
You’ll also meet a lot of other backpackers along the way, which can be good or bad depending on your perspective. This time will bring the best weather, the possibility for taking a refreshing dip in a lake, stream, or the sea, and there won’t be a need to pack heavy winter clothing. Best Time for Backpacking: Most backpackers head to Europe between May and September, with peak time in July and August.Best Time to Visit Europe for Skiing: For skiing enthusiasts, the best time to visit Europe is during the winter months (December to March), when popular ski destinations like the French Alps, Swiss Alps, Italian Dolomites, and Austrian resorts offer excellent snow conditions.The beaches of Greece (my favorites in Europe) are at their best from late May to early October. During this period, the Mediterranean coastlines of countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, and Croatia experience warm sea temperatures, sunny days, and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for beach vacations and water activities. Best Time to Visit Europe for Beaches: The best time to visit Europe for good beach weather is during the summer months, from June to August.

Italy, in particular, is at its best in the late spring and early Fall – whether it’s Venice, Milan, or Florence in the north, or the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast or stunning Matera in the south.


Summer is hot in the Mediterranean, so if you want to avoid the heat but still enjoy fairly mild weather, go in April/May or mid-September through late October. In much of continental Europe, you can generally expect pleasant weather from mid-May through mid-September, with the highest temperatures in July and August, ranging from the low 20s to the low 30s, depending on your exact location, with eastern countries generally experiencing more heat. In many places, particularly the northern countries like Iceland, Sweden, and Norway, July and August bring the best weather of the year, with high temperatures typically hovering around 20 to 22☌.
