Best time to go to Europe
The best time to visit Europe depends upon your itinerary as the geography is diverse across the continent. May through to the end of September is generally the preferred time period.
Eastern Europe tends to experience very cold winters, especially in inland areas. This is a pretty time to visit and many Eastern and Central European cities and towns hold traditional Christmas Fairs complete with decorated trees and festive entertainment. This region enjoys pleasant warm summers and inland regions can be very hot in July and August, coinciding with the busiest periods. May, June and September are recommended due to the pleasant temperatures, though with fewer crowds.
The Greek mainland and islands are very hot and dry in July and August. August is the preferred travel month for French, Italian and Spanish holiday makers, making road conditions busy, hotel availability limited and the beaches crowded. The shoulder months of May, June and September are infinitely more comfortable and generally less expensive.
The weather in France varies from region to region, from very cool in the north to very hot in the south, dependent upon season. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with temperatures comfortably warm in most regions. Long daylight hours make June an attractive month to visit, as long as the midsummer crowds are avoided. July and August are particularly hot in the south, and the beaches and hotels of the French Riviera can be busy and expensive. During the second half of July and August, the French take their vacations and so roads are busy and many businesses close. Winters can be cold in the north, though the south enjoys relatively mild temperatures and crowd free towns and cities, perfect for a city break or peaceful rural retreat.
Spring is particularly pretty throughout Europe as the temperate climate awakens the flora of the region. Wet winters result in green springs and the mountains and plains come alive with blossom and flowers. The Netherlands is noted for its fine bulb fields which are at their best in April and May.
Events in Germany
Opernplatz Festival
20th - 29th June 2012 (annual)
Frankfurt am Main
Every summer sees the square in front of the beautiful opera house filled with visitors. The event offers a wide selection of culinary delights, from the traditional frankfurter sausage to delicious international food. The square also showcases a variety of entertainment including music acts.
International Beer Festival
3rd - 5th Aug 2012 (annual)
Berlin
A weekend of tasting beers from more than 80 countries around the world, a great opportunity to become a beer connoisseur. The Berlin International Beer Festival is hosted at the famous beer mile Karl Marx Allee and also offers live entertainment, music and a vast selection of delicious food.
Events in France
Lille Piano Festival
17th - 19th June 2012 (annual)
Lille
Organised by the National Orchestra, the festival will showcase famous international pianists at the venues Theatre du Nord and Gare Saint Sauver.
Fireworks Festival
14th July - 24th August 2012 (annual)
Cannes
The Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique has been running since 1998. The event in Cannes is set near the bay and sees beautifully designed firework displays on six nights over the July and August period.
Events in Austria
Salzburg Festival
26th July - 2nd Sept 2012 (annual)
Salzburg
The music and drama festival has been running since 1920. This year one of the many special guest appearances will be Plácido Domingo performing the concert version of Tamerlano.
Events in Czech Republic
Festival of Italian Operas
August 2012 (annual)
Prague
The streets of Athens are taken over with puppet shows, dance performances and outdoor theatre. Enjoy the traditional entertainment in this truly alfresco festival.
Events in Switzerland
Zurich Film Festival
20th - 30th September 2012 (annual)
Zurich
Since 2005 Zurich has offered audiences an insight into the work of young, talented upcoming filmmakers around the world. The now annual event welcomes over 40,000 visitors. The Zurich film festival runs for 11 days and will see the young talents competing for the Golden Eye Award, which comes with a 20,000 Swiss Francs prize. The festival also hosts parties and presents the latest films from renowned filmmakers.
Events in The Netherlands
Summer Carnival
27th July 2012 (annual)
Rotterdam
Every summer sees the city come to life wiith this vibrant and multi-cultural festival. From street parades, performances from national and international artists, to a selection of tropical food available, there is something for everyone. This year the festivities begin with Battle of the Drums held on the Friday.
Floriade World Horticultural Expo
5 April - 7th October 2012 (annual)
Venlo
See, feel and experience nature at Floriade 2012. Each day will feature a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world and more than 100 exhibitors will pay tribute to horticulture in the 5 unique zones of the park.
Events in Belgium
Ommegang Festival
3rd - 5th July 2012 (annual)
Brussels
The colour and magic of the annual Ommegang Festival fills the streets of Brussels. An expression of riches and glamour, the procession from Sablon Church to Grand Place commemorates a celebration in honour of Charles V in 1549. Visitors from the world over will come to experience the spectacle and be entertained by folklore, combating knights, falconry and other games and entertainment, amidst the setting of a medieval vilage, created for the occasion.
Events in Greece
International Street Theatre Festival
June - July 2012 (annual)
Athens
The streets of Athens are taken over with puppet shows, dance performances and outdoor theatre. Enjoy the traditional entertainment in this truly alfresco festival.
Events in Hungary
Budapest Wine Festival
12th- 16th September 2012 (annual)
Budapest
Sample some of Hungary’s best wines as famous winemakers gather at Buda Castle to offer their samples and advice. Many have won medals and awards and domestic and international competitions. Other entertainment includes a gala concert, folk dancing and gastronomic delights.
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