Europe

• Mild weather: Europe’s climate varies widely by the region and altitude, but overall, spring and fall are when you’ll find the best weather with mildly warm temperatures that don’t venture into hot or cold extremes. Strolling through its famous, historic cities is never better than during these balmy, inviting months.
• Smaller crowds: Sightseeing in Europe can be idyllic and educational or a chaotic nightmare, depending on how many tourists are in the city when you visit. Smaller crowds are the norm during the spring and fall seasons, making these the perfect time to visit popular destinations and attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, or Buckingham Palace.
• Lower prices: Trips to Europe are more affordable during the less-busy spring and fall shoulder seasons. Demand drops for flights and hotels, bringing lower prices than during the busier summer season.

Spring and fall are both great for a visit to Europe. Here’s how you can make the most of your time during each season:

• Spring: European springtime is typically sunny and mild with a little rainfall. Flowers and gardens burst into bloom and green spaces hum with life. It’s a prime time for checking out the Netherlands’ massive tulip fields, visiting famous sites like the Eiffel Tower or Sagrada Familia, and trekking through the Swiss Alps.
• Fall: Fall in Europe sees weather that’s cool to warm, mostly pleasant, and rarely interrupted by rainstorms. It’s an ideal time for visiting France’s vineyards during the harvest, hanging out at Oktoberfest in Munich, or taking in the colorful fall foliage across the Scottish Highlands.

If you’re looking for things to do around the continent during the spring or fall, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Southern Europe: Visit the warm beaches of Spain, wander through the colorful villages of Cinque Terre in Italy, explore islands or historic landmarks in Greece, check out the ancient ruins of Rome, or hike and enjoy the scenic Amalfi Coast.
• Northern Europe: Visit the historic cities of London, Paris, and Rome for sightseeing, eat and drink your way through Amsterdam, explore the stunning fjords of Norway, or see the northern lights in Iceland.
• Central Europe: Visit the breathtaking castles and historic squares of Prague and Budapest, explore the Black Forest in Germany, tour medieval sites and landmarks in Switzerland, or suit up and go skiing in the Alps.

While summer can be a magnificent time to visit Europe with even warmer temperatures and little rain, it’s the busy peak season and can feel congested with tourists and long lines. Spring and fall represent the best of both worlds with nice weather, some rain, and smaller crowds that lead to lower prices.