The Best Places to Travel by Month in Europe: A Year of Wanderlust
This article may contain affiliate links, if you buy something through those links I get a small commision
Bonjour, fellow travel lovers! ✨ If you’re anything like me, you’re probably daydreaming about your next European adventure while sipping a café au lait (or maybe a glass of wine, no judgment here). Europe is a treasure chest of stunning landscapes, charming cities, and unforgettable experiences—but let’s be real, timing is everything. You don’t want to show up in Paris during peak tourist season only to fight crowds for a croissant, right?
That’s why I’ve put together this month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect European getaway. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, dancing at a festival, or just soaking up the sun on a dreamy beach, I’ve got you covered. Plus, I’ll share some international travel hacks, budget-friendly travel tips, and approximate daily costs to make your trip as smooth as a French macaron. Let’s dive in!
January – Norway 🇳🇴
Why Go: January is prime time for the magical Northern Lights and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Plus, Norway’s snowy landscapes are straight out of a fairytale.
Weather: Bundle up! It’s cold, with temperatures ranging from -4°C to -10°C (25°F to 14°F).
Events: Northern Lights tours, snow festivals, and cozy hygge vibes.
Daily Cost: Around €100-€150 (budget for higher prices in Norway!).
Tips: Stay in Tromsø or Bergen for the best Northern Lights views. Don’t forget thermal layers and a good camera!
Idea: Invest in high-quality thermal base layers like The Merino Wool Long-Sleeve Undershirt – they’re warm, breathable, and perfect for layering. Also, great quality.
February – Italy 🇮🇹
Why Go: Venice’s Carnival is a bucket-list experience with its elaborate masks, costumes, and gondola parades. Plus, fewer crowds mean you can enjoy Italy’s charm without the chaos.
Weather: Mild but chilly, around 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F).
Events: Venice Carnival (dates vary, usually in February).
Daily Cost: Around €80-€120.
Tips: Book accommodations early for Carnival. Try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at local bacari (wine bars).
March – Spain 🇪🇸
Why Go: Seville’s orange trees are in bloom, and Valencia’s Las Fallas festival is a fiery, fun-filled spectacle.
Weather: Spring is here! Expect 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Events: Las Fallas in Valencia (March 15-19).
Daily Cost: Around €60-€100.
Tips: Pack layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons. Don’t miss paella in Valencia!
Idea: A lightweight, packable jacket like the Outdoor Ventures Women’s Packable Lightweight Jacket is perfect for spring weather.
April – Netherlands 🇳🇱
Why Go: Tulip season! The Keukenhof Gardens are a rainbow of flowers, and King’s Day turns the entire country into one big orange party.
Weather: Cool and crisp, around 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F).
Events: King’s Day (April 27), Tulip Festival (all month).
Daily Cost: Around €70-€110.
Tips: Rent a bike to explore the tulip fields. Wear orange for King’s Day—it’s a Dutch tradition!
Idea: A durable, foldable backpack like the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is great for carrying your King’s Day finds.
May – Portugal 🇵🇹
Why Go: Sunny beaches, charming cities like Lisbon and Porto, and perfect weather without the summer crowds.
Weather: Warm and pleasant, around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Events: Lisbon’s Santo António Festival (mid-May).
Daily Cost: Around €50-€90.
Tips: Try pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and take a day trip to Sintra for fairy-tale castles.
June – France 🇫🇷
Why Go: Paris is magical before the summer crowds hit, and Provence’s lavender fields start blooming.
Weather: Warm and sunny, around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Events: Fête de la Musique (June 21).
Daily Cost: Around €80-€120.
Tips: Visit Gordes or Sénanque Abbey for the best lavender views. Pack a picnic for the Seine riverbanks in Paris.
Idea: A chic, waterproof picnic blanket like the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is perfect for a Seine-side picnic.
July – Greece 🇬🇷
Why Go: Island-hopping season! Think Santorini sunsets, Mykonos beaches, and endless souvlaki.
Weather: Hot and sunny, around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
Events: Local panigiria (festivals) on the islands.
Daily Cost: Around €70-€120.
Tips: Book ferries and accommodations early. Hydrate and wear sunscreen—it’s hot!
Idea: Protect your skin and the ocean with reef-safe sunscreen like Supergoop SPF Mist: it is light and weightless even in the worst heat possible, way better than sunscreen creams we are used to
August – Scotland 🏴
Why Go: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, and Scotland’s cooler climate is a summer escape.
Weather: Mild, around 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F).
Events: Edinburgh Festival Fringe (all August).
Daily Cost: Around €80-€130.
Tips: Book festival tickets and accommodations months in advance. Don’t forget a rain jacket—Scottish weather is unpredictable!
Idea: A high-quality waterproof hoodie like the Arc’teryx will keep you dry and stylish.
September – Croatia 🇭🇷
Why Go: Fewer crowds, warm Adriatic waters, and stunning coastal towns like Dubrovnik and Split.
Weather: Warm, around 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F).
Events: Grape harvest festivals.
Daily Cost: Around €60-€100.
Tips: Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park for breathtaking waterfalls. Try fresh seafood by the coast.
Idea: A durable, quick-dry travel towel like the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is perfect for beach days.
October – Germany 🇩🇪
Why Go: Oktoberfest in Munich is a must for beer lovers, and Germany’s autumn foliage is stunning.
Weather: Cool and crisp, around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Events: Oktoberfest (late September to early October).
Daily Cost: Around €70-€120.
Tips: Book Oktoberfest tents early. Pair your beer with a pretzel and bratwurst!
Idea: A sturdy, insulated water bottle with a filter is great for staying hydrated during the festivities.
November – Iceland 🇮🇸
Why Go: Northern Lights return, and geothermal hot springs are extra cozy in the cold.
Weather: Cold, around -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F).
Events: Northern Lights tours, Reykjavik International Film Festival.
Daily Cost: Around €100-€150.
Tips: Stay in Reykjavik for easy access to tours. Bring a swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon! But keep your in a bun because that water is very drying for the hair.
December – Austria 🇦🇹
Why Go: Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg are pure magic, and alpine skiing is at its best.
Weather: Cold, around -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F).
Events: Christmas markets (all December).
Daily Cost: Around €80-€130.
Tips: Sip glühwein (mulled wine) and try kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancake dessert).
There you have it—a year of European adventures waiting for you! 🌍✨ Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting. I hope this guide inspires you to pack your bags and explore. And remember, the best trips are the ones where you embrace the unexpected (and maybe eat one too many pastries). Bon voyage! 💕
