UPFRONT/GO
The Best Months to Visit Europe
The month you travel overseas can make all the difference in your experience. To avoid heat and crowds in most cities, avoid the summer and look to other seasons instead
London
MARCH–MAY
Royal parks and gardens blossom; wisteria flowers across the city
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER
Lovely leaves and pubs
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
Seasonal light displays
Copenhagen
JUNE–AUGUST
Long, bright days and mild temperatures to enjoy canals, sidewalk cafés and Tivoli Gardens park
Madrid
MARCH–MAY
Hibiscus, gardenias and roses bloom
OCTOBER–DECEMBER
Autumn Festival and Christmas markets
Vienna
APRIL–MAY
Pleasant weather at top attractions Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg
SEPTEMBER
Start of opera season, when tickets are discounted
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
Christmas markets
Budapest
MARCH–MAY
Pleasant weather and cafés reopen their terraces; Budapest Spring Festival starts in late April
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER
Vibrant fall colors; cooler weather for soaking in the thermal baths
Rome
APRIL–MAY
Mild, sun-drenched days; historic gardens alive with spring blooms
OCTOBER
Crisp air and gentle sunshine; changing colors in Villa Borghese Gardens
Athens
MARCH–MAY
Sunny, mild weather; more elbow room at the Acropolis and Ancient Agora
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER
Seasonal cultural festivals and performances
Paris
APRIL–JUNE
Mild weather; beautiful spring flowers; ideal time to enjoy outdoor cafés
SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER
Paris Autumn Festival
—Veronica Stoddart