My BF and I were planning to go to Budapest, Berlin and Krakow in May, but I just found out that due to work I can't go in May. I have a free place to stay in Budapest in April, but would have to get a hotel during the summer.
I really don't like cold, damp weather (I live in New England), so I am hesitant to go when the weather will be in the 50s and 60s (April). I think my options are: 1) Go in April and suck it up 2) Go over the summer and pay more for rooms as well as tickets but have nicer weather 3) go someplace else entirely. I have traveled a lot in Europe, but my BF has not. He'd really like to go to Spain, but I was just there last year. I've gotten a lot of great advice from folks here, and look forward to your suggestions! Thanks!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8159 posts
We usually go the last day of March for the lower airfares, and have had no weather problems traveling the first couple of weeks in April. We never want to travel in Summer, as the crowds are heavy and it can get pretty hot, especially in Italy. European air conditioning is just not as good as the U.S., and some city hotels in the hottest places have timers on their a/c to minimize usage. The only problem with traveling in April is that the farmers are spreading natural fertilizer on their fields after it's thawed from the winter. The fields can be pretty smelly in much of Europe.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I went to Spain first time last summer and loved it , so I would vote for Spain in April, rates for hotels still won't be summer high, and temps will be pleasant to really tour around without sweating to death ( like we did). BF probaly hasn't been everywhere in Spain so I think you two could think of a nice itinerary.. I am not sure of temps in April in all of Spain, so I would check and maybe stay south if its going to make a difference.. Girona I hear is nice, haven't been there yet, but its on our to do next list.. ( as well as returning to the Costa Brava town of Tossa De Mar which we loved..
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Ps where I live winters tend to be wet and cool so we like to get away from it ourselves so I get what you mean about wanting a bit of an improvement from home.
Posted by
OP
Watertown, MA, USA
33 posts
I think we might go to Turkey...
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3107 posts
Turkey may look like desert but do not expect it to be hot and sunny in April. A friend of minebisb going in April and was advised to prepare for 50 to 60 degree days and much cooler nights, specifically in Cappadocia which is on a high plateau, above 1000 meters. As for Istanbul, while May is the rainiest month, April is close.
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
I think April is a great time. Much prefer April to summer.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Liz...weather is always unpredictable. A few years ago I was in Germany & Austria in April and the weather was beautiful (high 60s and low 70s) A friend was in Istanbul at the same time and it was really cold, windy and rainy there. She finally came to Germany to have some warmer weather. What about southern Spain (even though you were there... try some new towns) and then travel on to Morocco?
Or... go where it is cheapest...expect really cold weather and dress for it and enjoy your savings of money... and you might be pleasantly surprised with some nice weather.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3049 posts
If warm weather is important to you, I wouldn't suggest April. While it can be surprisingly nice once ina while, in general it is going to be 50s-60s, and you can certainly expect some rain. Is September a possibility? That's my favorite month in Europe (I also like warm dry weather!) The crowds are largely gone but the weather is the best. Berlin is my favorite city in Europe and while I go year round and enjoy myself, on my most recent trip I was certainly wishing I was there in the summer instead.