg?
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To wrap up, Luxembourg is full of stunning ancient buildings, tolerant residents, castles, and breathtaking landscapes.
Even if you end up visiting during the “worst” period of the year, Luxembourg is going to surprise you with its world-class wine, dining experiences, sustainability, and majestic sights. Happy travels!